Description
This Crockpot BBQ Beef recipe delivers a comforting, rich, and simple slow-cooked meal perfect for busy weeknights. The tender beef melds beautifully with a smoky, slightly sweet, and tangy sauce made from natural ingredients for a wholesome and delicious dish that is versatile enough for sandwiches, bowls, and more.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Proteins
- 3 to 4 lbs beef chuck roast
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, chopped
- 4 slices smoked turkey slices, chopped
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce Ingredients
- 6 tbsp tomato paste (natural)
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 3 tbsp brown sugar (natural)
- 2 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp natural gelling agent
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients: Trim any excess fat from the beef chuck roast. Slice smoked turkey bacon and smoked turkey slices into bite-sized pieces. Chop the onion and mince the garlic to maximize their flavor release during slow cooking.
- Sear the beef (optional but recommended): Heat a skillet on medium-high and sear the beef roast on all sides until nicely browned. This adds a deep caramelized flavor and helps lock in moisture.
- Layer in the Crockpot: Place the seared beef at the bottom of the slow cooker. Scatter the chopped smoked turkey bacon, smoked turkey slices, onions, and minced garlic evenly on top of the beef to allow flavors to meld.
- Mix the BBQ sauce: In a bowl, whisk together tomato paste (natural), apple cider vinegar, brown sugar (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, and natural gelling agent until smooth. Pour this sauce evenly over the layered ingredients in the crockpot.
- Slow cook: Cover the crockpot and set it to low heat. Let the beef and ingredients cook gently for 7 to 8 hours to achieve tender meat and deep flavor infusion.
- Shred and serve: Once tender, remove the beef and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded beef to the crockpot and mix well with the sauce, allowing the beef to absorb all the delicious flavors before serving.
Notes
- Use high-quality beef chuck roast for the best tenderness and flavor.
- Searing the beef enhances flavor and color but can be skipped if short on time.
- Taste and adjust seasoning toward the end of cooking as needed.
- Keep the lid closed during cooking to maintain moisture and consistent temperature.
- This recipe makes an excellent make-ahead meal; prepare it the night before for convenience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: crockpot bbq beef, slow cooker bbq beef, easy beef recipe, smoky beef recipe, weeknight dinner, natural bbq sauce