This pulled beef sandwich is a tasty treat! It’s made with slow-cooked beef that’s so tender it practically falls apart. You’ll love the delicious BBQ flavor!
Plus, who can resist a sandwich piled high with meat? It’s a great way to fill up on a fun meal. I enjoy mine with a side of crispy fries—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck Roast: This cut is ideal for pulling apart. If you can’t find chuck, brisket or round roast can work too. They might be a little leaner, but they’ll still taste great!
BBQ Sauce: Choose your favorite or homemade sauce. If you want it less sweet, a vinegar-based sauce is a good alternative. For a spicy kick, look for a hot BBQ sauce.
Hamburger Buns: I love brioche for its buttery flavor. However, if you want something sturdier, pretzel buns are perfect! You could also use regular hamburger buns if that’s what you have.
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar adds a nice gooeyness. For a twist, try pepper jack for some spice, or go for gouda for a smokier flavor. You can also skip cheese if you want a lighter option!
Onions & Garlic: Fresh is best, but in a pinch, you can use onion powder and garlic powder. About 1 teaspoon of each will suffice for the recipe, but fresh gives better flavor.
How Do I Achieve the Perfectly Shredded Beef?
Shredding the beef properly is crucial for sandwich texture. Here are my tips to get it just right:
- Wait until the beef cools for a few minutes after cooking, then it’s easier to handle.
- Use two forks: One to hold the beef steady and the other to pull apart the meat.
- Make sure to mix the shredded beef back into the juices in the slow cooker. This keeps it moist and flavorful!
How to Make Pulled Beef Sandwich
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef:
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (plus more for serving)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sandwich:
- 4 hamburger buns (preferably brioche or pretzel buns)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Pickles for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and then you’ll need 8 hours for slow cooking on low (or 4 hours on high). Plus, about 10 minutes to assemble and bake the sandwiches. Overall, it’s a great recipe that requires some patience but is absolutely worth the wait!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef:
Start by rubbing the beef chuck roast with paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure every bit of the roast is coated well with these spices for maximum flavor.
2. Sear the Beef:
Next, grab a large skillet and heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned beef and sear each side until it’s browned, which should take about 4-5 minutes per side. Once done, take the beef out of the skillet and set it aside.
3. Sauté Aromatics:
In the same skillet, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent. This will add wonderful flavors!
4. Slow Cook:
Now, transfer those sautéed onions and garlic into your slow cooker. Place the seared beef right on top of them. Pour in the beef broth, BBQ sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours. The beef will be ready when it’s tender and easily shredded.
5. Shred the Beef:
After cooking, take the beef out of the slow cooker. Use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. Then, return the shredded beef back to the slow cooker and mix it well with the juices.
6. Assemble the Sandwiches:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). On a baking sheet, place the bottom halves of the hamburger buns. Pile a generous amount of the shredded beef onto each bun and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top. Bake in your preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is nice and melted.
7. Serve:
Take the sandwiches out of the oven and add the top halves of the buns. Serve warm with extra BBQ sauce and pickles on the side if you’d like. Enjoy your delicious homemade pulled beef sandwich!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use different cuts of beef like brisket or a round roast, but cooking times may vary. Just ensure that the cut has enough fat for a tender result, as lean cuts might dry out during cooking. Adjust the cooking time based on the cut you choose, checking for tenderness before shredding!
How Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the pulled beef a day in advance. Simply follow the recipe until the shredding step, then store the shredded beef in the sauce in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave before assembling the sandwiches.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
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. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of beef broth if needed to keep it moist.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
Definitely! To kick up the heat, add chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix. You can also choose a spicier BBQ sauce for an extra kick. Just remember to adjust to your heat preference—you can always add more, but it’s harder to tone it down!
