Tender, juicy beef pot roast, cooked low and slow in homemade BBQ sauce, is one of life’s simple pleasures! Rich BBQ beef roast is a simple recipe that’s hearty, delicious, and truly comfort food at its best.

What do you serve with BBQ Beef? I think there’s nothing better than the classic combination of Creamy Pasta Salad, Baked Beans, and Homemade Pickles!

BBQ beef cooked in the crock pot served on small french rolls with slaw and pickle spears resting on parchment paper.

In This Post

Slow Cooked BBQ Beef: THE Recipe For Busy People

Here I go again…making bold statements about a simple recipe. But I can’t help it. I am all about combining everyday ingredients and turning them into something amazing. Like my Crock Chicken Thighs recipe, this BBQ beef dish will rock your world with bold flavors that you never thought you could achieve with a slow cooker.

This recipe is even easier with the right equipment! Discover my top slow cooker recommendations and make your cooking effortless.

Ways To Serve Barbecued Shredded Beef

Serve it loaded up on warm bread for BBQ beef sandwiches.
As a main dish with your favorite sides.
Piled on fresh greens for a hearty salad.
In tacos or burrito bowls.
Over rice or noodles for an easy lunch or after-school snack.

Crock pot, beef chuck roast, beef stock, onion, brown sugar, whole grain mustard, ketchup, honey, Worcestershire sauce, honey, paprika, garlic and slow cooker on a wooden counter.

Ingredients For BBQ Roast Beef

Chuck Roast – this is the best cut of beef for this recipe. You can also use a bone-in chuck roast like I do in Crock Pot Guinness Pot Roast.
Beef Broth or Stock
Onion
Brown Sugar
Whole Grain Mustard – Dijon mustard is a great substitution.
Ketchup
Honey
Worcestershire Sauce
Apple Cider Vinegar – you can also use white or red vinegar.
Paprika – you can also use garlic powder or onion powder.
Garlic
Salt and Pepper
Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Scroll Down For Measurements

What Cut Of Beef Is Best To Use?

I prefer chuck roasts for shredded beef and pot roasts. They aren’t very expensive and have all the fat and marbling you need to keep the meat moist and juicy.

Beef chuck roast seared in a pan, homemade bbq sauce poured over roast in a crock pot, roast cooked in a crock pot.

How To Make BBQ Beef In The Crock Pot

Generously salt and pepper all sides of the roast. Add it to a hot skillet and sear the roast on all sides.
Whisk together ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, onion, honey, mustard, and paprika.
Place the roast in the crock pot. Gently pour the broth around the roast, then top with the homemade sauce.
Cook on LOW for 7-8 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours.
Remove the fork-tender roast from the crock pot. Shred and serve.

Do I Have To Brown The Meat Before Cooking?

Yep, if at all possible. This simple step really delivers big results. Searing the beef brings out extra flavor, along with helping the barbecue sauce cling to the meat.

Can I Make BBQ Beef Roast In Advance?

Yes. This is a great make-ahead dish. Make the recipe according to the directions. After shredding the beef, let it cool, then place it in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.

To serve, place the shredded BBQ beef in the crock to heat, which will take about 20-30 minutes on high. You can also heat it in a pan on the stovetop.

Black crock pot filled with cooked bbq beef roast shredded and served with metal thongs.

How To Store Leftovers

I love having leftovers of BBQ beef stashed in my fridge for a quick meal or snack! Put the beef in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s easy to reheat in the microwave, stoptop, or crock pot before serving.

Can I Freeze This Recipe?

Crockpot BBQ Beef is one of those “rock star” recipes that freezes beautifully. Follow the cooking instructions, shred the beef, then place it in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Place in the freezer for up to 3 months. To serve, thaw in the fridge overnight, then heat thoroughly.

What To Serve With BBQ Pot Roast?

The simple answer is…just about anything! This crowd-pleasing dish is great for family meals, potlucks, game day, or tailgating.

Cole Slaw And Sides: Creamy Cole Slaw, BBQ Red Slaw, Macaroni Salad, Roasted Potato Salad, Stuffed Baked Potatoes, Air Fryer Roasted Sweet Potatoes.

Sauces: Carolina Vinegar BBQ Sauce, Alabama White Sauce, Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce.

Fresh bread hoagie roll filled with bbq beef cooked in the crock pot served with pickles.

Craving More? Try These Crock Pot Recipes