BBQ Beef Sliders

Looking for a Hawaiian roll slider that will WOW at your next gathering? These BBQ beef sliders combine the smoky flavor of a smoked chuck roast with a BBQ sauce and cola braise. Packed in a slider with caramelized onion and provolone cheese, these BBQ sliders have flavor for days!

Ingredients for Barbecue Beef Sliders

In order to make these flavorful BBQ beef sliders, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Chuck roast – Ideal cut of beef for slow cooking; typically ranges between 2-3 lbs.
• Hawaiian rolls – the sweet buns to place these sliders on, come in the perfect size
• BBQ sauce – brings a sweet, tangy flavor
• Cola – Soda is used for the braise, along with BBQ sauce
• Onion – goes through the caramelization process (with butter) to become the perfect topping
• Provolone cheese – smooth texture, mild flavor
• Beef seasoning – brings out the flavor of the beef for the sliders

Beef Sliders Video

Smoking the Chuck Roast for Barbecue Beef Sliders

The first step of making BBQ beef sliders is cook it low and slow, smoking the beef. As you begin to smoke the chuck roast, preheat the grill to 250 degrees over indirect heat. My favorite smoking wood to use with beef is oak. Add in a touch of cherry wood and it becomes the ideal blend IMO.

While the grill is coming up to temp, season the chuck roast on all sides and let rest until the grill reaches 250 degrees. This helps the seasonings to absorb into the meat, producing better flavor.

With the smoker up to temp, place the seasoned beef on the smoker and let cook for three hours. Spritzing once or twice with beef broth to prevent the outside of the chuck roast from drying out.

Braising the Beef for Shredded Beef Sliders

Now that the beef has been smoked for a few hours, we move this to a foil pan or Dutch oven to braise. Braising is when you cook something submerged in liquid ingredients that add to the flavor. In this case, we are using 1 1/2 cups of BBQ sauce and a 12 ounce can of cola. I say “cola” because I recommend a dark-colored soda like either Coke or Dr Pepper. Pour the BBQ sauce and soda braise into the pan and stir. Place your chuck roast in there, cover, and braise.

Braising should take another 2-3 hours or until internal temp reaches at least 203 degrees. If possible, let it reach between 205-210 degrees for easier shredding. Speaking of shredded beef, I prefer to pull the chuck roast out of the braise, shred on a cutting board, and placing back in the braise. I do this so I can shred easier and don’t splash liquid braise all over myself. Make sure to mix the BBQ shredded beef around in the braise to absorb that extra flavor.

How to Caramelize Onions

While the meat is braising, this is a perfect time to start cooking up the caramelized onions (see full recipe here).

Unlike sautéed onions which can take 5-10 minutes, the caramelization of onions takes about an hour. But don’t be intimidated by the time it takes because it is pretty easy to do.

Cut up three onions into slices and place in a skillet at medium heat with 1/4 tablespoon of butter and a teaspoon of salt. Start out by sautéing the onions for five minutes and then reduce to medium-low heat for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. During this time, the onions start to slowly become brown and translucent. This will provide the perfect flavor and texture for these barbecue beef sliders.

Putting the BBQ Sliders Together

With the beef shredded and the caramelized onions finished, it is time to assemble our sliders! I prefer to use Hawaiian rolls for these and they typically come in a 12-pack and baked together. Start by taking the Hawaiian rolls out of the packaging and slice in the middle of the pack, creating top and bottom portions.

Place slices of provolone cheese down to cover the bottom portion of the sliders. It usually takes me six slices to cover the bottom. If you prefer, you can place the cheese on top of the BBQ beef like done with these smoky ham and cheese sliders. Next, scoop your BBQ beef onto the buns and top with the caramelized onions. Put the top portion of the Hawaiian rolls on top and you can serve as-is. But…

Take the BBQ sliders on Hawaiian rolls to the next level by putting it back on the grill at 350 degrees for 10 minutes (indirect heat). This will toast the buns and help melt the cheese. I highly recommend doing this because the toasted buns and melty cheese make these even more delectable!

Other Slider Recipes

Smoked Ham and Cheese Sliders

Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders

Hawaiian Roll Cheesesteak Sliders

BBQ Sliders Recipe

Smoked BBQ Beef Sliders

Yield: 12 sliders

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 6 hours

Total Time: 5 minutes

Chuck roast with a smoky flavor, braised in BBQ sauce and cola. Served on a Hawaiian roll slider with provolone cheese and caramelized onions.

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Ingredients

• 1 chuck roast (2-3 lbs.)
• 1 12-pack of Hawaiian rolls
• 6 slices provolone cheese
• 2 Tbsp. seasoning
• 12 oz. can of cola (Coke or Dr Pepper)
• 1 1/2 Cups BBQ sauce
• 3 onions, sliced
• 1/4 Cup butter
• 1 tsp salt

Instructions

1. Preheat grill to 250 degrees over indirect heat with oak and cherry woods.
2. Season chuck roast with your favorite beef seasoning. Place on grill and smoke for three hours.
3. Pour BBQ sauce and cola into a foil pan or Dutch oven and place chuck roast inside. Cover with foil (or lid for Dutch oven) and braise until internal temp of meat reaches 205-210 degrees, which may take another 2-3 hours.
4. During the last hour of braising, caramelize onions by placing in large pan with butter and salt and cook at medium heat. After five minutes, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 45-50 minutes until brown and translucent.
5. Slice pack of Hawaiian rolls in half and place provolone cheese, shredded beef, and caramelized onions on top. Put on top half of buns.
6. Place on oven or grill-safe tray and cook at 350 degrees for 10 minutes. Remove and serve.

Notes

1. Sliders can be toasted in either the grill or oven.
2. Substitute pepper jack cheese for provolone for a little more kick.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 12 Serving Size: 1 slider
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 350Total Fat: 17gSaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 298mgCarbohydrates: 25gFiber: 1gSugar: 9gProtein: 28g

NOTE: Nutrition information isn't always accurate.