Slow Cooker Barbecue Beef
Tender slow-cooked barbecue beef with rich tomato and spice flavors, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, offering smoky sweetness and hearty satisfaction.
Ingredients
- 3 lb. boneless tip roast, cut in chunks ⓘ
- 3 celery ribs, chopped ⓘ
- 1 large onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 medium green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1 c. ketchup ⓘ
- 1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste ⓘ
- 1/2 c. packed brown sugar ⓘ
- 1/4 c. cider vinegar
- 3 Tbsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. lemon juice ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. molasses ⓘ
- 2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1 tsp. ground mustard ⓘ
Instructions
- Place beef chunks in a 5-quart slow cooker.
- Add chopped celery, chopped onion, and chopped green pepper to the slow cooker.
- In a bowl, combine ketchup, tomato paste, brown sugar, vinegar, chili powder, lemon juice, molasses, salt, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the beef and vegetables in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 to 9 hours or until the meat is tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider marinating the beef in the sauce overnight before cooking. You can substitute the brown sugar with honey or maple syrup if desired. If you're short on time, pre-chopped vegetables can be a great time-saver. For a spicier kick, add cayenne pepper or your favorite hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
Serving Suggestions
This Slow Cooker Barbecue Beef is perfect for serving on a bun as a hearty sandwich. Pair it with coleslaw or serve alongside baked beans for a classic meal. It also goes well with a side of cornbread or potato salad. For a refreshing contrast, consider a side of Old Dutch Pickled Cabbage.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the barbecue beef in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of water to prevent drying out. Stir occasionally until heated through. It can also be reheated in the microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Slow Cooker Barbecue Beef contains roughly 370 calories, with 9g protein, 81g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (52% of the Daily Value), iron (48% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (45% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 819mg per serving (36% 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 chuck roast or brisket. Just be aware that cooking times may vary slightly based on the cut's tenderness and fat content. Chuck roast is particularly well-suited for slow cooking due to its marbling.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the ingredients and assemble everything in the slow cooker the night before. Just store it in the fridge and start cooking in the morning. This is a great way to have dinner ready when you get home from work, especially with busy schedules.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Yes, this barbecue beef freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then warm it on the stove or microwave until heated through.
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).