5 Must-Try BBQ Crock Pot Recipes

Are you a fan of BBQ flavors but don't want to fire up the grill? Slow cooking can infuse your meals with that delicious, smoky taste right from your kitchen. Crock pots are incredibly versatile, allowing you to cook low and slow, ensuring your food is tender, juicy, and infused with rich flavors. Here are five must-try BBQ crock pot recipes that are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare.

BBQ Pulled Pork

Nothing says BBQ like a good pulled pork sandwich. Here's how you can make it in your crock pot:

• Ingredients:
  • 3 lbs pork shoulder
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tsp chili powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 onion, chopped
• Instructions:
  1. Season the pork shoulder with salt, pepper, and chili powder. Place it into the crock pot.
  2. Add the chopped onion, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce over the pork.
  3. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or until the meat easily falls apart.
  4. Remove the pork, shred it using two forks, and mix back with the juices in the pot.

🔥 Note: For extra BBQ flavor, you can add a few drops of liquid smoke to the sauce before cooking.

BBQ Ribs

Get restaurant-quality ribs with the ease of slow cooking:

• Ingredients:
  • 2 racks of pork ribs
  • 2 cups of your favorite BBQ sauce
  • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Instructions:
  1. Season the ribs with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
  2. Mix BBQ sauce, vinegar, and brown sugar in a bowl.
  3. Coat the ribs with half of the sauce mixture, place them in the crock pot, and pour over the rest of the sauce.
  4. Cook on low for 7-9 hours, or until the meat is tender.

🍖 Note: For an extra touch, brush ribs with additional sauce and broil for 3-5 minutes to caramelize the sauce.

Smoky BBQ Beef Brisket

Amazing for feeding a crowd or for meal prepping:

• Ingredients:
  • 3-4 lbs beef brisket
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 2 cups BBQ sauce
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp liquid smoke
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Instructions:
  1. Season the brisket generously with salt and pepper.
  2. Place onion and garlic at the bottom of the crock pot, then lay the brisket on top.
  3. Mix beef broth, BBQ sauce, and liquid smoke, then pour over the brisket.
  4. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or until the meat is fork-tender.
  5. Remove brisket, slice, and serve with the juices from the pot.

BBQ Chicken Wings

Perfect for parties or a casual dinner:

• Ingredients:
  • 3 lbs chicken wings
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp ginger, grated
• Instructions:
  1. Mix BBQ sauce, honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger.
  2. Place wings in the crock pot and pour over the sauce mixture.
  3. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
  4. Broil in the oven for a few minutes if you want them crispy.

Veggie BBQ Skewers

For those who prefer vegetarian options or just want a different spin on BBQ:

• Ingredients:
  • Assorted vegetables (bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, zucchini, etc.)
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Instructions:
  1. Thread vegetables onto skewers.
  2. In a bowl, mix BBQ sauce, olive oil, vinegar, brown sugar, salt, and pepper.
  3. Brush the skewers with the sauce mixture.
  4. Cook on low for 2-3 hours or until vegetables are tender. Baste occasionally.

These BBQ crock pot recipes offer an excellent way to enjoy BBQ flavors with minimal effort. They are perfect for when you're craving something hearty and flavorful but want to keep things easy. Each recipe allows for plenty of customization with different BBQ sauces or seasonings, giving you the flexibility to adapt the dishes to your taste. Enjoy your slow-cooked BBQ meals!

Can I use a different type of meat in these recipes?

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Yes, you can substitute with beef, pork, chicken, or even turkey based on your dietary preferences or availability. Adjust cooking times accordingly as different meats have different cooking times.

What if I don’t have a BBQ sauce?

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You can make your own BBQ sauce by mixing ingredients like ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and spices to your taste. Many store-bought sauces have their own homemade versions available online.

How do I store leftovers?

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Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or freeze them for up to 2 months. When reheating, you might want to add a splash of broth or BBQ sauce to keep it moist.

Can these recipes be made in an Instant Pot?

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Yes, you can adapt these recipes for an Instant Pot. Cooking times will be significantly shorter; typically, you’d use the meat/stew setting for most of these dishes and adjust as needed.

What sides go well with these BBQ recipes?

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Classic BBQ sides like coleslaw, potato salad, cornbread, baked beans, or grilled vegetables complement these dishes wonderfully. For something lighter, a simple green salad can also work.