The Best Crockpot BBQ Beef for Easy Weeknight Dinners

Crockpot BBQ Beef is hands-down my favorite go-to recipe when I need something hearty, flavorful, and ridiculously easy. This slow cooker recipe practically makes itself—minimal prep on your part, and it delivers that melt-in-your-mouth tenderness every single time. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just your hungry family, you’ll love how this dish transforms into the ultimate easy BBQ beef sandwiches without breaking a sweat.

I discovered this slow-cooking shortcut on a particularly hectic weeknight when dinner needed to be quick, but I refused to sacrifice flavor. Traditional BBQ beef recipes usually involve hours of hovering over a grill or stove, but this one? You toss everything in the slow cooker, let it work its magic, and come back to perfectly shredded beef drenched in sweet, smoky barbecue sauce. Trust me—your crockpot will be your best friend after this!

Why This Crockpot BBQ Beef Is a Game-Changer

• Hands-off cooking: Once the crockpot is loaded, you’re free to focus on other things for hours.
• Time-saving: Prep takes just 10 minutes compared to grilling or braising for hours.
• Perfectly tender: The slow, even cooking ensures the beef comes out juicy and shreds like a dream.
• Versatility: It’s not just for sandwiches—serve it over rice, in tacos, or even as a baked potato topping!
• Budget-friendly: Affordable cuts of beef shine in this recipe, so you don’t need anything fancy.

Equipment You’ll Need for This Crockpot BBQ Beef

Making homemade BBQ shredded beef is all about using the right tools. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Slow cooker: Any 6-quart slow cooker works perfectly. If you’re shopping for one, look for a model with a timer feature for added convenience.
• Mixing utensils: Tongs or two sturdy forks for shredding. If you want a quicker option, a hand mixer is a game-changer for shredding beef in seconds.
• Serving tools: Have your buns, rolls, or serving dishes ready to keep things mess-free.

Tip: To prevent sticking, you can spray the inside of the crockpot with nonstick cooking spray or use a disposable liner for easy cleanup.

Simple Ingredients for Crockpot BBQ Beef

One of the best things about this best slow cooker beef recipe is how simple the ingredient list is. Here are the key players:

• Beef roast: A 3-pound chuck roast works best for its balance of marbling and tenderness, but brisket or rump roast also work great.
• Barbecue sauce: I use 2 cups of my favorite store-bought BBQ sauce, but you can take it up a notch with homemade.
• Beef broth: Adds moisture and depth of flavor while keeping the roast juicy during cooking.
• Seasonings: Garlic, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce add just the right amount of savory flavor.

Shortcut alert: Use pre-minced garlic to save time, and if you’re out of BBQ sauce, mix ketchup, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar for a quick DIY option.

Crockpot BBQ Beef Recipe Details

• Servings: 6
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 hours
• Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes

Crockpot BBQ Beef Ingredients

• 1 cup beef broth
• 3 lbs roast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 Tbsp minced garlic
• 2 cups barbecue sauce (divided)

How to Make Crockpot BBQ Beef

1. Place the roast in the bottom of your slow cooker.
2. Sprinkle salt, pepper, and minced garlic over the top, then drizzle Worcestershire sauce evenly.
3. Pour in the beef broth and half of the barbecue sauce.
4. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low heat for 8-10 hours or high heat for 4-5 hours.
5. Once the beef is tender, shred it directly in the slow cooker using two forks or a hand mixer.
6. Stir in the remaining cup of barbecue sauce until fully combined.
7. Serve the BBQ beef on buns, Hawaiian rolls, or over rice. Enjoy!

Jake’s Tips for the Best Crockpot BBQ Beef

• Make ahead: Cook the beef a day in advance and store it in the fridge—it only gets better as the flavors meld!
• Freezer-friendly: Freeze shredded BBQ beef in portions for up to 3 months. Reheat directly from frozen or thaw overnight in the fridge.
• Skip searing: No need to sear the meat—cooking low and slow will develop plenty of flavor.
• Thicker sauce: Add extra BBQ sauce and cook uncovered for 30 minutes for a richer finish.
• Double it: Feeding a crowd? Double the recipe and use an 8-quart slow cooker.

Easy Crockpot BBQ Beef Variations

• Change up the protein: Swap the beef for pork shoulder or boneless chicken thighs for equally delicious results.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne or drizzle some hot sauce into the BBQ sauce for heat.
• Top it off: Serve your sandwiches with crunchy coleslaw, melty cheese, or crispy onions for added texture and flavor.

Crockpot BBQ Beef FAQs

Can I use a frozen roast in the slow cooker?

Yes, you can cook a frozen roast in the crockpot. Just add an extra 2 hours of cooking time to ensure it cooks through and is tender.

What’s the best way to shred beef?

You can use two forks to pull apart the beef, but for faster shredding, try using a hand mixer.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

If you prefer a thicker BBQ sauce, let the beef cook uncovered for 30 minutes after shredding.

What’s the best cut of meat for BBQ shredded beef?

Chuck roast is the top choice, but brisket and rump roast also work exceptionally well for slow cooking.

Can I make this recipe spicy?

Absolutely! Add cayenne pepper, a splash of hot sauce, or use a spicy BBQ sauce for extra heat.

There you have it—Crockpot BBQ Beef that’s easy, flavorful, and guaranteed to impress even on your busiest days. What’s your favorite way to serve BBQ shredded beef? Share your ideas in the comments below!