Description
Smoked BBQ Beef Sliders feature tender, flavorful chuck roast slow-smoked and braised in a sweet and tangy cola-BBQ sauce mixture, topped with rich provolone cheese and sweetly caramelized onions, all served on soft Hawaiian rolls. This recipe combines smoky barbecue goodness with the perfect balance of savory and sweet, ideal for gatherings and casual meals.
Ingredients
Beef and Seasoning
- 1 chuck roast (2-3 lbs.)
- 2 Tbsp. beef seasoning
- 1 tsp salt (for onions)
Sliders Components
- 1 12-pack of Hawaiian rolls
- 6 slices provolone cheese
Sauce and Braising Liquid
- 12 oz. can of cola (Coke or Dr Pepper)
- 1 1/2 cups BBQ sauce
Caramelized Onions
- 3 onions, sliced
- 1/4 cup butter
Instructions
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to 250°F using indirect heat and add oak and cherry wood chunks or chips to create smoke. This smoking step will infuse the beef with rich flavor over time.
- Season and Smoke the Chuck Roast: Rub the chuck roast all over with your chosen beef seasoning. Place it on the preheated grill in the indirect heat zone, smoking the meat for 3 hours to develop a deep smoky crust.
- Braise the Beef: In a foil pan or Dutch oven, combine the BBQ sauce and cola. Place the smoked chuck roast inside, cover tightly with foil or the Dutch oven lid, and braise on the grill until the internal temperature reaches 205-210°F, about 2-3 more hours. This slow cooking breaks down the connective tissue, making the beef tender and juicy.
- Caramelize Onions: During the last hour of braising, melt butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sprinkle with salt. Cook for 5 minutes at medium heat, then reduce to medium-low and simmer for 45-50 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are brown, sweet, and translucent.
- Assemble the Sliders: Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally. Layer the bottom halves with shredded braised beef, caramelized onions, and provolone cheese slices. Top with the roll upper halves to form sliders.
- Heat the Sliders: Place the assembled sliders on an oven-safe or grill-safe tray. Bake or grill at 350°F for 10 minutes to melt the cheese and warm the sliders through.
- Serve: Remove the sliders from heat and serve immediately while warm and flavorful.
Notes
- Smoking the beef low and slow is key to deep flavor; woods like oak and cherry provide a balanced smoke profile.
- The combination of cola and BBQ sauce for braising adds sweetness, acidity, and moisture to the beef.
- Caramelized onions add sweetness and texture, enhancing the overall slider experience.
- Use fresh Hawaiian rolls for their soft, slightly sweet texture complementing the savory beef.
- These sliders are perfect for parties or casual get-togethers and can be made ahead by preparing the beef and onions in advance.