This pulled beef sandwich is a tasty treat that’s perfect for any meal. With tender, slow-cooked beef and your favorite sauce, it’s a real winner!
Every bite is full of flavor, and let’s be honest, who can resist a sandwich that’s so messy yet delicious? I love adding some crunchy pickles for extra zing!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck Roast: This cut is perfect for slow cooking because it becomes tender and flavorful. If you’re looking for alternatives, brisket or shoulder can work too, but they may have different textures.
Barbecue Sauce: Use your favorite kind for the best flavor. You can also try homemade sauce or substitute it with a mix of ketchup, vinegar, and spices if you’re out of store-bought options.
Onion: Yellow onions are great for this recipe due to their sweet flavor when cooked. You can substitute with white onions or shallots for a slightly different taste.
Cheddar Cheese: I love sharp cheddar for its bold flavor. If you prefer a milder taste, try Monterey Jack or even a vegan cheese substitute for a dairy-free option.
Spices: Smoked paprika and cumin add depth. If you’re out of smoked paprika, regular paprika mixed with a bit of liquid smoke can do the trick. Adjust the cayenne based on your spice preference!
How Do I Make the Beef Tender?
To achieve that tender, shreddable beef for your pulled sandwiches, proper cooking is key. Here are my tips for success:
- Start by searing the roast on high heat. This creates a nice crust and locks in juices.
- Transfer the seared beef to a slow cooker and let it cook low and slow. This allows the collagen in the meat to break down, making it super tender.
- Check the beef at the end of cooking time: it should be easy to pull apart with forks. If not, give it more time!
Enjoy your delicious pulled beef sandwiches!
How to Make Delicious Pulled Beef Sandwiches
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pulled Beef:
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (plus more for serving)
- 1 onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
For the Sandwich:
- 4 brioche or hamburger buns
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and then you’ll need to let the beef cook for 4 hours on high or 8 hours on low in the slow cooker. Once the beef is ready, assembling the sandwiches will take just a few minutes. So overall, plan for about 8 hours and 15 minutes (including cooking time). But don’t worry, while it cooks, you can relax!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the beef chuck roast generously with salt, black pepper, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Sear the roast in the skillet until it is browned on all sides—about 4 to 5 minutes per side. Once done, remove the roast from the skillet and set it aside.
2. Cook the Aromatics:
Using the same skillet, add the sliced onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 3 to 4 minutes, or until the onions turn translucent and fragrant. This step adds a wonderful flavor base for your pulled beef!
3. Slow Cook the Beef:
Place the seared beef roast into your slow cooker. Top it with the sautéed onions and garlic. Then pour in the beef broth and half of the barbecue sauce. Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours, until the beef is tender and can be easily shredded with a fork.
4. Shred the Beef:
After the beef has finished cooking, remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the beef into bite-sized pieces. This is the fun part! Once done, return the shredded beef back to the slow cooker and mix it with the remaining cooking liquid.
5. Assemble the Sandwich:
While the shredded beef is soaking up all that delicious juice, lightly toast the brioche buns. Then, take the bottom half of each bun and fill it generously with the pulled beef mixture. Top it off with shredded cheddar cheese and a drizzle of extra barbecue sauce to taste.
6. Melt the Cheese:
If you love melted cheese (and who doesn’t?), feel free to place the open sandwiches under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes—just until the cheese starts to get gooey and bubbly. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!
7. Serve:
Finally, place the top half of the bun over the cheese and beef. Serve these tasty sandwiches warm and offer some extra barbecue sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy every juicy bite!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef?
Absolutely! If you can’t find chuck roast, substitute with brisket or round roast. Just note that cooking times might vary slightly; look for similar tenderness before shredding.
How Can I Make This Spicy?
If you’re looking for an added kick, increase the cayenne pepper or mix in some chopped jalapeños or hot sauce into the barbecue sauce. Adjust to your heat preference!
Can I Prepare This Recipe in Advance?
Yes, you can! Prepare the pulled beef ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving on the buns.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pulled beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
