Barbecue Italian Beef

Cook: 360 min Serves: 40 Cuisine: American

Juicy, tender Italian beef slow-cooked in barbecue flavors, perfect for sandwiches. Rich, savory, with a hint of spice—great for gatherings or weeknight dinners.

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Ingredients

  • 6 to 7 lb. chuck roast
  • 1 stalk celery
  • 3 large onions
  • 14 oz. ketchup
  • 1 red pepper
  • 3 Tbsp. barbecue sauce
  • 2 tsp. chili powder
  • 2 Tbsp. vinegar
  • 1 Tbsp. salt
  • 1 tsp. Tabasco sauce
  • 1 Tbsp. pepper
  • 1 1/2 c. water
  • 2 Tbsp. brown sugar
  • 40 buns

Instructions

  1. Place beef in a roaster.
  2. Combine all other ingredients and pour over the meat.
  3. Bake at 300°F for 6 hours, covered.
  4. Shred the beef with a fork.
  5. Serve on buns.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider marinating the chuck roast overnight in the barbecue sauce and spices. If you prefer a spicier kick, add a bit more Tabasco sauce or even some sliced jalapeños to the mixture. You can substitute the chuck roast with brisket for a different texture, or use a plant-based meat alternative for vegan recipes.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the shredded beef on soft buns for a classic sandwich. It pairs beautifully with Dill Pickled Green String Beans for a tangy crunch or Zesty Grilled Potato Wedges And Zucchini for a hearty side. For a complete meal, consider adding a side salad or coleslaw to balance the richness of the beef.

Storage & Reheating

Leftover barbecue Italian beef can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the beef in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of water to keep it moist. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Barbecue Italian Beef contains roughly 70 calories, with 1g protein, 16g carbohydrates, and 0g fat.

70 kcal 3% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 0.7g 1% DV
Total Fat 0.5g 1% DV
Carbs 16g 6% DV
Fiber 0.7g 2% DV
Sugar 14.1g 28% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 359.4mg 16% DV
Potassium 105mg 2% DV
Cholesterol 0.7mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 32.9mcg 4% DV
Vitamin C 3mg 3% DV
Calcium 20.8mg 2% DV
Iron 0.6mg 3% DV
Diet fit Low-carb Under 400 cal Low-fat

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cut of meat for this recipe?

Yes, while chuck roast is ideal for its tenderness after slow cooking, you can also use brisket or even pork shoulder. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the cut.

How can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the barbecue Italian beef a day in advance. Simply cook it as directed, let it cool, and then refrigerate. Reheat gently before serving to allow the flavors to meld even more.

What can I do with the leftover sauce?

The leftover sauce is delicious as a dip or drizzled over other dishes. You can use it to flavor grilled vegetables, or mix it with cooked pasta for a quick meal. It also works great as a marinade for chicken or tofu.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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