Here is a super easy, crowd-pleasing recipe for 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Independence Sliders. These are perfect for the 4th of July, game day, or any potluck because you can feed a crowd with almost zero effort.
(Note: This recipe uses a “Dump and Go” method, meaning you can put the frozen meat in raw. However, if you have the time, searing the meat first adds a little extra flavor.)
Why you’ll love it:
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Only 4 Ingredients: Unbelievably cheap and simple.
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Feeds a Crowd: Makes 12 full sliders.
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Foolproof: The slow cooker keeps the meat moist and juicy.
Ingredients
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1 (3 to 4 lb) frozen beef roast (Chuck roast works best, but rump or bottom round works too)
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1 packet (1 oz) dry onion soup mix (e.g., Lipton)
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1 bottle (18 oz) BBQ sauce (Use your favorite brand; Sweet Baby Ray’s or a hickory smoke flavor works great. You can also use 1 cup of regular BBQ and 1/2 cup of a spicy one for a kick.)
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12 slider buns (Hawaiian sweet rolls are highly recommended for that sweet/savory contrast)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Base:
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Spray the inside of your slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray (optional, but makes cleanup easier).
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Place the frozen beef roast into the bottom of the slow cooker.
2. Add the Sauces:
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Sprinkle the packet of dry onion soup mix evenly over the top of the frozen roast.
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Pour the entire bottle of BBQ sauce over the top. Do not add any water.
3. Cook:
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Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 8–10 hours (or HIGH for 4–6 hours).
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The roast is ready when it literally falls apart when you touch it with a fork.
4. Shred the Meat:
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Carefully remove the cooked roast from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board or in a large bowl.
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Using two forks, shred the beef. It should pull apart effortlessly. Discard any large chunks of solid fat.
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Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker and stir it into the sauce/au jus mixture until it is fully coated.
5. Assemble the Sliders:
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Place a generous scoop of the shredded BBQ beef onto the bottom half of a slider bun. Top with the top bun.
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Optional but recommended: If you want to mimic the feel of a BBQ joint, lightly butter the tops of the buns and toast them in the oven for 2-3 minutes before adding the meat.
Serve immediately.
Variations & Tips
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The “Independence” Twist: For a red, white, and blue theme on the 4th of July, serve these with a side of blue corn chips and a red, white, and blue fruit salad (strawberries, blueberries, and marshmallows).
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Cheeseburger Sliders: Instead of (or in addition to) BBQ sauce, skip it entirely and use a can of condensed French Onion soup. Once shredded, melt provolone cheese on top of the meat before placing it on the bun.
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The “Extra” Ingredient: If you decide to break the 4-ingredient rule, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a tablespoon of brown sugar to the pot before cooking for an even deeper flavor.
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Serving a large crowd? Stretch the meat by adding a splash of beef broth at the end. This creates more “juice” for the meat to soak in, making it go further without drying out.