This pulled beef sandwich is a must-try! It features tender, slow-cooked beef piled high on a soft bun, topped with your favorite barbecue sauce for a tasty kick.
Trust me, these sandwiches are perfect for lunch or dinner! I like to add extra pickles on mine. It’s like a flavor party in your mouth! Who can resist that? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck Roast: This cut is perfect for slow cooking, as it becomes tender and flavorful. If you can’t find it, try using brisket or shoulder roast. They also work well and have a similar texture after cooking.
Barbecue Sauce: Use your favorite flavor! I love a tangy vinegar-based sauce, but you can opt for a sweet one for a different taste. No barbecue sauce? Try mixing ketchup with some Worcestershire sauce and spices for a quick substitute.
Onion and Garlic: Diced onions and minced garlic add great depth. Yellow onions are a good choice, but you could use red onions if you prefer a milder taste. In a pinch, garlic powder can stand in for fresh garlic.
Buns: Brioche or pretzel buns add a lovely touch. If you want a lighter option, whole-grain or regular hamburger buns work just fine. Gluten-free buns are also available if needed!
How Do You Get the Beef Nice and Tender?
Cooking the beef well is key! To get that perfect, tender texture, searing the meat first helps lock in juices and flavor. Here’s how:
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat, adding olive oil.
- Season your beef with salt and pepper, then sear on all sides for 3-4 minutes. This browning creates a delicious crust.
- After searing, transfer the beef to the slow cooker with the other ingredients. Remember, patience is essential! Let it cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
When it’s time to shred, the beef should fall apart easily with a fork. This means you did it right!
How to Make a Pulled Beef Sandwich
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pulled Beef:
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your choice of flavor)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Sandwiches:
- 4 hamburger buns (preferably brioche or pretzel buns)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Pickles (optional, for topping)
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes of prep time, and then you’ll need to let it cook in the slow cooker for 8 hours on low or 4 hours on high. So, overall, plan for a total of around 8 hours and 15 minutes for the best results!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sear the Beef:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. While it heats up, season the beef chuck roast generously with salt and pepper. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the roast to the skillet. Sear it on all sides until you get a nice, brown crust, which should take about 3-4 minutes for each side. Once browned, remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same skillet, add the diced onion. Cook it for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes soft and translucent. Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until you can smell its wonderful aroma. This will add a lot of flavor!
3. Prepare the Slow Cooker:
Now, it’s time to get your slow cooker ready. Place the seared beef in the slow cooker. Pour the sautéed onions and garlic over the top of the beef. Then, add the beef broth, barbecue sauce, smoked paprika, and cumin. Give it a gentle stir to make sure everything is mixed well.
4. Cook the Beef:
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours. You want the beef to become very tender so that it can easily be shredded with a fork. The longer cooking time on low will give you even more flavorful results!
5. Shred the Beef:
Once your cooking time is up, carefully remove the beef from the slow cooker. Using two forks, shred the beef into bite-sized pieces. It should fall apart easily! Don’t forget to return the shredded beef back into the slow cooker, mixing it well with the remaining sauce so that each bite is juicy and flavorful.
6. Assemble the Sandwiches:
Before you build your sandwiches, you may want to toast the hamburger buns for extra texture. Once they are ready, start piling the shredded beef onto the bottom half of each bun. Sprinkle generously with shredded cheddar cheese and add pickles if you like some tang!
7. Melt the Cheese:
If you prefer your cheese to be melted, you can place the assembled sandwiches under the broiler for a few minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Just keep an eye on them to avoid burning!
8. Serve:
Finally, close each sandwich with its top bun and feel free to garnish with fresh parsley, if using. Serve these delicious pulled beef sandwiches immediately, with extra barbecue sauce on the side if preferred. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef?
Absolutely! While beef chuck roast is recommended for its tenderness, you can also use brisket or shoulder. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary with different cuts; ensure they’re cooked until tender and easily shredded.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover pulled beef in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it; let it cool completely before placing it in freezer-safe bags or containers. It should last for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge when ready to use!
Can I Make this Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the pulled beef a day or two in advance. Just follow the cooking instructions and refrigerate it afterward. When ready to serve, reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. If you want to freshen it up, add a splash more barbecue sauce while reheating.
Are There Any Good Substitutes for Barbecue Sauce?
Definitely! If you’re looking to switch it up, you can use a homemade sauce with ketchup, honey, vinegar, and spices, or opt for a spicy sauce if you prefer some heat. Experiment with different flavors to suit your taste!
