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The Best, Slow Cooker BBQ Beef and Cheddar Sliders

When the seasons change from summer to fall, finding the perfect, comforting, but not too heavy meal can be a challenge. BBQ beef and cheddar sliders introduce the warmth of fall food in a few small bites, making them perfect for transitional weather. Serve them at a party, and these little sandwiches will win the favor of all your guests. (They probably won’t last long either.)

As the beef’s temperature rises in the crockpot, the smell alone will have you salivating, ready to dig into this succulent flavorful BBQ meal. Serve the leftover juices on the side as a dip, and be sure to lick every delicate morsel off of your fingers when you finish, because not even the tiniest taste of these sliders should go to waste. 

BBQ Beef and Cheddar Sliders
Photo by: Brodie Porterfield

Did I mention how easily you can make BBQ beef sliders? After searing your beef, and throwing it in the crockpot with several other ingredients, you can walk away while it cooks. When you return later, toasting your rolls and melting the cheese are the last two steps in creating a most satisfying meal. 

Ingredients

For The Shredded Beef

  • Chuck roast 
  • 1 cup of beer
  • 1 can of chipotle peppers in adobo
  • 1/2 of a yellow onion 
  • Minced garlic 
  • Lime juice
  • Juice of orange
  • Steak seasoning with lime
  • Tajin seasoning 
  • Smoked Paprika
  • Cumin
  • Salt 
  • Pepper

For The Sliders

  • Dinner Rolls 
  • Cheddar (I used smoked cheddar) 
Closeup of chuck roast.
Photo by: Brodie Porterfield

Chuck Roast

Chuck roast breaks down beautifully into the perfect pulled beef when cooked slowly for several hours. The tender texture of the roast melts in your mouth as you enjoy each bite of these beefy sliders. 

Chuck roast cut into large pieces on a red cutting board.
Photo by: Brodie Porterfield
The Process

While not absolutely necessary, I rinsed, dried, and quartered my beef before searing each section. After rubbing seasoning all over the beef, I added the quartered pieces into a sizzling, hot cast iron, browning every side of the beef. I then placed my seared beef atop the onions and other ingredients in the crockpot. 

Chuck roast pieces seasoned with spices.
Photo by: Brodie Porterfield
Seasoned chuck roast pieces in skillet.
Photo by: Brodie Porterfield
Tongs turning pieces of chuck roast browning in a skillet.
Photo by: Brodie Porterfield

Searing the beef adds texture and cooks the seasoning into the outside layer of the beef. If you must skip this step, add your seasoning and beef directly into the crockpot.

Tongs placing browned chuck roast pieces in slow cooker.
Photo by: Brodie Porterfield
Substitutions

Other cuts of beef can be used in place of a chuck roast. Rump roast and brisket might be the most common choices for tender pulled beef. 

Beer being poured into large glass measure.
Photo by: Brodie Porterfield

1 Cup of Beer

Rather than using broth in this recipe, I use beer. The acid in beer helps tenderize the beef even more as it cooks slowly. Alcohol also works to bring out natural sweet and savory flavors in ingredients as the cook. 

Substitutions

Wine and broth can also be used in this recipe as well as water with bouillon cubes. 

Can of La Costena chipotles with spices and a lemon in the background.
Photo by: Brodie Porterfield

Chipotle Peppers in Adobo

When preparing a beef dish, I rarely want that sweet, molasses-y type of bbq that sticks to your teeth when you eat it. I prefer a smokey, spicy flavor that adds richness to the beef without hiding the savory, high-quality cut of the chuck. Honoring the meaty taste makes beef sliders even more indulgent, that is why chipotle peppers in Adobo sauce enrich our BBQ sliders rather than ketchup or mustard-based sauce. 

Overhead view of opened can of chipotles.
Photo by: Brodie Porterfield
The Process

Using these peppers could not be easier. Just pour one small can of chipotle peppers into the food processor and blend until the peppers are broken into small pieces. Some lumps will remain in your sauce, but they will soften in the slow cooker. 

