Easy Slow Cooker BBQ Shredded Beef

Method

1. 1

   Step 1: Put all the barbecue sauce ingredients in the slow cooker and whisk to combine.

   
2. 2

   Step 2: Mix the rub ingredients together in a medium bowl. Dredge the beef steaks in the rub to coat both sides.

3. 3

   Step 3: Heat half the oil in a large non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Brown 2 steaks for 1 to 1½ minutes on each side, until deep golden, taking care not to burn the spice rub. Transfer them to the slow cooker. Wipe any black bits from the pan, heat the remaining oil, and repeat with the remaining 2 steaks.

   
4. 4

   Step 4: Add the beer to the pan and let it simmer rapidly for about 3 minutes, scraping the base as it reduces to about ¼ cup. Pour it into the slow cooker.

5. 5

   Step 5: Arrange the beef so each piece is as submerged in the sauce as possible. Cook on low for 10 hours, until the beef is tender enough to shred easily.

   
6. 6

   Step 6: Remove the beef to a pan and shred it with 2 forks.

   
7. 7

   Step 7: Pour the slow-cooker sauce into a pot or large deep frying pan. Simmer over medium-high heat for 15 to 20 minutes, until it thickens to a barbecue-sauce consistency. Stir regularly toward the end and lower the heat if it starts to splutter aggressively.

8. 8

   Step 8: Pour about one third to one half of the sauce over the beef and toss to coat. Use enough to moisten and flavor the beef without making it soggy.

   
9. 9

   Step 9: Serve the beef with the remaining barbecue sauce. Use it in sliders or sandwiches, serve it with cornbread, macaroni and cheese, and corn on the cob, or stuff it into baked potatoes.