If there are any guarantees in life, aside from death and taxes, it's that if you end up at any kind of event around Stampede time in Calgary, you'll be served Beef on a Bun. And this is a good thing! However, when I first moved to Calgary (25+years ago) I really didn't have a true appreciation for it. But let me tell you, it grows on you... to the point that eventually you can't live without it. Given the absence of Stampede events the past couple of years, this year I decided that I needed to make my own Slow Cooker Beef on a Bun.
I LOVE slow cooker recipes (check out all my other slow cooker recipes HERE! ) especially ones like this slow cooker bbq beef, where you can dump and go or set it and forget it! It takes about 10 minutes to put together and you just let the slow cooker do all the work! It's also WW friendly.
Jump to:
Although almost every BBQ beef on a bun I've tried in Calgary is a little different; some roast and shave the beef and some use a slow cooker (as I have) it's all delicious!
🥘 Ingredients
- beef
- buns
- BBQ sauce (I use President’s Choice Gourmet) but you could use any including my Bbq Sauce with ketchup
- onion
- chili sauce *I use Heinz
- brown sugar
- white vinegar
- mustard
- Worcestershire sauce
- minced garlic
- chili powder
- salt
- liquid smoke
📖 Variations & Substitutions
- buns: you can use my Dinner buns (Granny Buns) recipe or use any type of bun (hamburger, Kaiser etc) * I use hamburger buns OR make it WW friendly with a thin bun
- beef: round roast, chuck roast or sirloin tip- Use any economical beef roast
- chili sauce: * I use Heinz Chili Sauce (affiliate link) but you could substitute ketchup and 1 teaspoon extra chili powder
- wine vinegar - use apple cider vinegar or regular vinegar with a splash (about a 2 tsp) of white wine (if you have it) in place of wine vinegar
- brown sugar - use white sugar and add 1 teaspoon molasses
- liquid smoke optional: leave out liquid smoke (affiliate link) if you don't have it (but I do recommend it - it makes a huge difference and you can find it at almost any grocery store
- Toppings: jalapenos, pepperoncini or pickles and some people put the coleslaw right on top (I personally love to do that)
🥗 Side dishes
Traditionally, beef on a bun is served with coleslaw and beans. It even feels weird to even suggest anything else, so here are a couple of coleslaw recipes and another side I think would pair well with this dish:
- Slow Cooker New England Baked Beans
- Healthy Artichoke & Roasted Red Pepper Coleslaw (this is the coleslaw recipe I use, but I leave out the artichoke and red peppers for this recipe)
- Skinny Coleslaw Recipe
- Quick Cucumber Kimchi
🎥 Video
Using a stand mixer to shred or 'pull'' your beef is a game changer - it's so much quicker! You could even use a hand mixer if you don't have a stand mixer (I have done this as well.)
Video: Shredding Beef in a Stand Mixer
👪 Serving size
This recipe serves A LOT of people! So if you are making it for a crowd, then make the amount directed. However, if you are making it for a smaller group, you can reduce the servings. Simply click on the blue serving size, select the number of servings you need and the amounts will adjust accordingly!
And if you're looking for an even quicker recipe, try my shortcut version (Speedy Beef on a Bun!) And for even more Stampede recipes, be sure to try my other recipes at the bottom of the recipe card!
🌡️Storing
Make up to 2 days in advance and store in fridge for up to 3 days after making.
💭Leftover Shredded Beef
Stampede is on this year, albeit a scaled down version with a few more restrictions. But whether you're heading out to celebrate Stampede or not, it's that time of year you're probably going to find yourself craving Beef on a Bun! Oh I can guarantee you one more thing in life - this recipe will definitely satisfy that craving.
Happy Stampeding!
⭐ REVIEWS
Did you make this recipe? Please RATE THE RECIPE below!
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📋 Slow Cooker Beef on a Bun Recipe
Ingredients
- 5 lbs beef - chuck roast round roast,
- 1 - medium yellow onion finely diced
- 1 cup -barbecue sauce- I use president's choice gourmet
- ½ cup chili sauce * I use Heinz
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoon white wine vinegar
- 2 teaspoon mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoon -minced garlic
- 2 teaspoon liquid smoke
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ teaspoon chili powder
- 20 buns
Instructions
- Spray inside of slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray and place meat on bottom.
- Whisk remaining ingredients together in separate bowl.
- Pour over meat.
- Cook on low for 8 hours, or high for 4-6 hours until beef is tender.
- Remove beef from slow cooker and shred beef with two forks; or use mixer (see VIDEO in notes)
- Return beef to the slow cooker. Stir to combine with sauce, then skim fat from cooking liquid. Cover and cook for 15 minutes or until heated through.
- Using a slotted spoon, remove from slow cooker.
- Place meat on each bun.
- Then top with onions, pickles pepperoncini or jalapenos and/or coleslaw, if desired.
Notes
- buns: you can use my Dinner buns (Granny Buns) recipe or use any type of bun (hamburger, Kaiser etc) * I use hamburger buns
- beef: round roast, chuck roast or sirloin tip- Any economical cut of meat
- chili sauce: * I use Heinz Chili Sauce (affiliate link) but you could substitute ketchup and 1 teaspoon extra chili powder
- wine vinegar - use apple cider vinegar or regular vinegar with a splash (about a 2 tsp) of white wine (if you have it)
- brown sugar - use white sugar and add 1 teaspoon molasses
- liquid smoke (optional): leave out liquid smoke (affiliate link) if you don't have it. Although, I do recommend it - it makes a big difference! You can find it at almost any grocery store or on Amazon.
- Toppings: jalapenos or pickles and some people put the coleslaw right on top
Bernice
Just in time! I sure am missing my pancake breakfasts and beef on a bun this year. Jeez, the last year too. Maybe I should just make this instead?
Terri Gilson
You should, Bernice! I’ll take this over pancakes any day!
Cindy Mom, the Lunch Lady
My son love BBQ beef and this recipe looks amazing. I love the flavours and love that you topped it with slaw. Super yummy!
Terri Gilson
Yes, it’s the best with slaw on top-the way we do it in Cowtown! 😊
nancy
that slow cooker beef bun looks amazing and perfect for gatherings that i can make ahead!
AmyG
I made this for dinner tonight and my family loved it. Your step by step instructions and photos were very helpful. Pinning this so that i can put it on our dinner rotation.
Terri Gilson
So glad you guys loved it, Amy!
Sadia Malik
I love how you can use the leftovers in other recipes. This is delicious.
Terri Gilson
I agree-leftovers are the best!
Sean
Can't beat beef on a bun, right? It's a classic for a reason! Lol. Great sauce for the beef (I have to remember to use mustard like this more often), and I love how easy the whole thing is. Cheers!
Terri Gilson
Yes, mustard really makes the sauce, Sean!