Slow Cooker Barbecue Beef Sandwiches
Tender, flavorful barbecue beef sandwiches with a sweet and tangy sauce, perfect for casual gatherings and satisfying comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Trim excess fat from beef and cut into 4 pieces.
- Place beef in a 4 to 5-quart slow cooker.
- Mix barbecue sauce, preserves, chopped green bell pepper, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, and sliced onion.
- Pour mixture over beef in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low heat setting for 7 to 8 hours or until beef is tender.
- Remove beef and cook on low for an additional 20 to 30 minutes or until hot.
- Shred or slice beef and fill split buns with the beef mixture.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of apple cider vinegar or Worcestershire sauce to the barbecue mixture. If you prefer a sweeter profile, swap out the peach or apricot preserves for apple butter. Feel free to use a different cut of beef, such as brisket, if desired. For a spicy kick, add diced jalapeños to the sauce mixture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these barbecue beef sandwiches with coleslaw on the side for a refreshing crunch. They pair well with baked beans or potato salad for a classic picnic feel. For a fun twist, consider making sliders with small buns, which are perfect for gatherings. This dish also complements recipes like Pigs In A Blanket Casserole for a hearty meal.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the beef in a saucepan over low heat with a splash of barbecue sauce or broth to keep it moist. Alternatively, use a microwave at medium power for a few minutes, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Slow Cooker Barbecue Beef Sandwiches contains roughly 575 calories, with 10g protein, 99g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (305% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (25% of the Daily Value), and protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. It also contributes 7g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 type of meat for this recipe?
Yes, you can use other cuts like brisket or even pork shoulder for a different flavor profile. Just adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the meat becomes tender.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
To add heat, include diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce in the barbecue mixture. You can also use a spicy barbecue sauce to increase the overall spiciness of the dish.
What can I do with leftovers?
Leftover barbecue beef can be used in various ways. Try it in tacos, on a baked potato, or mixed into Cheese Sloppy Joes for a delicious twist. You can also freeze the beef for longer storage.
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).