Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Ultimate BBQ Pulled Beef

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

This BBQ pulled beef recipe features tender, slow-cooked chuck roast infused with smoky, tangy, and sweet BBQ flavors. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for sandwiches, rice bowls, or tacos—great for family meals or gatherings.

  • Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes (slow cooker) or 1 hour 35 minutes (Instant Pot)
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 3 to 4 pounds beef chuck roast
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Trim any visible fat from the beef chuck roast and season it with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the beef on all sides until browned.
  3. Remove the beef and set it aside. Sauté diced onion in the same skillet for about 5 minutes, then add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
  4. Deglaze the pan with beef broth, scraping up brown bits. Stir in BBQ sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Simmer briefly.
  5. Place the seared beef in a slow cooker or Instant Pot. Pour the sauce mixture over the beef.
  6. Cook in a slow cooker on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours, or in an Instant Pot on high pressure for 60 minutes with a 15-minute natural release.
  7. Remove the beef, shred it with two forks, and return it to the pot to soak in the sauce.
  8. Serve hot on buns, over mashed potatoes, rice, or in tortillas.

Notes

  • Adjust sweetness and spice by modifying brown sugar and chili powder amounts.
  • Use brisket or rump roast if chuck roast is unavailable.
  • Leftovers are excellent for rice bowls, tacos, or baked potato fillings.
  • For a gluten-free version, use GF BBQ and Worcestershire sauce.
  • Can be made in advance and reheated—the flavor improves over time.
  • Author: Amelia
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 hours (slow cooker) or 1 hour 15 minutes (Instant Pot)
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooker or Instant Pot
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 780mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16g
  • Trans Fat: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 110mg

Find it online: https://cooksplash.com/ultimate-bbq-pulled-beef/