Slow Cooker BBQ Beef (2 Ingredients)

Share this post

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Slow cooker BBQ beef is one of the simplest beef dinners ever! The base recipe needs just beef and BBQ sauce, so I love that I can get it started quickly and leave the slow cooker to do most of the work. I have mine pretty saucy but you can adjust the amount depending how saucy or not you want it.

I like this beef shredded for sandwiches and tacos, but it’s also good served in larger pieces with potatoes or vegetables. A smoky BBQ sauce is usually my choice, and I often put extra sauce on the table so everyone can add as much as they want.

Why You’ll Love It

• Only 2 ingredients: The base recipe keeps your shopping list extremely short.
• About 5 minutes of prep: Once the beef is coated with sauce, the slow cooker handles the long cooking time. You really can fix it and forget it!
• Serve it several ways: Shred it for sandwiches or tacos, or serve it in larger pieces with your favorite sides.
• Easy to adjust: Choose the BBQ sauce you already like and add more after cooking if you want it saucier.

Crockpot BBQ Beef Ingredients

• Beef: I typically grab whatever stewing beef I can find. Braising beef or chuck roast also suits a long slow-cooker cook if you prefer to buy one larger piece. I am often frustrated at the lack of availability of well-marbled stewing beef, since it’s those marbled pieces and the fat that gives it so much flavor! Extra-lean beef tends to dry out and go tough, so choose wisely.
• BBQ sauce: Use a sauce you already enjoy because there aren’t many other flavors competing with it. The ¼ cup in the recipe is enough to coat the beef before cooking. Add more after shredding if you prefer. Try smoky, spicy, sweet, any kind you prefer.

How to Make Slow Cooker BBQ Beef

Coat the beef with BBQ sauce, cover the slow cooker and let it cook until the meat pulls apart easily with 2 forks. I usually cook it on Low and start checking before the full 10 hours because the cut of beef and the slow cooker can affect the timing. Once it’s ready, shred the beef into the cooking juices or serve it in larger chunks.

How Long to Cook BBQ Beef in a Slow Cooker

The time does vary according to the beef, but mine typically takes about 10 hours on Low. I start checking around 7 to 8 hours in, rather than assuming every batch will need exactly the same time. If you use High, start checking at about 5 hours and judge the beef by how easily it pulls apart.

If your slow cooker has a Medium or custom setting, follow the timing guidance in its manual instead of guessing a conversion.

Tips for Tender Slow Cooker Beef

• Keep the lid on: Opening the slow cooker repeatedly lets heat escape and can extend the cooking time. I know it’s hard to resist poking at it, but try to, otherwise dinner’s going to be late tonight.
• Give tough beef enough time: If the meat is cooked but still resists the forks, keep cooking and check it again in a bit.
• Thaw the beef first: USDA slow-cooker guidance says meat should be thawed before it goes into a slow cooker.

Substitutions and Variations

• Change the sauce: Try smoky, spicy or sweeter BBQ sauce depending on what you like.
• Add onion or garlic: Chopped onion or minced garlic can go in with the beef if you don’t mind using more than two ingredients.
• Add heat: Hot sauce, dried chilies or chili flakes work if you want it spicier.
• Add herbs: Dried herbs are another easy option if you want to change up the seasoning.
• Low carb version: Use sugar-free BBQ sauce. I usually go for the G Hughes Sugar-Free BBQ Sauce.

Handy Equipment for Crockpot Beef

• Slow cooker: Always a popular piece of equipment during the chillier months!
• Measuring cup: For the BBQ sauce.
• Pair of forks: For checking the beef and shredding it after cooking.

What to Serve with Slow Cooker BBQ Beef

Shredded BBQ beef works well in sandwich buns with coleslaw, in tacos or fajitas, or over a baked potato. If you’re serving it as a plated main dish, crispy roasted potatoes are an easy side, along with whatever veggies you already have planned.

How to Store

• Refrigerate: Put any leftovers into shallow covered containers and refrigerate them within 2 hours. Use within 3 to 4 days.
• Reheat: Reheat leftovers to 165°F (74°C), adding a little extra BBQ sauce if the beef needs it.
• Freeze: Freeze cooled portions in airtight freezer containers. For best quality, use cooked beef within about 4 months.
• Thaw: Thaw frozen BBQ beef in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Make ahead: Cook the beef a day in advance, refrigerate it promptly and reheat it with the cooking juices or a little extra BBQ sauce.

Slow Cooker BBQ Beef FAQs

Why I Love Making BBQ Beef

It’s a super easy dish to make with just two ingredients and there are various ways to enjoy it, such as shredded with a little more sauce for sandwiches, although it’s just as scrumptious in tacos or for a simple beef dinner with potatoes. The main thing I don’t rush is the cooking time: if the beef still resists the forks, I give it longer.

More Slow Cooker and Beef Recipes

My slow cooker beef stew and dumplings is another beefy meal, or you might like to try British beef and ale pie which uses stewing beef in a very different way. You could also try these pulled pork slow cooker recipes.

Share this post