Wildfire BBQ is a delicious recipe pairing smoky, slow-cooked beef with the tangy sweetness of Bob Evans® Wildfire BBQ Sauce and apricot preserves. This simple recipe, ideal for no-fuss meals or casual entertaining, results in tender, shredded beef in heaps of soft buns — a true crowd-pleaser for any occasion. An homage to American barbecue traditions, this low-and-slow meal is easy to make and entirely rewarding.
In this mega-post, we’ll discuss the recipe (suitable for 8 servings, with ingredient amounts for 2 as well), ingredient benefits, prep techniques, serving ideas, variations, ingredient selection and storage tips, drink and side pairings, and the best time to enjoy this Wildfire BBQ dish.
Wildfire BBQ
Equipment
- 1 Slow Cooker 6-quart recommended
- 2 Forks For shredding beef
- 1 Knife For trimming beef fat
- 1 Mixing Bowl For sauce mixture
- 1 Cutting board To shred beef
Ingredients
- 3 pounds Chuck Roast or Round Steak Trim excess fat
- 1 small Onion Thinly sliced
- 1 cup Bob Evans® Wildfire BBQ Sauce
- 0.5 cup Apricot Preserves Reduced sugar if possible
- 2 tbsp Dijon Mustard
- 12 rolls Buns Whole-grain or brioche
Instructions
- Trim fat from beef and thinly slice onion.
- Add beef and onion to cooker. In a bowl, mix BBQ sauce, apricot preserves, and mustard. Pour over beef.
- Cover and cook on low for 8–10 hours until beef is fork-tender.
- Remove meat, shred with forks, return to slow cooker and mix with sauce.
- Serve shredded beef on buns with optional extra sauce.
Notes
Serving Ideas
- Serve with coleslaw, baked beans, or a green salad.
- Make sliders with pickles.
- Use as taco filling with cheese and avocado.
Variations
- Add chili powder for spice.
- More preserves = sweeter.
- Oven method: Dutch oven at 275°F for 4–5 hours.
Health Benefits of Wildfire BBQ Beef on Buns Ingredients
Each ingredient contributes to both flavor and nutrition:
- Chuck Roast or Round Steak: A protein powerhouse essential for muscle repair, it also provides iron for oxygen transport and zinc for immune health. Choose lean cuts to reduce saturated fat.
- Onion: Rich in quercetin and sulfur compounds, onions support heart health, reduce inflammation, and may boost immunity.
- Bob Evans® Wildfire BBQ Sauce: While high in sugar and sodium, BBQ sauce contains lycopene from tomatoes (an antioxidant), and small amounts of vitamins from spices.
- Apricot Preserves: Provide vitamin C and natural sweetness; best used in moderation due to sugar content.
- Dijon Mustard: Mustard seeds offer antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids, which may help reduce inflammation and support heart health.
- Rolls or Buns: A source of carbs for energy. Choose whole-grain or whole-wheat for fiber and improved blood sugar control.
This wildfire bbq sauce recipe is protein-rich, moderately high in carbs, and brings in beneficial micronutrients — just keep sauce and preserves in balance.
Serving Ideas and Variations
Wildfire BBQ is versatile and pairs well with many side dishes and formats:
Serving Ideas:
- Classic BBQ Plate: Serve with coleslaw, baked beans, and potato salad for a traditional combo.
- Light and Fresh: Pair with a green salad and grilled corn on the cob.
- Sliders: Use mini buns for bite-sized portions topped with pickles or jalapeños.
- Tacos: Skip the buns and go for soft tortillas with shredded lettuce, cheese, and avocado.
Variations:
- Spicy Kick: Add 1 teaspoon of chili powder or hot sauce to the mix.
- Sweeter Profile: Increase apricot preserves to ¾ cup for added fruitiness.
- Mustard Boost: Double the Dijon for extra tang.
- Oven Option: No slow cooker? Use a Dutch oven at 275°F (135°C) for 4–5 hours until fork-tender.
Tips on Ingredient Selection and Storage
To make the most of each component:
- Chuck Roast or Round Steak:
- Selection: Thick-sliced chuck has great fat content; round steak is leaner. Grass-fed beef adds nutrition.
- Storage: Refrigerate up to 4 days; freeze up to 6 months. Cooked beef lasts 3–4 days in the fridge.
- Onion:
- Choose: Firm, unblemished onions.
- Store: Cool, dry place for 1–2 months.
- Bob Evans® Wildfire BBQ Sauce:
- Choice: Known for its sweet-smoky flavor. You can also use a low-sugar substitute.
- Storage: Cool, dry pantry; refrigerate after opening and use within 1–2 months.
- Apricot Preserves:
- Choose: Reduced sugar versions or homemade with fresh apricots.
- Store: Refrigerate after opening; good for 6 months.
- Dijon Mustard:
- Choose: Bold and tangy flavor.
- Store: Refrigerate after opening; best used within 6–12 months.
- Rolls or Buns:
- Selection: Choose soft whole-grain or brioche buns for texture and nutrition.
- Storage: 3–5 days at room temp; freeze up to 3 months.
Beverage Pairings
What beverages go with Wildfire BBQ?
Non-Alcoholic:
- Sweet Iced Tea: A classic Southern pairing with the sauce’s sweetness.
- Lemonade: The citrus balances the richness.
- Seltzer with Lime: A light, low-calorie refresher.
Alcoholic:
- Beer: A lager or amber ale complements the smoky beef.
- Red Wine: Full-bodied Zinfandel or Cabernet Sauvignon pairs well with bold flavors.
- Cocktail: A whiskey sour or bourbon cocktail mirrors the depth of the beef and BBQ sauce.
Best Time of Day to Enjoy
Wildfire BBQ is flexible:
- Lunch: With protein and carbs, this dish keeps energy steady throughout the afternoon. Add a light salad for balance.
- Dinner: Perfect for casual entertaining or game night, and the slow cooker lets you prep it ahead.
- Seasonal Use: A fall/winter comfort food that also shines at summer cookouts — a true year-round Wildfire BBQ favorite.
Conclusion
Wildfire BBQ is a go-to slow-cooker meal that delivers rich, smoky flavor with minimal effort. It blends the protein of beef with the sweet-tangy balance of wildfire bbq sauce and preserves, rounded out by soft buns and crisp toppings. With room to personalize and a crowd-pleasing presentation, it’s the kind of dish that earns a permanent spot on your recipe list.
Whether it’s raining or shining, summer or winter, weekday or weekend — this is barbecue done right, made simple.
