Description

This Strawberry BBQ Beef recipe gives classic barbecue a fruity twist with a homemade strawberry-infused BBQ sauce. The result is tender, juicy beef coated in a smoky, tangy-sweet sauce that’s perfect for sandwiches, rice bowls, or tacos. It’s easy to make in the slow cooker or oven and adds a fresh burst of flavor to comfort food.

Ingredients

For the Beef:

2.5 to 3 lbs chuck roast or brisket

Salt and black pepper, to taste

1 tbsp olive oil (for searing)

1/2 onion, sliced

3 cloves garlic, minced

For the Strawberry BBQ Sauce:

1 cup strawberries (fresh or frozen), hulled and chopped (or 1/2 cup strawberry jam)

1/2 cup ketchup

1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

3 tbsp brown sugar (adjust to taste)

2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

1 tbsp Dijon mustard

1 tsp smoked paprika

1/4 tsp chili flakes (optional, for heat)

Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

Make the strawberry BBQ sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine strawberries, ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, smoked paprika, and chili flakes. Simmer 10–15 minutes until strawberries soften and sauce thickens. Blend until smooth with an immersion blender and adjust sweetness or tang to taste. Set aside.
Prepare the beef: Season beef generously with salt and pepper. For added flavor, sear in a hot skillet with olive oil for 2–3 minutes per side until browned.
Set up for cooking: Place sliced onions and garlic in the bottom of a slow cooker or Dutch oven. Add the beef on top and pour half the BBQ sauce over it, reserving the rest.
Cook the beef:
- Slow Cooker: Cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours, until tender and easy to shred.
- Oven: Preheat to 325°F (160°C), cover, and cook for 3–4 hours until fork-tender.
Shred and finish: Remove beef, shred with two forks, and skim excess fat from juices. Toss shredded beef with reserved BBQ sauce until well coated.
Serve: Serve on buns, over rice or mashed potatoes, or in tacos. Garnish with fresh herbs, sliced strawberries, or pickled onions if desired.

Notes

Use frozen strawberries if fresh aren’t available; just simmer longer to reduce extra liquid.

For deeper flavor, add a splash of balsamic vinegar or honey to the sauce.

To make it spicier, use chipotle powder or hot sauce instead of chili flakes.

Shortcut: mix 1/2 cup strawberry jam with 1/2 cup store-bought BBQ sauce for a quick version.

Pairs beautifully with coleslaw, cornbread, or grilled veggies.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours (oven) or 8 hours (slow cooker)
Category: Main Dish
Method: Slow Cooker or Oven-Baked
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 portion
Calories: 410
Sugar: 13g
Sodium: 590mg
Fat: 23g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 36g
Cholesterol: 115mg