3-Ingredient Sweet and Tangy BBQ Beef Sandwiches

Written by Sarah Gardner
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Some nights, you just need a meal that’s ridiculously easy but still delivers big on flavor. These 3-Ingredient Sweet and Tangy BBQ Beef Sandwiches are exactly that—tender, slow-cooked beef coated in a perfect mix of smoky BBQ sauce and zesty Italian dressing. The result? A mouthwatering combination of sweet, tangy, and savory goodness piled high on a soft sandwich bun. Whether you're feeding a crowd or just craving a no-fuss dinner, this one’s a winner!

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Sweet and Tangy BBQ Beef Sandwiches

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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 5 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6

Equipment

  • Slow cooker or Instant Pot
  • Forks for shredding
  • Mixing bowl
  • Sandwich buns

Ingredients
  

  • 3 lbs chuck roast
  • 1 ½ cups BBQ sauce your favorite brand
  • ½ cup Italian dressing

Instructions
 

  1. Place the chuck roast into the slow cooker.
  2. Pour the BBQ sauce and Italian dressing over the beef, making sure it’s well-coated.
    raw chuck roast sitting in the center of a black slow cooker PIN IT
  3. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours (or on high for 4–5 hours).
  4. Once cooked, shred the beef using two forks and mix it back into the sauce.
    chuck roast resting on a rustic wooden board PIN IT
  5. Load up your sandwich buns with the shredded BBQ beef and enjoy!

Pairings

  • Side Dish: Coleslaw, potato salad, or sweet potato fries
  • Drink: A crisp, cold beer or a tall glass of lemonade
  • Extras: Top with pickles, sliced red onions, or a slice of melty cheese for extra flavor

FAQs

1. Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes! Chuck roast is ideal because it’s well-marbled and gets super tender, but brisket or even a beef shoulder roast can work too.

2. Can I make this in an Instant Pot?

Absolutely! Cook on high pressure for 60 minutes, then let it naturally release for 10 minutes before shredding.

3. What kind of BBQ sauce should I use?

Go with what you love! A hickory-smoked or honey BBQ sauce pairs great with the Italian dressing. If you like it spicy, use a chipotle BBQ sauce for an extra kick.

4. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yep! Store the shredded beef in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months.

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