Get fall-apart, pulled BBQ beef in a crockpot that turns out perfectly every time, is tender and juicy, and will melt in your mouth. Made with 7 ingredients (plus seasoning), this recipe is a hit at potlucks and parties and is honestly so darn easy to make.
If you love beef recipes, you should try these next: Cabbage Roll Soup and Slow Cooker Pulled Beef.
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🛒Ingredients
- Beef: Choose a tough meat like chuck that loves to be cooked low and slow.
- Garlic cloves: Use fresh garlic for the best flavor. You can adjust the amount based on your taste preference.
- Onion powder: Substitute it with finely chopped fresh onions.
- Dijon Mustard: Adds a tangy kick and helps enhance the overall flavor of the beef.
- Beef stock or water: Use beef broth or water to moisten and tenderize the meat as it cooks in the crockpot. Beef stock will add more flavor, but water works well, too.
- BBQ sauce: Choose your favorite BBQ sauce to add sweetness, tanginess, and smokiness to the pulled beef. Adjust the amount based on how saucy you like your pulled beef.
- Fresh parsley: Sprinkled over the pulled beef before serving, fresh parsley adds a fresh, herby flavor and a pop of color. If preferred, try other fresh herbs, like cilantro or chives.
👩🍳 You'll find the complete list of ingredients below the recipe card.
🥘 How To Make Pulled BBQ Beef Step By Step
- First, cut the chuck roast into pieces and trim off any extra large chunks of fat. In a small bowl, mix onion powder, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle this seasoning mix all over the beef.
- Next, heat a large skillet and add some vegetable oil. Add the beef pieces to the skillet and cook them until they turn a nice golden brown.
- Now, transfer the seared beef into the slow cooker. Add garlic and pour in the beef stock. Cover and cook on low heat for 7-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. If you're using a multicooker, it usually takes about 5-6 hours.
- Once the meat is cooked through, and fork tender, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks, removing any extra fat.
- Put the shredded BBQ beef in a bowl and mix in some BBQ sauce.
- Finally, sprinkle some chopped parsley on top and serve the pulled beef with buns, baguettes, coleslaw, or sandwiches. Once the beef is made, use it as a filling for a quick meal.
Rita's Tip
Browning the meat before tossing it in the slow cooker can be optional, but it adds flavor and prevents the meat from releasing excess grease. It's best to cut the beef into chunks and sear it in the pan until golden browned.
📋Tips
- Tip 1. It is an easy base recipe for slow-cooker beef. Skip the barbecue sauce entirely, and use the pulled beef in your other favorite recipes.
- Tip 2. Stick to the proper cut of meat.Go for a "tough" and flavorful cut of beef like a chuck roast. These cuts contain more connective tissue, which breaks down during the slow cooking process, resulting in tender and succulent pulled beef.
- Tip 3. Balance the flavors: Play around with the ingredients like apple cider vinegar, liquid smoke, and brown sugar to balance the flavors of this great recipe.
🍴Tools You'll Need
- Skillet
- Slow cooker
🍱Storage Instructions
- 🍱To Store. After allowing the leftover slow cooker pulled beef to cool completely, transfer it to an airtight container or sealable plastic bag. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is tightly sealed to prevent moisture loss or contamination.
- 🥶Freezing. For longer storage, portion the cooled pulled beef into smaller freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. Label the containers with the date and store them in the freezer for 2-3 months.
- 🔥To Reheat. When ready to use the frozen pulled beef, transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator and let it melt overnight. Gently warm it in a saucepan on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated. Alternatively, you can microwave it in a microwave-safe dish, covering it with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Stirring helps the meat reheat evenly
What To Serve With Pulled BBQ Beef
More Easy Recipes You'll Like
- Baked Pasta With Pepperoni
- Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie
- Crispy Chicken Burgers
- Best Crock Pot Mac and Cheese
📖Recipe
Easy Crock Pot Pulled BBQ Beef (For Sandwiches!)
Ideal for summer gatherings or potlucks, this slow cooker pulled beef recipe is simple to prepare and always yields impressive results. Simply drizzle with barbecue sauce and serve it in your preferred sandwiches for a delightful meal that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
- 3- pound chuck roast beef
- 2 teaspoon salt
- Pepper to taste
- 2 large garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
- 1 cup beef stock or water
- ½ cup your choice of BBQ sauce + more for drizzle on top when serving, optional
- 1 handful of chopped parsley for serving
Instructions
- Cut the chuck roast into chunks and remove any extra fat.
- In a small bowl, mix onion powder, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle this mixture all over the beef.
- Heat a large skillet on high heat and add a bit of vegetable oil. Brown the beef chunks until they're golden brown.
- Transfer the browned beef into the slow cooker. Add garlic and pour in the beef stock.
- Close the lid and cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. If using a multicooker, set it to the slow cooker setting and cook for about 5 hours.
- Once the meat is tender, remove it from the cooker and shred it using two forks. Get rid of any extra fat.
- Put the shredded beef in a bowl and mix in BBQ sauce if you like.
- Sprinkle chopped parsley on top and serve with buns, baguettes, or any sandwiches you like. Enjoy your meal!
Notes
Choosing the meat: Opt for a well-marbled chuck roast for the most flavorful and tender pulled beef. Trimming excess fat ensures a cleaner finished dish.
Searing for flavor: Searing the beef before slow cooking adds depth of flavor and texture to the final dish. It helps lock in juices and enhances the overall taste.
Adjust cooking time: Cooking times may vary depending on your slow cooker or multicooker settings. Check for doneness by testing the meat's tenderness with a fork.
Customize with BBQ sauce: While adding BBQ sauce is optional, it elevates the flavor profile of the dish. Choose your favorite BBQ sauce to tailor the taste to your preference.
Nutrition
Calories: 205kcalCarbohydrates: 0.2gProtein: 22gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 78mgSodium: 493mgPotassium: 380mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 0.03gVitamin A: 16IUVitamin C: 0.04mgCalcium: 21mgIron: 2mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
🤷Frequently Asked Questions
Can you overcook meat in a slow cooker?
Yes, the meat can overcook in a slow cooker, but it is usually rare; new slow cooker models are designed this way to automatically switch to a warm setting after the timer runs out. But I'd advise checking on the slow cooker beef during the last hour or so for best results. If it falls off the fork very easily, it means it is ready
Can I make this easy crockpot BBQ beef recipe in an Instant Pot?
Yes! This recipe turns out well in an Instant Pot. Adjust the cook times to suit the Instant Pot. Try it in Dutch oven too.
Do I need to brown beef before slow cooking?
Browning the meat before tossing it in the slow cooker can be optional, but it does add an added layer of flavor and prevent the meat from releasing excess grease. Cut the beef into chunks and sear it in the pan until nicely golden-browned.
Rita
A perfect slow cooker pulled beef recipe that can be used as an easy base for many recipes.