This pulled beef sandwich is a hearty treat you’ll love! Tender, slow-cooked beef is flavored with tasty spices and piled high on a soft bun. It’s messy in the best way!
Honestly, who doesn’t enjoy a sandwich that drips with flavor? I like to serve mine with a side of crispy fries. Yum! Each bite is a warm hug that makes you smile. 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck Roast: This cut is perfect for slow cooking because it becomes tender and flavorful. If you can’t find chuck roast, try brisket or round roast as substitutes.
Beef Broth: I love using beef broth for added depth of flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter version, use chicken broth or vegetable broth instead.
BBQ Sauce: Choose a barbecue sauce that you enjoy; whether it’s sweet, tangy, or spicy, it’ll influence the flavor. You can also make your own if you prefer! Just mix ketchup, vinegar, and spices.
Onion and Garlic: These aromatics enhance the dish. If you’re avoiding onions, consider using shallots or leeks. For garlic lovers, adding more cloves can intensify the flavor!
Cheese: Cheddar adds that creamy texture we love. If you prefer something bolder, go for pepper jack or a melty mozzarella. If you’re dairy-free, use a plant-based cheese.
How Do I Achieve the Best Shredded Beef?
Shredding your beef correctly is key to a great sandwich. After cooking, let the roast cool slightly to make it easier to handle.
- Use two forks: Hold one fork in each hand and pull the meat apart, shredding it into bite-sized pieces.
- Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker: This allows it to soak up more flavor from the sauce.
- Don’t be afraid to taste: Keep a small bowl nearby to sample and adjust the seasoning if needed.
How to Make Pulled Beef Sandwiches
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef:
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your choice)
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Assembling the Sandwiches:
- 4 sandwich buns (preferably brioche or pretzel buns)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Pickles (optional, for garnish)
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and then 8 hours of cooking in a slow cooker. So, it’s a perfect meal to set up in the morning and enjoy later in the day! Make sure to plan for some time to shred the beef and assemble the sandwiches, which shouldn’t take more than 15 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef:
Start by seasoning the beef chuck roast. Sprinkle salt, pepper, chili powder, and cumin generously on all sides of the meat. This will give it lots of flavor!
2. Sear the Roast:
Heat a splash of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the roast to the skillet and sear it until it’s nicely browned on all sides—this should take about 3-4 minutes for each side. Once it’s browned, remove it from the heat.
3. Cook the Beef:
In a slow cooker, put the sliced onion at the bottom. Now, place the seared roast on top of the onions. Pour the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, and BBQ sauce all over the roast. This mix will make the beef super tasty!
4. Slow Cook:
Cover the slow cooker and let it cook on low heat for about 8 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the meat is very tender and can easily be pulled apart with a fork.
5. Shred the Beef:
When the beef is cooked, carefully take it out of the slow cooker. Use two forks to shred the meat into pieces. Then, return the shredded beef to the slow cooker and stir it into the sauce for extra flavor.
6. Assemble the Sandwiches:
If you like, toast the sandwich buns lightly. For each bun, place a generous amount of the pulled beef mixture on the bottom half. Add a handful of shredded cheddar cheese on top.
7. Melt the Cheese:
If you’d like cheesy sandwiches, pop them under a broiler for a few minutes to melt the cheese. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn!
8. Garnish and Serve:
Finally, add pickles and sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a nice touch. Serve your pulled beef sandwiches warm and enjoy every bite!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef?
Absolutely! While chuck roast is ideal for pulling due to its marbling, you can also use brisket or shoulder. Just keep an eye on cooking times as these cuts may differ slightly in tenderness and need adjustments in cooking time.
How Can I Make the Beef Spicier?
If you prefer a spicier sandwich, you can add some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix. You can also use a spicy BBQ sauce or add sliced jalapeños when assembling the sandwiches.
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the pulled beef up to two days in advance. Just let it cool completely, transfer it to an airtight container, and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, reheat gently in a saucepan or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth to keep it moist.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pulled beef in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the shredded beef with its sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating!
