Easy Slow Cooker Chuck Roast with Pop Smoke BBQ Rub
Easy Slow Cooker Chuck Roast with Pop Smoke BBQ Rub
Some days, you just want a good meal without spending hours in the kitchen. That's where this slow cooker chuck roast comes in.
With a 3.5-pound beef chuck roast, a handful of simple ingredients, and a little help from your crockpot, you can have tender, flavorful beef ready for dinner with almost no effort.
The best part? No searing, no smoker, and no complicated steps.
We're using our Pop Smoke Memphis Style BBQ Rub to give this roast a savory BBQ flavor that works just as well over mashed potatoes as it does piled onto a sandwich.
Big Flavor Starts with Pop Smoke
You don't need to fire up the smoker to enjoy great BBQ flavor. Our Pop Smoke Memphis Style BBQ Rub brings a blend of Memphis-inspired seasonings to this slow cooker chuck roast.
It's one of those seasonings you can keep within reach for ribs, pulled pork, chicken, and easy weeknight dinners like this one.
Get Pop Smoke Memphis Style BBQ Rub
Slow Cooker Chuck Roast Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8–9 hours on LOW
- Total Time: Approximately 9 hours
- Servings: 6–8
- Cooking Method: Slow Cooker
- Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
- 3.5 lb beef chuck roast
- 2½ tablespoons Burn Pit BBQ Pop Smoke Memphis Style BBQ Rub (add more to taste)
- 1 large yellow onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons butter
Optional: 2–3 tablespoons Q.R.F. Bold BBQ Sauce for finishing.
How to Make Chuck Roast in the Crockpot
Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker
Slice the onion and spread it evenly across the bottom of your crockpot. Add the minced garlic.
These will soften during cooking and add flavor to the beef and cooking juices.
Step 2: Season the Chuck Roast
Pat the chuck roast dry with paper towels.
Coat all sides evenly with Pop Smoke Memphis Style BBQ Rub, pressing the seasoning into the meat.
There's no need to sear the roast. Just season it and move on to the next step.
Step 3: Add Everything to the Crockpot
Place the seasoned chuck roast on top of the onions and garlic.
Pour the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and apple cider vinegar around the roast. Try not to pour directly over the beef so the seasoning stays in place.
Place the butter on top.
Step 4: Cook Low and Slow
Cover the crockpot and cook until the beef is fork-tender.
- LOW: 8–9 hours (recommended)
- HIGH: 5–6 hours
For the best results, we recommend cooking on LOW. Chuck roast contains connective tissue that breaks down during slow cooking, creating tender beef.
The roast will typically reach an internal temperature around 200–205°F when it's ready to shred.
If the beef doesn't pull apart easily, continue cooking and check again in 30–60 minutes.
Step 5: Shred and Serve
Remove the roast from the crockpot and shred it using two forks.
Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker and mix it with the cooking juices.
Let it sit for another 10–15 minutes before serving.
For a little extra BBQ flavor, stir in 2–3 tablespoons of Q.R.F. Bold BBQ Sauce.
What to Serve with Slow Cooker Chuck Roast
One of our favorite things about this recipe is how many different meals you can make from a single roast.
BBQ Beef Sandwiches
Pile the shredded beef onto toasted buns and top with coleslaw. Add a little BBQ sauce if you like.
Mashed Potatoes
Serve the beef over creamy mashed potatoes and spoon some of the cooking juices over the top.
Low-Carb Dinner
Pair the chuck roast with roasted broccoli, green beans, or cauliflower mash.
Beef Tacos
Use leftover shredded beef in tortillas with onions, shredded cheese, and your favorite toppings.
Tips for Making the Best Slow Cooker Chuck Roast
Choose a well-marbled roast. The fat and connective tissue in chuck roast help create tender, flavorful beef during slow cooking.
Don't add too much liquid. The beef releases additional juices as it cooks. One cup of broth is enough to get started.
Cook on LOW when possible. The longer cooking time helps break down the tougher portions of the roast.
Don't rush it. If the beef is still tough, it likely needs more time in the slow cooker.
Save the cooking juices. They're great for keeping the shredded beef moist, especially when reheating leftovers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have to sear chuck roast before slow cooking?
No. Searing can add additional browned flavor, but it isn't required. This recipe skips that step entirely, making preparation faster and cleanup easier.
How long does a 3.5-pound chuck roast take in a crockpot?
A 3.5-pound chuck roast typically takes 8–9 hours on LOW or 5–6 hours on HIGH. The exact time depends on the thickness of the roast and your slow cooker.
Why is my chuck roast tough after cooking?
Chuck roast needs enough time for its connective tissue to break down. If the beef is still difficult to shred, continue cooking until fork-tender.
Do I need to cover the roast with liquid?
No. You only need enough liquid to help create a moist cooking environment. The roast will release additional juices as it cooks.
Can I add potatoes and carrots?
Absolutely. Cut potatoes and carrots into larger pieces and place them around the roast before cooking. They'll absorb some of the beef's flavor.
How do I store leftover chuck roast?
Store the cooked beef in an airtight container with some of the cooking juices.
Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days or freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheat leftovers until they reach 165°F.
More Easy Beef Recipes from Burn Pit BBQ
If you enjoyed this slow cooker chuck roast, here are a few more recipes worth trying:
Turn chuck roast into a hearty bowl of smoky chili. Perfect for colder weather and football weekends.
Smoked Brisket in Freezing Temperatures
Don't let cold weather stop you from making great BBQ. Learn how to smoke a brisket when temperatures drop.
A backyard BBQ twist on a classic comfort food using our Fire For Effect Sweet Heat BBQ Rub.
Good BBQ Doesn't Have to Be Complicated
You don't always need a smoker, a grill, or an entire afternoon of preparation to make a great meal.
Sometimes all it takes is a good cut of beef, the right seasoning, and a little patience.
This slow cooker chuck roast is proof that simple ingredients and low-and-slow cooking can deliver a dinner the whole family will enjoy.
From our backyard to yours, enjoy!
— Ben & Greg
Burn Pit BBQ