Short Description

Tender, slow-cooked beef bathed in Coca-Cola and smoky spices, then shredded and coated in tangy barbecue sauce for a melt-in-your-mouth pulled beef dish that’s perfect for sandwiches, sliders, or hearty plates.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Rich, deeply-flavored beef from long, slow cooking
  • Sweet and tangy sauce with the unique caramel flavor of cola
  • Easy dump-and-go prep that cooks all day
  • Perfectly shreddable meat elevated by smoky seasonings and barbecue sauce
  • Great for feeds parties, meal prep, or busy weeknight dinners

Crockpot Pulled Beef in Cola BBQ Sauce

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • 4–5 lb beef roast (chuck or similar cut)
  • 2 tsp garlic (dehydrated or minced)
  • 2 tsp onion (dehydrated or minced)
  • ¼ tsp ground black pepper
  • ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for heat tolerance)
  • 1 tsp liquid smoke
  • 1 liter Coca-Cola (or other cola brand)
  • 20 oz barbecue sauce

Directions

  1. Place the beef roast into a 5-quart (or larger) slow cooker.
  2. Sprinkle the garlic, onion, black pepper, and cayenne evenly over the meat. Pour in the liquid smoke.
  3. Pour the cola around (not over) the roast until it just covers the meat.
  4. Cover and set the slow cooker to Low. Cook for 8–10 hours until the beef is tender and shreddable.
  5. Carefully remove the beef to a serving platter. Trim away any fat or bones, then use two forks to shred it into thin strands.
  6. Transfer shredded beef back into the slow cooker (or a separate bowl) and add barbecue sauce. Toss well so the meat is fully coated.
  7. Serve warm on buns, sliders, over rice, or with sides like coleslaw and pickles.

Servings And Timing

  • Servings: Serves about 8–10, depending on portion size
  • Prep Time: ~10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8–10 hours on low
  • Total Time: ~8–10 hours

Variations

  • Spicy version: Use chipotle barbecue sauce or add a diced jalapeño to the slow cooker.
  • Honey cola twist: Replace half of the cola with root beer or add a spoonful of honey for richer sweetness.
  • Smoky rub: Add paprika, cumin, or chili powder to the spice mix.
  • Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free barbecue sauce and verify cola is GF-compliant.
  • Asian-style finish: Mix in hoisin sauce with the shredded beef instead of traditional BBQ sauce.

Storage/Reheating

  • To Store: Refrigerate cooled pulled beef in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • To Freeze: Freeze in portioned containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months.
  • To Reheat: Warm in a low oven covered with foil or simmer gently in a saucepan. Microwave in short bursts if needed—stirring frequently.

Crockpot Pulled Beef in Cola BBQ Sauce

FAQs

How Do I Choose The Right Cut of Beef?
Choose well-marbled cuts like chuck roast or brisket—they break down beautifully during low-and-slow cooking and yield tender, juicy shreds.

Can I Use Diet Cola?
Yes—diet cola works, though it may slightly alter sweetness and caramel notes. You can add a bit more sugar or honey if desired.

Why Is Liquid Smoke Included?
It adds enhanced smoky depth without needing a smoker—especially helpful when cooking indoors.

Is It Safe to Cook on High Instead of Low?
You can, but cooking on High typically takes 4–5 hours and might produce a slightly drier texture. Low heat yields optimal tenderness.

Can I Add Instant Pot or Other Slow Cooker Mixes?
Sure—feel free to toss in a sachet of onion soup mix, chili seasoning, or taco seasoning for flavor twists.

How Do I Prevent Dry Beef?
Make sure the meat stays submerged in cola during cooking, and avoid overcooking beyond 10 hours. Add a splash of water or extra BBQ sauce when reheating.

Can I Use This Beef in Tacos or Nachos?
Absolutely—pulled beef with or without barbecue sauce is perfect for tacos, nachos, burritos, or as a topping on loaded baked potatoes.

What’s The Best Way to Reheat to Avoid Dryness?
Reheat slowly over low heat with extra BBQ sauce or liquid. If microwaving, cover and stir halfway through to retain juice.

Can I Make the Sauce Separately?
Yes—you can shred the beef, drain the cooking liquid, then simmer the sauce separately before tossing it with the meat to intensify flavor.

What Sides Pair Best With Pulled Beef?
Classic pairings include coleslaw, cornbread, baked beans, roasted vegetables, or creamy mashed potatoes.

Conclusion

This pulled beef recipe delivers fall-apart, flavorful meat that practically cooks itself in the slow cooker. Between the sweet-tart cola, smoky spices, and tangy barbecue sauce, it offers perfect balance and versatility for sandwiches, sides, or family meals. Customize it with spices or sauces you love—and enjoy a hands-off, delicious comfort dish any time.

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Crockpot Pulled Beef in Cola BBQ Sauce

Crockpot Pulled Beef in Cola BBQ Sauce


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  • Author: Maggie
  • Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 8–10 servings
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Tender pulled beef slow-cooked in cola and smoky spices, then shredded and mixed with barbecue sauce for a rich, tangy, and versatile dish perfect for sandwiches or hearty dinners.


Ingredients

45 lb beef roast (chuck or similar cut)

2 tsp garlic (dehydrated or minced)

2 tsp onion (dehydrated or minced)

¼ tsp ground black pepper

¼ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

1 tsp liquid smoke

1 liter Coca-Cola (or other cola)

20 oz barbecue sauce


Instructions

  1. Place beef roast into a 5-quart or larger slow cooker.
  2. Sprinkle garlic, onion, black pepper, and cayenne over the meat. Add liquid smoke.
  3. Pour cola around the meat until just covered. Do not pour directly over the top.
  4. Cover and cook on Low for 8–10 hours until meat is tender and shreddable.
  5. Remove beef, trim fat or bone, and shred with two forks.
  6. Return shredded beef to slow cooker or bowl and toss with barbecue sauce.
  7. Serve warm on buns, sliders, or over rice with sides like coleslaw.

Notes

  • For a spicier version, add chipotle BBQ sauce or diced jalapeño.
  • Sub root beer or add honey for a sweeter twist.
  • Add paprika or cumin for smoky depth in the rub.
  • Use gluten-free BBQ sauce and cola if needed.
  • Mix in hoisin sauce for an Asian-style alternative.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 hours
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 sandwich portion
  • Calories: 390
  • Sugar: 22g
  • Sodium: 680mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg

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