Slow Cooker Barbecue
Tender slow-cooked beef in a flavorful barbecue sauce with onions and a hint of spice, perfect for casual gatherings and comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
- 2 to 2 1/2 lb. boneless beef roast, trimmed
- 2 onions, chopped ⓘ
- 3/4 c. carbonated cola ⓘ
- 1/4 c. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. vinegar ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 tsp. beef bouillon granules
- 1/2 tsp. dry mustard ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. red pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1/2 c. ketchup ⓘ
- 2 tsp. butter or oleo ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine the beef roast and chopped onions in the slow cooker.
- Mix the cola, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, minced garlic, beef bouillon granules, dry mustard, red pepper, and chili powder; reserve 1/2 cup of this mixture in the refrigerator.
- Pour the remaining mixture over the roast and onions in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on high for 6 hours or until the meat is very tender.
- Drain the cooked meat, let it cool, and then shred it.
- Keep the shredded meat warm until serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of smoked paprika to the sauce mixture. If you're out of beef bouillon granules, you can substitute with a beef broth for added moisture. To enhance the sweetness, try using a barbecue sauce with honey or brown sugar. This recipe can also be adapted with pork shoulder for a different twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the shredded barbecue beef on toasted buns for delicious sandwiches, or alongside coleslaw for a classic pairing. This dish also goes well with baked beans and cornbread for a hearty meal. For a lighter option, consider serving it over a bed of greens or mixed into a salad.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the shredded meat in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of reserved sauce to maintain moisture. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring frequently until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Slow Cooker Barbecue contains roughly 301 calories, with 10g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron.
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 barbecue recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the beef roast with pork shoulder for a different flavor profile. Cooking times may vary slightly, so adjust accordingly. Both meats absorb the barbecue flavors well, creating a tender and delicious dish.
Can I make this barbecue recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish up to the cooking step, refrigerate it overnight, and then cook it the next day. The flavors will meld beautifully, making it even tastier. Just remember to reheat the meat gently to avoid drying it out.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
To increase the heat level, you can add more red pepper or include diced jalapeños to the sauce mixture. Alternatively, a few dashes of hot sauce or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper can also amp up the spice without overpowering the other flavors.
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).