Ingredients:

  • 3 lbs beef chuck roast, trimmed of excess fat
  • 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper

Instructions:

  1. Season the beef chuck roast generously on all sides with salt and pepper.
  2. Optional: Sear the meat in a skillet with olive oil over high heat until a brown crust forms.
  3. Place the sliced onions and minced garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker to act as a natural roasting rack.
  4. Place the beef on top of the onions, cover, and cook on Low for 8 hours.
  5. While the beef rests for 10 minutes, whisk together the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper in a small bowl.
  6. Transfer the beef to a large platter and use two forks to pull the meat apart along the grain.
  7. Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker or a bowl and mix thoroughly with the prepared BBQ sauce.