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These BBQ beef sandwiches are similar to what my mom used to make for us growing up, but upon getting married and discovering that many places used Coke or Dr. Pepper in their pork recipes we decided to go for root beer in our beef! It gives a little hint of something sweet, but you can totally add more red pepper flakes and even chili powder if you want it to be sweet and spicy.
Most importantly it takes no effort. Just throw everything in the slow cooker and let it sit all day. Those are the days I’m always hungriest as every time I walk down stairs or into the kitchen I can smell that meat cooking away in there. I need to try out those Reynolds slow cooker bags too, then clean up would be just as easy! Have any of you tried those and are they worth it?
Tip: You can make these sandwiches with either our Classic BBQ Sauce or our Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce.
Can You Freeze BBQ Beef?
Leftover BBQ will keep in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. You may freeze it in freezer containers or bags for up to 3 months.
How Do You Reheat BBQ Beef?
If frozen, thaw completely. Wrap BBQ in foil and place on baking sheet in 225 degree oven. Bake in foil on a middle rack until the center is 155°F.
Can You Make Shredded BBQ Beef in the Oven?
Beef roast for BBQ Beef can be cooked in the oven. Set the oven for 275 degrees. Bake for 4-5 hours, then shred and add BBQ sauce.
BBQ Beef Sandwiches
BBQ Beef Sandwiches

Ingredients
- 3-4 Pounds Beef Chuck Roast
- 2 Cups BBQ Sauce, We use Sweet Baby Ray's
- 1 Cup Root Beer
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 Pinch Red Pepper Flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon Pepper
Instructions
- Place the meat in a slow cooker and cover in BBQ Sauce, root beer, and seasonings.3-4 Pounds Beef Chuck Roast, 1 Cup Root Beer, 2 Cups BBQ Sauce, 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder, 1 Pinch Red Pepper Flakes, 1/2 teaspoon Pepper
- Cook on low for 7-8 hours, shred and cook an additional 30 minutes to an hour.
- Serve in buns.
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Can this be cooked on the stovetop? My crockpot stopped working and don’t have time to buy one before Easter tomorrow 🥺
Yes, absolutely! Sorry I’m probably too late to the game. I hope they turned out delicious!
Can this be done in the instant pot?
Yes. It will need at least 60 minutes to get the beef nice and tender!
The slow cooker bags are fantastic. They are such a time saver when it comes to cleanup!
I almost refuse to use a slow cooker without them! Lol!
Thank you so much!
thanks for the clarification on the size- after I typed the comment I figured it out. 😉
oh good!
What does 13-4 lb mean? Is that a typo? ?
1 – 3 -4 pounds it is.
Kelli: I assume that is one piece of beef chuck roast that weighs three to four pounds.
Yummy. What I would give to have this for lunch!!
aHhhh !!! this makes me miss Texas.
this looks so great !
On no.. poor thing. It must be so hard to have to look at every little tiny ingredient. The sandwiches look dee-lish!!
Don't you love Sweet Baby Ray's? I've never tried adding root beer before, sounds yummy and sweet!
Oh my goodness, that's awful! Dairy is such a sneaky culprit!
That BBQ looks great, though! 🙂