Ingredients
To create the ultimate Slow Cooker Cowboy Sandwiches, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 3 pounds chuck roast: This cut of beef is perfect for slow cooking, as it becomes incredibly tender and easy to shred.
- 2 cups BBQ sauce: Use your favorite BBQ sauce; a smoky or tangy variety works well in this recipe.
- 1 pound bacon, cooked and crumbled: The crispy bacon adds a savory crunch to the sandwiches.
- Half an onion, sliced: Onions provide a sweet and aromatic flavor to the dish.
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce: This sauce enhances the umami flavor of the beef.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic adds a robust, aromatic element.
- ¼ cup brown sugar: This adds a touch of sweetness to balance the savory and spicy flavors.
- 4-ounce can diced jalapeños: These add a mild heat that complements the sweetness of the brown sugar and the smokiness of the BBQ sauce.
- Sliced Colby Jack cheese: This cheese melts beautifully, adding a creamy layer to the sandwich.
- 6 buns: Choose sturdy buns that can hold up to the juicy, flavorful filling.
- Crispy fried onions: These add a delightful crunch and a burst of flavor on top.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients. Slice the onion, mince the garlic, and cook the bacon until crispy. Crumble the bacon and set aside.
Step 2: Load the Slow Cooker
Place the chuck roast into the slow cooker. Add the BBQ sauce, half of the cooked bacon, sliced onion, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, brown sugar, and half of the diced jalapeños. Mix everything together to coat the beef evenly with the sauce and seasonings.
Step 3: Cook the Beef
Set your slow cooker to low and cook the beef for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-6 hours. The beef is ready when it’s tender and easily shreds with a fork.
Step 4: Shred the Beef
Once the beef is cooked, use two forks to shred it directly in the slow cooker. If there’s an excess of liquid, drain most of it to prevent the sandwiches from becoming too soggy.
Step 5: Assemble the Sandwiches
To assemble your sandwiches, start by placing a slice of Colby Jack cheese on the bottom half of each bun. Add a generous portion of the shredded beef on top of the cheese. Sprinkle the remaining crumbled bacon and diced jalapeños over the beef, then top with crispy fried onions.
Step 6: Serve
Place the top half of the bun on the sandwich, pressing down slightly to hold everything together. Serve the sandwiches hot, alongside your favorite side dishes.
Notes
- Overcooking the Beef: While slow cookers are forgiving, cooking the beef for too long can cause it to dry out. Stick to the recommended cooking times to ensure the meat stays moist and tender.
- Not Draining the Liquid: After shredding the beef, make sure to drain most of the liquid from the slow cooker. This step is crucial to avoid soggy sandwiches.
- Skipping the Crispy Fried Onions: The crispy fried onions add a necessary crunch to the sandwich. Don’t skip this step!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Category: Dinner