Chuck Roast

Prep: 15 min Cook: 300 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

A hearty, flavorful shredded beef dish featuring tender chuck roast simmered in a tangy barbecue-inspired sauce. Perfect for casual gatherings or weeknight dinners, it offers a smoky, sweet, and savory taste that pairs well with fresh rolls and sides, appealing to comfort food lovers and barbecue enthusiasts alike.

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Ingredients

  • 5 or 6 lb. chuck roast
  • 3 large onions, diced
  • 14 oz. ketchup
  • 2 Tbsp. vinegar
  • 1 1/2 c. water
  • 3 Tbsp. brown sugar
  • 1 stalk diced celery
  • 1 diced green pepper
  • 3 Tbsp. barbecue sauce
  • 1 tsp. Tabasco sauce
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Place the chuck roast in a glass baking dish.
  2. Mix ketchup, vinegar, water, brown sugar, diced onions, celery, green pepper, barbecue sauce, Tabasco sauce, salt, and pepper.
  3. Pour the mixture over the chuck roast.
  4. Cover and cook for 5 hours at 325°F.
  5. When done, break the meat apart with a fork.
  6. Serve on fresh hard rolls.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider marinating the chuck roast overnight in the ketchup mixture. If you don’t have brown sugar, honey or maple syrup can be used as substitutes. To enhance the dish, add garlic or spices like smoked paprika. For a healthier twist, try using low-sugar ketchup and homemade barbecue sauce to reduce the sugar content.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the shredded chuck roast on fresh hard rolls for delicious sandwiches. Pair it with a side of Easy Citrus Broccoli for a refreshing contrast, or coleslaw for crunch. Adding pickles or jalapeños can elevate the flavors further. This dish also works well with mashed potatoes or a green salad for a complete meal.

Storage & Reheating

Leftover chuck roast can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the meat in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water to keep it moist, or warm it in the microwave. For best results, reheat gently to maintain the tenderness of the meat.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Chuck Roast contains roughly 291 calories, with 3g protein, 66g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 681mg per serving (30% of the Daily Value).

291 kcal 15% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3g 6% DV
Total Fat 1.6g 2% DV
Carbs 65.6g 24% DV
Fiber 0.7g 2% DV
Sugar 61.1g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 680.6mg 30% DV
Potassium 268.7mg 6% DV
Cholesterol 4.8mg 2% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 36mcg 4% DV
Vitamin C 5.4mg 6% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 77.9mg 6% DV
Iron 1.5mg 9% DV
Diet fit 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, you can substitute with brisket or round roast, but cooking times may vary. Just ensure the meat is well-marbled to maintain moisture and tenderness during cooking.

What can I do if the sauce is too thick?

If the sauce becomes too thick while cooking, simply add a little more water or broth to reach your desired consistency. Stir well to combine and let it simmer for a few minutes.

Can I cook this in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! To make this in a slow cooker, combine all ingredients and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours. This method infuses flavors beautifully and yields tender meat.

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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