Healthy Slower Cooker BBQ

A Little Bit About This Recipe:

This recipe was a gift to my wife and I for our wedding from our family friend, Cathy Noolner. We have only made a couple small changes to it to make it slightly healthier, but no less delicious. It is a wonderful and easy to make recipe and takes me back to my childhood with a taste that reminds me of sloppy joes. It is sure to please whatever sized crowd you have. For a slightly leaner BBQ, feel free to trade the chuck roast for another cut such as top round roast. Ketchup was swapped for tomato paste for a more natural and less sugary option with all of the same flavor. One of the great things about this recipe is it is very versatile. It can be served on a bun, over rice or potatoes, or by itself. It has a flavor that can go with many dishes and is only limited by your creativity. Give this delicious recipe a try and let us know what you think!

Utensils & Appliances Needed: 

  • 4 Quart Slow Cooker or Larger
  • Measuring Cups & Spoons
  • Forks for shredding and eating
  • 2 Medium Bowls
  • 1 Small Sauce Pan
  • Spoon/Whisk for Stirring

Ingredients: 

  • 2-2.5lb boneless chuck roast, trimmed or top round roast (leaner)
  • 2 Medium Onions, Chopped
  • 3/4 Cup Sugar-Free Cola
  • 1/4 Cup Worcestershire Sauce
  • 1 Tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 2 Cloves Garlic, Minced
  • 1 Teaspoon Beef Bouillon Granules (or 1 Bullion Cube smashed)
  • 1/2 Teaspoon Dry Mustard or Turmeric
  • 1/2 Teaspoon Chili Powder
  • 1/4 Teaspoon Ground Red Pepper or Paprika
  • 1/2 Cup Tomato Paste
  • 2 Teaspoons Olive or Canola Oil

Directions:

  1. Combine roast and chopped onions in a 4 quart slow coooker.
  2. Combine cola, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic, beef bouillon granules, dry mustard, chili powder, and ground red pepper in a medium bowl.
  3. Reserve 1/2 cup of this mixture in the refrigerator and add the remaining mixture over the roast and onions.
  4. Cook covered on high for 6 hours or until roast is very tender. Drain and shred roast and keep warm.
  5. Combine reserved 1/2 cup of cola mixture, tomato paste and olive/canola oil in a small sauce pan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly just until thoroughly heated.
  6. Pour over shredded roast and stir gently
  7. Serve by itself or on a bun.
  8. Enjoy 🙂

 

Nutrition Facts:

Left, Based on 2.5lbs of Chuck Roast, Serving Size ~4oz,

Right, Based on 2.5lbs Top Round Roast, Serving Size ~4oz