This pulled beef sandwich is a hearty treat! Slow-cooked beef, all tender and juicy, is piled high on a soft bun. It’s seasoned to perfection for extra flavor.
I love throwing on some tangy BBQ sauce and topping it with crunchy coleslaw. It’s like a party in your mouth! Perfect for game day or a cozy dinner at home.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck Roast: This cut is perfect for slow cooking since it gets really tender. You could swap it for brisket or even pork shoulder if you prefer pork.
Barbecue Sauce: Use your favorite barbecue sauce for a flavor you love! Homemade sauce works great, and you can adjust the sweetness or smokiness to your taste.
Onion and Garlic: Chopped onions add moisture and sweetness, while garlic gives a nice punch of flavor. If you’re out of onions, shallots make a good substitute, and you can reduce garlic if you’re sensitive to it.
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar is classic, but feel free to use Monterey Jack or a spicy Pepper Jack for an extra kick!
Buns: Brioche buns are wonderfully soft, but any sturdy sandwich buns will work. Whole wheat or gluten-free buns are good alternatives if you’re looking for something different.
How Do I Properly Shred Cooked Beef Without Making a Mess?
Shredding beef can be messy if you’re not careful, but here’s how to do it right:
- After cooking, let the beef rest for a few minutes. This helps lock in juices.
- Using two forks, hold the beef steady with one fork while you pull and shred with the other. Start at one end and work your way down.
- For easier shredding, you can also use your hands if you let the beef cool slightly.
This technique helps create nice bite-sized pieces that mix well with the juices, ensuring each bite is flavorful!
How to Make Pulled Beef Sandwiches
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef:
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (plus more for serving)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Sandwiches:
- 4 sandwich buns (preferably brioche)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes for prep and 8 hours to cook in a slow cooker. After the cooking is done, you’ll need another 5 minutes to assemble the sandwiches and optional 5-7 minutes to melt the cheese. So, plan for an entire day but most of it is hands-off cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef:
Start by seasoning the beef chuck roast with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and cumin. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the roast on all sides until nicely browned, which should take about 3-4 minutes for each side. Once browned, remove the roast from the heat.
2. Slow Cook the Beef:
In your slow cooker, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and beef broth. Now, place the seared beef in the slow cooker on top of the veggies. Drizzle the barbecue sauce and Worcestershire sauce over the beef. Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 8 hours until the beef is super tender and can be easily shredded.
3. Shred the Beef:
Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the beef from the slow cooker and let it rest for a few minutes. Then, using two forks, shred the beef into bite-sized pieces. Mix the shredded beef back into the cooking juices in the slow cooker for extra flavor.
4. Toast the Buns:
While the beef is resting, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the sandwich buns in half and arrange them on a baking sheet. Toast them in the oven for about 5 minutes until they’re lightly golden and crisp.
5. Assemble the Sandwiches:
Take the bottom half of each toasted bun and pile a generous amount of pulled beef on it. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top, then drizzle a bit more barbecue sauce over the cheese. Place the top half of the bun on each sandwich to complete it!
6. Melt the Cheese (optional):
If you like your cheese extra melty, you can place the assembled sandwiches back in the oven for 5 to 7 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This step is optional, but oh-so-delicious!
7. Serve:
Serve those pulled beef sandwiches warm, and don’t forget to have extra barbecue sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy every bite!
This recipe highlights juicy, tender shredded beef packed with barbecue goodness, all topped with melty cheese and served on soft buns. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef?
Absolutely! While beef chuck roast is ideal for its tenderness after slow cooking, you can also use brisket or even pork shoulder as alternatives. Just adjust the cooking time if needed, especially for thinner cuts, which may cook faster.
Can I Make This Recipe in Advance?
Yes, you can! Prepare the pulled beef up to 2 days ahead of time. Keep it stored in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of beef broth to moisten it.
How to Store Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. For reheating, thaw frozen leftovers in the fridge overnight, then warm on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.
What Should I Serve with Pulled Beef Sandwiches?
These sandwiches pair well with sides like coleslaw, potato salad, or sweet potato fries. If you want a healthier option, a simple green salad would complement the rich flavors nicely!