Inside of a food processor bowl with chipotle pepper paste in it.
Photo by: Brodie Porterfield
Slow cooker with a sauce made with the chipotle paste, beer, and other ingredients.
Photo by: Brodie Porterfield
Section of onion and a lemon on a red cutting board
Photo by: Brodie Porterfield

Yellow Onion and Minced Garlic

Onions and garlic add a delicate pungency that concentrates more savoriness into the meat. 

Hands using a knife to dice onions on a red cutting board.
Photo by: Brodie Porterfield
Slow cooker with diced onions and salt in the bottom.
Photo by: Brodie Porterfield
Substitutions

Garlic powder and onion powder may be substituted for fresh onions and garlic. I would add about 1/4 TBSP of each for a balance in savoriness.

Hands adding a heaping measuring spoon of minced garlic to ingredients in a slow cooker.
Photo by: Brodie Porterfield
Bottle of lime juice
Photo by: Brodie Porterfield

Lime Juice and The Juice of an Orange

Citrus adds even more acidity to our beef, breaking down its texture and adding brightness to a dish that might otherwise feel heavy. Many chefs add citrus to their dishes after cooking to lighten the flavor of the dish and awaken taste buds.

Two orange halves.
Photo by: Brodie Porterfield
Two juiced orange halves.
Photo by: Brodie Porterfield

Steak Seasoning With Lime

Jane’s Krazy Mixed-Up Steakhouse Seasoning” introduces a bang of flavor with efficiency. While creating your own steak seasoning allows you to control which flavors are most emphasized, sometimes saving time takes precedence, and the combination of spices in this mixture will not disappoint you.  

Hands pouring steakhouse seasoning mix into a measuring spoon over diced onions in a slow cooker.
Photo by: Brodie Porterfield
Substitutions

Many famous brands like McCormick, Grill Mates, and Lawry’s make a version of steak or carne asada spice mixtures that add bold flavors to beef. You can also combine citrus zest, black pepper, and varieties of chili peppers to create a unique version of your own. 

Hands measuring out Tajin spice mix over a slow cooker.
Photo by: Brodie Porterfield

Tajin Seasoning

Another beautiful blend of spices I use regularly in cooking is the citrusy blend called Tajin. Commonly, these spices are used in Latin-inspired dishes which plays perfectly with our beautiful chipotle peppers in this recipe. 

Substitutions

Extra citrus zest and powdered or fresh chilis will provide a similar flavor profile to the tajin used in this dish. 

Closeup of measuring spoon of Tajin spice resting in a small bowl of other spices.
Photo by: Brodie Porterfield

Smoked Paprika and Cumin

Smoked paprika and cumin add an extra earthy and smokey flavor to BBQ beef sliders. 

A small bowl of spices.
Photo by: Brodie Porterfield

Dinner Rolls

Sweet buns and savory meat make for a great treat. 

Serving your shredded beef on dinner rolls or small buns lets this dish stretch farther and serve more people. I also find smaller sandwiches less messy and easier to eat.

Closeup of hands grating cheese onto slider rolls.
Photo by: Brodie Porterfield
Substitutions

Regular buns or any kind of bread would taste great with shredded beef and cheddar cheese. You could even serve this delicious beef on crunchy pieces of baguette. Yum!

Cheddar

Cheddar cheese pairs beautifully with the smoky flavor in the meat. I used smoked cheddar because it boosts the piquant flavor of the peppers. 

Slider rolls with melted cheese on a foil-covered tray.
Photo by: Brodie Porterfield
Substitutions

Any cheese would taste great on this dish. Bold cheeses like blue cheeses or gorgonzola, as well as goat cheese, feta, or other creamy cheeses, would add a delicate texture to the meal while hard cheeses like asiago or gruyere melt into gooey, stringy goodness that keeps you coming back for more. 

Additions

Mayo, chutneys, relishes, roasted peppers and onions, etc… all taste great with BBQ beef sliders. Feel free to add the condiments and topping of your choice. 

Leftovers

Most often, a large chunk of meat like a chuck roast results in inevitable leftovers. This is great news! Grab some taco shells and turn your chuck roast into carne tacos. Add salsa, cotija cheese, and a dollop of sour cream, and you are all set. 

