Updated on September 24th, 2025
This BBQ pulled beef recipe is one of those dishes that makes feeding a crowd both easy and delicious. A chuck roast slow cooks in a homemade BBQ sauce until it’s tender enough to shred, filling your kitchen with an amazing aroma. The sauce combines ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, garlic, and spices for a balance of sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors. You can serve the beef on sandwich rolls, pile it on nachos, or even use it as a topping for baked potatoes. It’s versatile, fun, and always a hit.
Why this recipe works
- Slow cooker convenience: The slow cooker does all the work, gently breaking down the beef into juicy shreds while infusing it with flavorful sauce.
- Balanced flavors: Ketchup, vinegar, and brown sugar create the sweet-and-tangy base that makes barbecue classics so popular with everyone.
- Tender beef: Chuck roast is perfect for slow cooking because it becomes incredibly soft, soaking up every bit of the BBQ sauce.
- Multiple uses: This recipe doesn’t stop at sandwiches. Pulled beef also tastes amazing on nachos, baked potatoes, or even pizza.
- Party ready: Large portions make this an easy go-to when you’re hosting, ensuring there’s plenty of food to keep guests happy.
Serving suggestions
- Sandwich rolls: Load the beef onto buns and add coleslaw on top for crunch, creaminess, and an authentic barbecue sandwich experience.
- Slider option: Serve on small buns for parties so guests can grab one or two without feeling stuffed.
- Cheesy upgrade: Add slices of muenster or cheddar to the sandwiches, then toast slightly for a gooey, melty variation.
- Nacho platter: Spread tortilla chips with pulled beef, shredded cheese, jalapeños, and sour cream for an appetizer that disappears fast.
- Dinner plate: Pair with classic barbecue sides like baked beans, cornbread, or corn on the cob for a complete meal.
BBQ pulled beef recipe
Make flavorful slow cooker BBQ pulled beef recipe with smoky sauce. Easy recipe for weeknight dinners, summer cookouts, or game day parties.
- Total Time: 5 hours
- Yield: 5 Servings 1x
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 1/2 cups ketchup
- 1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
- 6 medium garlic cloves (minced)
- 5 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 6 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1/2 cup of water
- 3lb bone-in beef chuck roast
- 10 slide-size sandwich rolls
Instructions
- Turn the slow cooker to high and add ketchup, brown sugar, garlic, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, chili powder, and water. Mix well. Place the meat in the slow cooker with the sauce and cook for 4 to 5 hours on high.
- Remove the beef roast from the crock pot and shred using two forks. Discard the bones. Place the meat into a bowl. Use a ladle and spoon some of the juices into the shredded beef until you get a consistency you like. Serve on slider rolls.
Nutrition
- Serving Size:
- Calories: 1012
- Sugar: 48.8 g
- Sodium: 1658.5 mg
- Fat: 12.8 g
- Carbohydrates: 146.9 g
- Protein: 79 g
- Cholesterol: 162.7 mg