This pulled beef sandwich is packed with juicy, tender beef and a tasty BBQ sauce that makes your taste buds sing! It’s perfect for lunch or a casual dinner.
It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s super easy to make. I love piling on extra toppings like coleslaw. Trust me, it adds a nice crunch you won’t forget! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck Roast: This cut has a good amount of fat and connective tissue, making it perfect for slow cooking. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you can use brisket or a round roast, but cook it carefully to avoid dryness.
Barbecue Sauce: The type of barbecue sauce can greatly affect your flavor. I love using a smoky sauce for depth. If you want to keep it lighter, opt for a vinegar-based sauce. And, of course, you can make your own if you’re feeling adventurous!
Onion and Garlic: These are essential for building flavor in your dish. If you’re sensitive to these, shallots or even leeks can be good substitutes for a milder taste.
Smoked Paprika: This ingredient adds depth and that smoky flavor we all love. In a pinch, regular paprika mixed with a little cayenne for heat works well. If you prefer completely fresh flavors, you could also skip it.
How Do I Ensure Perfectly Shredded Beef?
Shredding the beef might seem simple, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Make sure to cook the beef long enough so it’s tender enough to shred easily. Always use two forks to pull the meat apart, which gives you better control.
- After slow cooking, let the beef rest for a few minutes before shredding.
- Start shredding from the grain direction, as this will lessen the effort needed.
- Return the shredded beef to the juices in the slow cooker for extra flavor and moisture.
By following these tips, your pulled beef sandwiches will be bursting with flavor and perfect texture every time!
How to Make Pulled Beef Sandwiches
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pulled Beef:
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your choice)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Serving:
- 4-6 hamburger buns (preferably brioche or pretzel buns)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Pickles (optional, for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and around 8 hours to cook on low in the slow cooker. If you’re in a hurry, you can speed things up and cook it on high for about 4-5 hours. In total, you’ll need about 8-9 hours, including the cooking time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sear the Beef:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. While it’s heating up, season the beef chuck roast generously with salt and pepper. Once the oil is hot, add the beef to the skillet and brown it on all sides. This will take about 3-5 minutes for each side. Once browned, remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
2. Sauté Aromatics:
In the same skillet, add the diced onion. Cook it for about 5 minutes until it becomes softened. Then, add the minced garlic and continue cooking for an additional minute until it smells delicious. This step adds wonderful flavor!
3. Combine Ingredients:
Next, grab your slow cooker. Place the browned beef roast inside it. Add the sautéed onion and garlic on top of the beef. Then pour in the beef broth, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and cumin. Give everything a good stir to mix the flavors together.
4. Cook the Beef:
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook the beef on low for about 8 hours, or until it’s tender and easy to shred with a fork. If you’re short on time, you can set it to high for about 4-5 hours instead. Either way, it’ll smell amazing!
5. Shred the Beef:
When the beef is done cooking, carefully remove it from the slow cooker. Use two forks to shred the meat into small pieces. It should fall apart easily. Return the shredded beef back to the slow cooker, mixing it with those tasty juices for extra flavor.
6. Prepare the Buns:
While the beef is soaking up the flavors, toast your hamburger buns until they are golden brown. This makes them nice and crunchy and perfect for holding all that delicious meat!
7. Build the Sandwich:
Time to assemble! On the bottom half of each bun, place a generous portion of the pulled beef. Add a handful of shredded cheddar cheese on top, and if you like, drizzle a little extra barbecue sauce for added yumminess.
8. Melt the Cheese:
If you want saucy, gooey cheese, pop the assembled sandwiches under the broiler for about 1-2 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and melted.
9. Serve:
Top each sandwich with the other half of the bun and serve them up with pickles on the side, if you like. Enjoy your delicious pulled beef sandwiches!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef?
Absolutely! While chuck roast is perfect for shredding, you can also use brisket or beef round. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly, so ensure the beef is tender before shredding.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pulled beef in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can reheat it on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or barbecue sauce to keep it moist.
Can I Make This Recipe in the Oven?
Yes, you can! After searing the beef and sautéing the onions and garlic, transfer everything to a Dutch oven. Cover it and bake at 300°F (150°C) for about 3-4 hours, or until the beef is tender and shreds easily. Just check occasionally and add broth if it looks too dry.
What If I Don’t Have a Slow Cooker?
No problem! You can still prepare this recipe on the stovetop. After browning the beef and sautéing the veggies, add everything to a large pot, cover, and simmer on low heat for about 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender.
