This pulled beef sandwich is a warm hug for your taste buds! Slow-cooked beef is shredded and piled high on a soft bun, making it super tasty. Add your favorite sauce for some extra zing!
There’s nothing quite like the smell of beef cooking all day. When I’m in the mood for comfort food, I just throw it in the slow cooker and let it do its thing—easy and oh-so-good!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck Roast: This cut is perfect for slow cooking as it becomes incredibly tender. If you’re looking for a lighter option, a pork shoulder can be used instead. It’s just as flavorful!
Beef Broth: Homemade beef broth is great, but store-bought works just as well. For a lighter version, try chicken broth or use vegetable broth for a vegetarian twist. Adjust seasonings accordingly!
Onion: Yellow onions are best here for sweetness, but you can swap them for white onions or shallots if that’s what you have on hand.
Brown Sugar: This adds sweetness and balances the seasoning. If you’re looking to cut sugar, you can replace it with honey or maple syrup. For a sugar-free option, use a sugar substitute suitable for cooking.
Barbecue Sauce: Store-bought sauce is handy, but homemade is even better! If you prefer a different flavor, use a spicy or mustard-based sauce to mix things up.
How Do I Shred the Beef Easily?
Shredding beef can feel tricky, but it’s easier than you think! After cooking, let the beef rest for a few minutes before you shred it to keep it moist.
- Use two forks—one to hold the beef and the other to pull apart the meat.
- Shred against the grain to get tender pieces. Look for the lines in the meat and tear perpendicular to them.
- Once shredded, mix the beef back with the cooking juices for extra flavor and moisture.
How to Make Pulled Beef Sandwiches
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pulled Beef:
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Assembling the Sandwiches:
- 4 burger buns (preferably brioche or pretzel buns)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Barbecue sauce (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, and the cooking time varies: 8 hours on low or 4 hours on high in the slow cooker. Once cooked, you’ll need an additional 10 minutes for shredding and assembling the sandwiches. Overall, plan for about 8 hours and 15 minutes for a delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef:
First, season the beef chuck roast generously with salt and pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the roast on all sides until it’s beautifully browned, about 4-5 minutes per side. Browning the beef adds lots of flavor!
2. Slow Cook the Beef:
Next, grab your slow cooker! Combine the sliced onion, minced garlic, beef broth, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, chili powder, and ground cumin in the slow cooker. Carefully place the seared beef into the mixture. Cover it up and cook it on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours—cooking it low and slow makes the beef tender and easy to shred.
3. Shred the Beef:
When the beef is done cooking, take it out of the slow cooker and shred it using two forks—it’s okay if it falls apart! Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker and stir it into the cooking juices for extra flavor.
4. Toast the Buns:
While your beef is cooking, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cut the burger buns in half and toast them in the oven until they are golden brown, which should take about 5 minutes. This makes them extra delicious!
5. Assemble the Sandwiches:
Now, let’s put it all together! Take the bottom half of each toasted bun and place a generous portion of pulled beef on it. Top off the beef with shredded cheddar cheese and a drizzle of barbecue sauce. Finally, cap it off with the top half of the bun.
6. Optional Cheese Melting Step:
If you want your cheese to be wonderfully melted, you can pop the assembled sandwiches back into the oven on a baking sheet. Bake for another 5-7 minutes, until the cheese is melty and bubbly. Yum!
7. Serve:
Once done, take the sandwiches out of the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve them with extra barbecue sauce on the side for dipping, if you’d like. Enjoy your tasty pulled beef sandwiches!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef?
Absolutely! While chuck roast is ideal due to its marbling and tenderness when slow-cooked, you can also use brisket or shoulder. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly based on the size and cut of the meat. Always ensure it’s tender enough to easily shred.
What If I Don’t Have a Slow Cooker?
No problem! You can make this recipe in a Dutch oven on the stovetop. Simply sear the beef as directed, then add the rest of the ingredients and cover. Cook on low heat for about 3-4 hours, checking occasionally and adding water or broth if it gets too dry.
How to Store Leftover Pulled Beef?
Store any leftover pulled beef in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just let it cool completely before freezing, and thaw in the refrigerator before reheating. For best results, reheat on the stovetop with a splash of beef broth.
Can I Make These Sandwiches Spicy?
Sure thing! For a spicier kick, you can add cayenne pepper to the spice blend or mix in some diced jalapeños with the onions and garlic. You can also choose a spicy barbecue sauce to drizzle on top!
