Description
These Honey Balsamic BBQ Beef Sandwiches feature tender, slow-cooked beef infused with smoky, tangy, and sweet flavors. Cooked either in an Instant Pot or slow cooker, the beef is shredded and combined with a rich honey balsamic BBQ sauce, perfect for flavorful sandwiches that serve 6 to 8 people.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef and Seasoning
- 3 to 4 pounds boneless beef sirloin roast or beef shoulder
- 1 teaspoon coarse kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Cooking Liquid
- 2 tablespoons liquid smoke
- 1 to 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Honey Balsamic BBQ Sauce
- 3/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 3/4 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/3 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- Season the Beef: Thoroughly season the boneless beef roast with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder to ensure the flavors penetrate the meat.
- Pressure Cook in Instant Pot (Optional): Cut the beef roast in half to fit into the Instant Pot. Add the beef, liquid smoke, and chicken broth. Seal and cook on high pressure for 60 minutes for tender, juicy results.
- Slow Cook (Optional): Place the seasoned beef, liquid smoke, and chicken broth into the slow cooker. Cook on low for 8-9 hours until the meat is tender enough to shred easily.
- Prepare the BBQ Sauce: In a saucepan, combine balsamic vinegar, BBQ sauce, honey, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer and stir occasionally until the sauce thickens and flavors meld.
- Shred and Combine: Remove the cooked beef and shred it finely using two forks. Mix the shredded beef into the prepared honey balsamic BBQ sauce, coating the meat evenly.
- Serve: Spoon the sauced beef onto sandwich buns. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Choose between Instant Pot or slow cooker methods based on your available time and equipment.
- Adjust the amount of chicken broth to keep the meat moist but not watery during cooking.
- For an extra smoky flavor, increase the liquid smoke slightly, but be cautious as it is potent.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth and adjust salt in the BBQ sauce if needed for dietary preferences.
- These sandwiches pair well with coleslaw or pickled vegetables on the side.