12 Must-Make Slow Cooker BBQ Recipes That Rival Grill-Cooked Fare (2024)

FAQs

What to slow cook on the BBQ? ›

Some of our favorite low and slow recipes include smoked brisket, prime rib, and pork butt. These are excellent cuts of meat for smoking and low and slow BBQ cooking.

If you want to be the master of your gas grill, there are a few things to try. Larger fattier cuts of meat like beef briskets, pork shoulders or butts, and ribs are great for the low-and-slow method. Because barbecuing relies on indirect heat, you need to allow plenty of room for the smoke to penetrate the meat.

Will BBQ Sauce Burn in an Instant Pot or Slow Cooker? No, BBQ sauce won't burn in an instant pot or slow cooker, as long as there's enough liquid in the pot. However, if you're using a high-sugar BBQ sauce, you may want to add a little extra liquid to prevent burning.

Different cuts of meat require different cooking times and temperatures, so it's important to choose the right cut for the job. For example, pork shoulder and beef brisket are great options for slow cooking, while leaner cuts like chicken breasts may dry out if cooked for too long.

Brisket is the holy grail of smoking. Everyone from competitive cooks to dedicated pit masters and barbecue enthusiasts agree that beef brisket is the hardest meat to get right. Since it's lean and doesn't have as much fat content, it has to be cooked just right to transform it into a tender piece of smoked meat.

Grilling Filet Mignon

Black Angus filet mignon is the most tender cut of beef used for steaks. It comes from the smaller end of the tenderloin and should be well-marbled. You can grill it or cook it in a skillet and is best served blue rare or rare.

Tender cuts from the back (loin) region are quick-cooking cuts. These are cuts like ribeye, sirloin, strip steak, pork chops, and tenderloin. These cuts don't need much cooking to make them taste awesome.

In a small prep bowl, add 2 tbsp water to 1 tbsp cornstarch and mix until smooth. Add cornstarch mixture to BBQ sauce in pot, whisking until well integrated. Continue to whisk until sauce thickens slightly. (Repeat cornstarch process for thicker sauce.)

If you prefer a thicker consistency, add small amounts of cornstarch or flour mixed with water until you reach the desired texture. Don't be afraid to experiment with spices and flavors as well, as they can greatly enhance the taste of your BBQ sauce.

In a cooking pan, cook equal parts unsalted butter and all-purpose flour, stirring constantly with wooden spatula to break up lumps in the flour, until mixture thickens. Then add the roux to your already simmering sauce in the slow cooker.

What is the 321 rule BBQ? ›

The 3-2-1 Method refers to the technique used to cook ribs low and slow so that they develop flavour without drying out. First, the ribs are smoked at a low temperature for 3 hours. They're then wrapped in foil and steamed for 2 hours. Finally, they're brushed with a sauce or glaze and grilled for 1 more hour.

Weber Genesis E-325s 3-Burner Gas Grill

You'll find Weber grills of all types atop our lists of bests; the brand is well-known for its popular grills, and it lives up to its reputation. The Weber Genesis E-325s got rave reviews in our gas grill tests) for its large capacity and precision temperature control.

Ribs. Ribs are a classic BBQ food and are perfect for Low and Slow BBQ. There are several types of ribs, including baby back ribs, spare ribs, and beef ribs.

Choose the right cut: Chuck roasts, short ribs, pork shoulders and lamb shanks (think fatty and tougher meats) become meltingly tender with the moist, low heat of a slow cooker. Leaner cuts like pork tenderloin tend to dry out. Likewise, dark meat chicken — thighs, drumsticks, etc.

If you are barbecuing for the first time, a good place to start is conquering low and slow cooking. Beef brisket, pulled pork/pork shoulder, pork ribs, beef ribs, and more are cooked using low and slow technique to make them all a reality!