Description
A delightful combination of sweet and smoky flavors, this slow-cooked pulled beef is perfect for sandwiches or served over rice.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3–4 pound beef chuck roast
- 2 standard cans (24–30 ounces) non-alcoholic root beer
- 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Optional: 1-2 teaspoons liquid smoke
- Optional: 1-2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- Optional: 1-2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly.
- Pat the beef roast dry with paper towels. Generously apply the spice mixture all over the beef, pressing gently to adhere.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Sear the beef for 3-4 minutes on each side until a deep golden-brown crust forms. Remove and set aside.
- Transfer the seared beef into your slow cooker.
- Pour the non-alcoholic root beer over and around the beef. Add Worcestershire sauce or liquid smoke if desired.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the beef is tender and easily shreds with two forks.
- Remove the beef to a cutting board and shred it with two forks, discarding large fat pieces.
- For a thicker sauce, pour the cooking liquid into a saucepan. Simmer to reduce by one-third or whisk in a cornstarch slurry to thicken.
- Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker and toss with some of the reduced cooking liquid to coat. Adjust seasoning and stir in apple cider vinegar if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
Use good quality beef for the best flavor. Let the shredded beef sit in the sauce for maximum flavor absorption.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 240 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 95mg