Shredded Barbecued Beef
Tender shredded beef with smoky, tangy barbecue flavors, perfect for sandwiches and casual gatherings, appealing to meat lovers and those craving bold, comforting tastes.
Ingredients
- 4 lb. boneless beef chuck roast ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. vegetable oil ⓘ
- 2 large onions ⓘ
- 1 c. ketchup ⓘ
- 1 c. beef broth ⓘ
- 2/3 c. chili sauce ⓘ
- 1/4 c. cider vinegar ⓘ
- 1/4 c. packed brown sugar
- 3 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. prepared mustard ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. molasses ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. lemon juice ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. liquid smoke (optional) ⓘ
- 12 to 16 kaiser rolls or hamburger buns ⓘ
Instructions
- In a Dutch oven, brown the beef chuck roast on all sides in 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
- Remove the roast and set aside.
- In the same pot, add chopped onions and cook until softened.
- Return the roast to the pot.
- In a bowl, mix together ketchup, beef broth, chili sauce, cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, prepared mustard, molasses, lemon juice, salt, cayenne pepper, and pepper.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the roast.
- Add liquid smoke if using.
- Cover the Dutch oven and cook in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 3 hours, or until the meat is tender and easily shredded.
- Remove the roast from the pot and shred with two forks.
- Return the shredded meat to the sauce and stir to combine.
- Serve on kaiser rolls or hamburger buns.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider marinating the beef in the sauce overnight before cooking. For a lighter version, substitute turkey or chicken for the beef. For a spicier kick, add more cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture. You can also use a slow cooker instead of an oven for a more hands-off approach.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the shredded barbecued beef on kaiser rolls or hamburger buns for a hearty sandwich. Pair it with coleslaw or potato salad for a classic barbecue meal. This dish also pairs beautifully with American recipes like Oven Barbecued Meatballs for a diverse spread at gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm the shredded beef in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth to keep it moist. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Shredded Barbecued Beef contains roughly 598 calories, with 18g protein, 113g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (47% of the Daily Value), iron (40% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (39% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1519mg per serving (66% of the Daily Value).
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 beef for this recipe?
Yes, you can use other cuts like brisket or round roast, but chuck roast is preferred for its tenderness and flavor when slow-cooked. Adjust the cooking time as needed depending on the cut you choose.
Is it possible to make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the shredded beef a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it gently before serving, and it will save you time on busy days.
What can I serve with shredded barbecued beef?
This dish goes well with a variety of sides such as corn on the cob, baked beans, or a fresh garden salad. For a fun twist, serve it alongside Three Bean And Beef Ranchero for a filling meal.
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).