You can also add this delicious meat into pasta with pappardelle noodles, roasted tomatoes, and parmesan cheese. 

Freezing Method

If you followed the first step of quartering your beef, you can carefully remove a few sections from the crockpot (before or after shredding) and place the meat in an airtight container in the freezer. The beef will freeze for up to a month, so you can enjoy it for many future meals. (I like to store mine with some of the juices to keep a little extra moisture in the meat when reheating.) 

Closeup of shredded meat and a fork.
Photo by: Brodie Porterfield

Pairings

Whiskey drinks like Manhattan’s or Old Fashioned’s go great with these beefy sliders. Robust red wines like Bordeaux or a heavier pinot noir also pair nicely with beef.

If you plan to serve these sliders at a party, try serving with potato skins or spinach and artichoke dip. For a full-comfort, family-style meal, pair these sliders with creamy baked Mac and cheese or garlic and herb mashed potatoes.

To bring in more fall flavor, a warming dessert like pumpkin pie or an old-fashioned apple crisp finish everything off with plenty of seasonal scrumptiousness. 

Slider buns filled with shredded beef.
Photo by: Brodie Porterfield

Crowd-Pleasing And Cost-Efficient

As far as satisfying a variety of people at a low price goes, these BBQ beef and cheddar sliders will not let you down. In our home, no slider goes to waste, and we love that this beef can be eaten for several meals. 

Beautiful cuts of beef like a pot roast may not be part of your everyday budget, but when you add this delicious beef to sandwiches, tacos, or as a topping for pasta, they stretch a little farther and give you more bang for your buck. 

In one week, you could eat five different meals using one savory chuck roast.

Give these sliders a try, and they will become one of your family’s favorites for full-flavored comfort and satisfaction.

Slow-Cooker BBQ Beef and Cheddar Sliders
Yield: 24

Slow-Cooker BBQ Beef and Cheddar Sliders

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours
Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes

BBQ beef and cheddar sliders introduce the warmth of fall food in a few small bites, making them perfect for transitional weather.

Ingredients

  • Chuck roast
  • 1 cup of beer
  • 1 can of chipotle peppers in adobo
  • 1/2 of a yellow onion
  • 1/4 cup of Lime juice
  • Juice of one whole orange
  • 1/2 TBSP Minced garlic
  • 1/2 TBSP Steak seasoning with lime (plus more to sprinkle in the crockpot.)
  • 1/2 TBSP Tajin seasoning (plus more to sprinkle in the crockpot.)
  • 1/4 TBSP Smoked Paprika (plus more to sprinkle in the crockpot.)
  • 1/4 TBSP Cumin (plus more to sprinkle in the crockpot.)
  • Salt (to taste)
  • Pepper (to taste)
  • Dinner Rolls
  • Cheddar (I used smoked cheddar)

Instructions

  1. Use a sharp knife to cut your chuck roast into four evenly-sized pieces.
  2. After quartering your beef, rub steak seasoning with lime, tajin seasoning, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper all over the meat.
  3. Add beef to a sizzling, hot cast iron on the stove, and sear all sides of the beef.
  4. Once seared, add beef, 1/2 of onion (chopped), and garlic to the crockpot with remaining spices, beer, lime juice, juice of an orange to the crockpot.
  5. Add Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to a blender or food processor and blend for about 30 seconds. ( Some lumps will remain, but those will break down more in the cooking process.)
  6. Add blended chipotle peppers to the crockpot.
  7. Add seasoning to crockpot and stir.
  8. Set crockpot to slow cook for 8-10 hours.
  9. When the beef is fully cooked, remove it from the crockpot and shred it.
  10. Toast buns in the oven if desired and shred cheese over the buns. (It should melt into the hot beef and buns.)
  11. Add your shredded beef to the buns. Serve with a small bowl of the sauces remaining in the crockpot (for dipping).
  12. Enjoy!

Did you try this tutorial??

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Pinterest image of BBQ Beef and Cheddar Sliders.

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