BBQ Beef and Bacon Sandwich: A Smoky, Meaty Delight

Written by Sarah Gardner
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Nothing hits the spot quite like a BBQ beef and bacon sandwich. This is the ultimate comfort food—tender, smoky beef smothered in barbecue sauce, crispy bacon for crunch, and melty cheese all packed into a toasted bun. It’s the kind of messy, juicy, flavor-packed sandwich that demands extra napkins. Perfect for game days, cookouts, or when you just need something undeniably satisfying.

BBQ Beef and Bacon sandwich PIN IT

BBQ Beef and Bacon Sandwich

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 10 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Equipment

  • Slow cooker or Dutch oven
  • Skillet
  • Tongs
  • Cutting board
  • Knife

Ingredients
  

For the beef

  • 1 ½ lbs chuck roast or brisket, trimmed
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce your favorite brand
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp salt

For the sandwich

  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon
  • 4 sandwich buns brioche or potato rolls work great
  • 4 slices cheddar or pepper jack cheese
  • ½ cup crispy fried onions optional
  • Butter for toasting

Instructions
 

Cook the Beef

  1. Place the chuck roast in a slow cooker or Dutch oven.
  2. Mix the beef broth, BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Pour over the beef.
  3. Slow Cooker: Cook on low for 6 hours until the beef is fork-tender.
  4. Dutch Oven: Cook covered at 300°F for about 3 ½ hours.
    raw chuck roast sits in the center of a slow cooker PIN IT

Crisp the Bacon

  1. While the beef is cooking, fry bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy.
  2. Drain on paper towels and set aside.
    bacon sizzling in a black cast-iron skillet with a handle PIN IT

Shred the Beef

  1. Once cooked, remove the beef from the pot and shred it with two forks. Mix it back into the sauce.

Toast the Buns

  1. Butter the insides of the buns and toast them in a skillet until golden brown.

Assemble the Sandwich

  1. Pile shredded BBQ beef onto the toasted buns.
  2. Add a slice of cheese while the beef is hot so it melts.
  3. Top with crispy bacon and fried onions (if using).
  4. Cap it off with the top bun and serve hot!

Pairings

This sandwich goes great with:

  • Coleslaw – A tangy, crunchy contrast to the rich BBQ.
  • Sweet Potato Fries – A little sweetness to balance the smoky flavors.
  • Pickles – That acidic crunch makes everything pop.
  • Cold Beer – A crisp lager or smoky stout pairs beautifully.

FAQs

1. What’s the best cut of beef for this?

Chuck roast is ideal because it gets super tender when slow-cooked, but brisket or short ribs also work.

2. Can I use store-bought BBQ sauce?

Absolutely! Go for a smoky or spicy BBQ sauce for extra flavor.

3. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! The shredded beef keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days and freezes for up to 3 months.

4. What’s the best type of bacon?

Thick-cut, smoky bacon works best for that crispy bite against the tender beef.

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