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A vertical, close-up shot of a black slow cooker filled with bite-sized beef burnt ends. The cubes of meat are coated in a thick, glistening dark-brown BBQ glaze and garnished with fresh, bright green sliced onions. The background shows the rim of a stainless steel slow cooker.

Slow Cooker BBQ Burnt Ends

These "meat candy" burnt ends are the ultimate indulgence for BBQ lovers. Made from tender beef brisket or pork shoulder cubes, they are slow-cooked until they reach a melt-in-your-mouth texture and then glazed in a sticky, sweet, and smoky barbecue sauce. Finished with a quick caramelization, these bites are perfect for game day or a backyard feast.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 7 hours
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 3 lbs beef brisket or pork shoulder, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
  • 2 tbsp BBQ dry rub your favorite blend
  • 1 cup barbecue sauce
  • 1/4 cup honey or brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 cup beef broth
  • 2 tbsp butter melted
  • Sliced green onions for garnish

Method
 

  1. Season the meat cubes generously on all sides with the BBQ dry rub.
  2. Place the seasoned cubes into a 6-quart slow cooker.
  3. Pour the beef broth around the base of the meat.
  4. Cover and cook on the LOW setting for 6 to 7 hours (or HIGH for 3 to 4 hours) until the meat is tender but not falling apart.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, honey (or brown sugar), and apple cider vinegar.
  6. Drain most of the liquid from the slow cooker, leaving just a splash.
  7. Pour the sauce mixture and melted butter over the meat cubes and toss gently to coat.
  8. Optional: For a true "burnt end" texture, transfer the glazed cubes to a baking sheet and broil for 3-5 minutes until the edges are crispy and caramelized.
  9. Return to the slow cooker to keep warm or serve immediately.
  10. Garnish with fresh green onions.