Shredded Beef Barbecue
Tender shredded beef in a smoky, tangy barbecue sauce, perfect for casual gatherings or weeknight dinners, with rich flavors of tomato, vinegar, and spices.
Ingredients
- 3 lb. chuck roast ⓘ
- 1 medium onion
- 1/2 c. chopped celery ⓘ
- 2 medium garlic cloves, minced ⓘ
- 2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. catsup ⓘ
- 1/4 c. brown sugar ⓘ
- 1/4 c. vinegar ⓘ
- 2 tsp. dry mustard ⓘ
- 1 tsp. chili powder
- 1 tsp. red pepper ⓘ
- 2 medium bay leaves ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. paprika ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. garlic salt ⓘ
- 2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
Instructions
- Put beef, onion, and celery into a pot; add water to cover and cook until tender.
- Cook and then shred the beef.
- Refrigerate the broth until fat rises to the top.
- Remove the fat; add 3 cups of broth to the other ingredients.
- Simmer the mixture, uncovered, for 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 hours over low heat with the meat.
Tips & Substitutions
For the best flavor, allow the shredded beef to marinate in the sauce overnight before serving. You can substitute the chuck roast with brisket or round roast if desired. If you need a bit of heat, feel free to increase the chili powder or red pepper. To enhance the barbecue flavor, consider adding a splash of your favorite barbecue sauce to the mix.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the shredded beef barbecue on soft hamburger buns for a classic sandwich. It pairs beautifully with coleslaw or Quick Onion Bread for a satisfying meal. For a lighter option, consider serving it over a bed of greens or alongside Virginia'S Salad Dressing for a fresh side. Don't forget to add pickles for extra crunch!
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the shredded beef in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to keep it moist. Stir occasionally until heated through. You can also reheat in the microwave in short intervals, ensuring it doesn't dry out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Shredded Beef Barbecue contains roughly 580 calories, with 10g protein, 105g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (109% of the Daily Value), iron (68% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (60% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1416mg per serving (62% 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 make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker! Simply place the beef, onion, celery, and broth in the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours or until the meat is tender. Follow the same steps for shredding and mixing with the sauce afterward.
What type of bread works best for serving?
Soft hamburger buns are a classic choice for serving shredded beef barbecue. However, you can also use crusty hoagie rolls or even cornbread for a unique twist. If you're looking for a healthier option, serve it over lettuce wraps or whole grain bread.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
To add more heat to your shredded beef barbecue, consider increasing the amount of chili powder and red pepper in the recipe. You can also add diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the mixture while it simmers for an extra kick.
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).