Nothing says comfort food like tender, juicy pulled beef that falls apart at the touch of a fork — especially when it’s slow-cooked in a rich, smoky barbecue sauce. This recipe combines deep, savory flavors with melt-in-your-mouth texture, making it perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or served over mashed potatoes. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or preparing ahead for a party, this slow-cooked pulled beef is always a crowd-pleaser.
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🕓 Prep Time: 15 minutes
⏳ Cook Time: 8 hours (low) or 5 hours (high)
🍽️ Servings: 6–8
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🧾 Ingredients
3–4 pounds (1.3–1.8 kg) beef chuck roast (or brisket)
1 large onion, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 ½ cups barbecue sauce (homemade or store-bought)
½ cup beef broth
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon cumin
2 tablespoons olive oil
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🔪 Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
Pat the beef roast dry with paper towels and season it generously with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and cumin. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the beef on all sides until browned. This step locks in flavor and adds depth to the dish.
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Step 2: Set Up the Slow Cooker
Place the sliced onions and minced garlic in the bottom of your slow cooker. Set the browned beef roast on top.
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Step 3: Mix the Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together barbecue sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, chili powder, and a pinch of salt. Pour the mixture over the beef, ensuring it’s well-coated.
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Step 4: Slow Cook
Low setting: 8–9 hours
High setting: 5–6 hours
Cook until the beef is fork-tender and easy to shred.
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Step 5: Shred and Mix
Once cooked, remove the beef from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Skim any excess fat from the sauce in the pot, then return the shredded beef to the slow cooker. Mix well so the meat soaks up all that flavorful sauce.
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Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve hot on toasted buns for pulled beef sandwiches, over rice or mashed potatoes for a hearty meal, or in tacos with coleslaw and pickles for a fun twist.
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🧀 Optional Add-Ins and Tips
Add a splash of liquid smoke for extra smokiness.
Use spicy barbecue sauce for a kick, or honey barbecue for a sweeter version.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge or 3 months in the freezer.
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🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Pulled Beef Sandwiches with coleslaw and pickles.
Loaded Baked Potatoes topped with pulled beef and melted cheese.
Pulled Beef Nachos with jalapeños, cheese, and sour cream.
BBQ Beef Tacos with avocado and lime crema.
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❤️ Why You’ll Love It
This slow-cooked pulled beef is the perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and savory — tender enough to melt in your mouth and flavorful enough to make everyone come back for seconds. It’s a foolproof recipe that transforms a simple cut of beef into something extraordinary.
Slow Cooked Pulled Beef in Barbecue Sauce
