This sweet and spicy Slow Cooked Dr Pepper Barbecue Beef is one of those slow cooker set-it-and-forget-it kind of entrees that’s pure comfort. Once you assemble everything in the slow cooker it does the rest while you go about your day. The succulent pulled beef easily pulls apart with a fork and the Dr Pepper barbecue sauce is a perfect pairing. Serve it on warm Kaiser rolls or hamburger buns topped with coleslaw for a family pleasing meal any day of the week.

Easy Slow Cooked Dr Pepper Barbecue Beef Recipe

Living in North Carolina we are most know for our love of pulled pork barbecue. The debate generally gravitates to what type of sauce will be served along with it, and not the kind of meat we’ll be smoking. Eastern NC is most known for a vinegar based sauce while in Western NC you’ll find a sweet tomato based barbecue sauce. I’m basically a fan of all barbecue as long as it’s good barbecue. Whether it’s beef brisket, chicken, or pork it’s all a welcome sight on my supper table.

While most home cooks aren’t equipped with a full-on professional smoker most do have a slow cooker handy. I chose a chuck roast for this Dr Pepper beef roast barbecue as it’s such a great match for the sweet and tangy sauce but brisket would work as well. The crock pot slow cooking process transforms it into tender and succulent shredded meat. This pot roast barbecue is more Texas-style than North Carolina and takes very little prep time. It’s packed with flavor and makes the best sandwiches.

Key ingredients you’ll need to make Slow Cooked Dr Pepper Barbecue Beef: (Scroll down for full printable recipe card.)

Beef – One 3-4 pound chuck roast cooks tender and succulent in a crock pot.
Oil – Olive oil adds richness.
Spices – Prepared barbecue seasoning and garlic salt.
Liquids – Dr Pepper, liquid hickory smoke flavoring and Worcestershire sauce.
BBQ Sauce – Two cups prepared Dr Pepper barbecue sauce either store bought or homemade.
Rolls – Kaiser rolls or hamburger rolls for serving.

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How to Make the Best Slow Cooked Dr Pepper Barbecue Beef Recipe

Prepare Crockpot – Spray the inside of a 6 quart oval slow cooker with cooking spray.
Make the Dr Pepper Sauce – In a small bowl whisk together the Dr Pepper and liquid smoke then pour into the bottom of the slow cooker.
Season Roast – Pat dry roast with a paper towel. Drizzle with olive oil. Rub the chuck roast on all sides with barbecue seasoning. Be generous. Sprinkle with garlic salt and black pepper.
Slow Cooker – Center in slow cooker cook per the recipe on low until fork tender.
Shred Beef – Remove from the slow cooker and using 2 forks, pull apart the meat, removing all visible fat. Discard the cooking liquid reserving ½ cup.
Combine – Whisk the reserved cooking liquid with 2 cups of barbecue sauce.
Return to the Slow Cooker – Increase the slow cooker setting to high. Return the pulled beef to the slow cooker. Drizzle with the sauce. Cook on high for 30 minutes or just until bubbly.
Serve on warm Kaiser rolls.

Kitchen Equipment to Make Dr Pepper Barbecue Beef

6 quart or similar size crockpot.
Balloon whisk and medium bowl.
Measuring cups and measuring spoons.
Forks for shredding the beef.

Recipe Variations, Tips and Substitutions

Homemade Dr Pepper Barbecue Sauce – If time allows, make your own BBQ sauce. Check out my recipe for homemade Dr Pepper Barbecue Sauce to make your own. However, feel free to adapt with a prepared version or use the same amount of your favorite sauce instead.
Peppers – If you’d like to add a little heat, add a chipotle pepper in adobo sauce to the barbecue sauce.
Spices – The best barbecue seasoning to use is one that you already enjoy. There are many readily available on the spice aisle in the grocery store.
Protein – You could adapt this recipe using a pork roast or make dr pepper brisket.
What to serve with Slow Cooked Dr Pepper Barbecue Beef – Warm kaiser rolls and creamy Southern style cole slaw, Southern baked beans with a side of sweet corn on the cob is the kind of feast that’ll have the family running to the table.
You may also like my recipe for barbecue Dr Pepper Brisket made in the oven!

Storage and Leftovers

Leftovers – Store leftover Dr Pepper Barbecue Beef chilled in an airtight container chilled in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating – Reheat gently in a saucepan over medium heat on the stovetop or in single serving portions in the microwave.
Freezer – Store leftovers frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat just before serving.

More Slow Cooker and Crockpot Recipes to Make

Let your slow cooker simmer dinner while you go about your day. More slow cooker and crockpot recipes you may also like to try:

Slow Cooked Three Meat Lasagna is perfect for Italian night at home.
Slow Cooked Sweet and Sour Chicken over rice.
Slow Cooked Country Style Ribs and Barbecue Beans with a side of cornbread is a family feast.
Serve this Slow Cooked Smothered Cubed Steak over mashed potatoes.
Crockpot Chicken and Dressing Casserole is super simple to make and always a winning choice for supper.
Crock Pot Beef and Noodles is a dish the whole family will love.
Bake this Crockpot Peach Cobbler for dessert!
Slow Cooker Root Beer Pulled Pork from The Magical Slow Cooker.

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