Easy Instant Pot BBQ Shredded Beef Recipe

Easy Instant Pot BBQ Shredded Beef Recipe

This BBQ Shredded Beef recipe features tender, flavorful beef cooked to perfection with a homemade spice blend and rich BBQ sauce. Utilizing either an Instant Pot or slow cooker, the beef becomes wonderfully juicy and easy to shred, perfect for sandwiches served on soft buns. A hearty meal ideal for gatherings or casual dinners.

CourseMain Course
CuisineAmerican
KeywordBBQ shredded beef, chuck roast BBQ, Instant Pot shredded beef, slow cooker BBQ beef, BBQ beef sandwiches, easy BBQ recipe, shredded beef recipe, Instant Pot
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time70 minutes
Total Time90 minutes
Servings8 servings

Ingredients

Beef and Spice Mix

  • 4 pound boneless chuck roast
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

Liquids and Sauce

  • 1/2 cup beef stock
  • 18 ounces BBQ sauce, storebought or homemade

Serving

  • 8 count sandwich buns, optional

Instructions

  1. Cut your boneless chuck roast into 2 inch chunks and remove any large pieces of fat or connective tissue. Place the beef chunks into a medium-sized mixing bowl.
  2. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and ground black pepper.
  3. Sprinkle the brown sugar spice mix over the cubed beef and toss thoroughly to coat all pieces evenly with the spice blend.
  4. Place the seasoned beef into the Instant Pot and pour in the beef stock. Secure the lid and ensure the vent is set to ‘sealed.’ Set the Instant Pot to manual high pressure for 50 minutes.
  5. After cooking, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 10 minutes, then carefully switch the vent to ‘venting’ to release any remaining steam. Remove the lid carefully once pressure is fully released.
  6. Transfer the beef to a large plate or cutting board and shred the meat using two forks.
  7. Save 1 cup of cooking liquid from the pot and discard the rest.
  8. Return the shredded beef to the pot along with the BBQ sauce, stirring to combine. Thin with reserved stock if desired to reach preferred consistency. Keep warm until serving.
  9. Serve the BBQ shredded beef on sandwich buns for delicious sandwiches.
  10. Place seasoned beef and beef stock into the slow cooker. Cover and cook on High for 4 hours or Low for 8 hours. Remove and shred beef, reserving 1 cup of liquid. Stir in BBQ sauce, thin with reserved stock if needed, and serve on buns.

Notes

  • Natural pressure release in the Instant Pot helps the beef finish cooking gently and keeps it tender.
  • Always be cautious when venting steam from the Instant Pot; keep hands and face clear of the hot steam.
  • If you prefer a quicker pressure release, use the venting position carefully understanding the steam will be very hot.
  • You can use storebought BBQ sauce or homemade for best flavor customization.
  • Adjust thickness of BBQ beef by adding reserved beef stock as needed.
  • Removing excess fat and connective tissue before cooking helps improve texture and flavor.

Easy Instant Pot BBQ Shredded Beef Recipe https://linadinner.com/easy-instant-pot-bbq-shredded-beef-recipe/ April 11, 2026