Ingredients:

  • 3.5 lb beef chuck roast
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp cracked black pepper
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 3 tbsp molasses
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper

Instructions:

  1. Pat the beef chuck roast completely dry with paper towels.
  2. Combine the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Rub the spice blend aggressively into all sides of the beef, pressing it into the meat to ensure a crust forms.
  3. Place the seasoned beef into the slow cooker.
  4. Mix the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, molasses, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, and cayenne pepper to create the BBQ sauce. Pour half of the prepared BBQ sauce over the beef, coating the top and sides.
  5. Set the slow cooker to LOW for 8 hours without opening the lid.
  6. Transfer the beef to a platter and use two forks to pull the meat apart along the natural grain.
  7. Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker, stir in the remaining BBQ sauce, and toss until glossy and coated.