4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Beef BBQ
Looking for a simple and quick slow cooker meal? Try this 4-ingredient BBQ beef recipe. Just set it and forget it!
This easy slow cooker meal takes about 5 minutes to prepare. It’s a simple combination: a pot roast, seasoned salt, pepper, and barbecue sauce. It’s a great meal for a busy day. Just throw everything in the slow cooker, set the timer, and push the button!
When the roast is done, shred it and serve it in sandwich buns or serve it as a main dish with potatoes or rice and vegetables. I cook it on low for about 5 to 7 hours.
What You’ll Like About This Dish
Just 4 ingredients. You probably already have everything on hand — no shopping trip required.
Minimal prep. It only takes about 5 minutes to season the meat and pour in the sauce.
Set it and forget it. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting while you go about your day.
Versatile leftovers. Serve it in sandwiches, tacos, or bowls — you’ll have options for days.
Ingredient Notes
- Beef roast – A 3-pound chuck or rump roast works well. Choose a well-marbled cut for best flavor and shreddability.
- Seasoned salt – Adds a savory base flavor. You can substitute with kosher salt and a pinch of garlic powder if preferred.
- Black pepper – Freshly ground is best.
- Barbecue sauce – Use your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce for ease, or homemade if you have some on hand.
Steps to Make 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Beef BBQ
- Pat the roast dry with paper towels and season all over with seasoned salt and pepper. Place it in the slow cooker.
- Pour the barbecue sauce over the beef.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or until the meat is very tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.
- Shred the beef and serve in buns or over your favorite sides.
Tips
Check your slow cooker model. Some cook hotter than others. If yours tends to run hot, check the meat around the 5-hour mark.
No extra liquid needed. The beef will release juices as it cooks, but if you’re concerned, you can add a splash of broth halfway through.
Recipe Variations
- Onions: Add a sliced onion to the slow cooker for extra flavor.
- Smokiness: Stir in 1 to 2 teaspoons of liquid smoke for a smoky BBQ kick.
- Spices: Add a dash of cayenne or crushed red pepper flakes for some heat.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve the shredded beef on soft sandwich buns with pickles or coleslaw.
- Add it to a baked potato or sweet potato for a hearty BBQ bowl.
- Pair with macaroni and cheese, baked beans, or potato salad.
- Use leftovers in tacos, quesadillas, or wraps.
How to Store and Reheat
Refrigerate: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Transfer to freezer bags or containers, label, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
To Reheat: Warm gently in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce.
4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Beef BBQ
Ingredients
- 3 pounds beef chuck, e.g., lean chuck, rump
- 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 18 ounces barbecue sauce, 1 bottle
Instructions
- Pat the meat dry with paper towels, sprinkle all over with seasoned salt and pepper, and place it in the slow cooker.
- Pour the bbq sauce over the beef.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or until very tender.
Nutrition
Disclaimer:
Our nutritional information is based on a third-party application that analyzes the ingredients list to determine the values. The information is meant to be helpful, but should be considered an estimate. Values may differ depending on measurements, brands, serving variations, and database availability.
