This Pulled Beef Sandwich is a tasty treat with tender, slow-cooked beef and a rich barbecue sauce. It’s all packed between soft buns, making it perfect for any meal!
Honestly, there’s nothing like tearing into a juicy sandwich. I love piling on some extra coleslaw for crunch. It’s messy, but worth it! Who doesn’t love a sandwich that makes you smile? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck Roast: This cut is perfect for slow cooking because it’s tough but becomes tender and flavorful. If you can’t find chuck roast, you can use brisket or even pork shoulder for a different twist.
BBQ Sauce: I love using a tangy and slightly sweet BBQ sauce for this recipe. If you’re avoiding sugar, opt for a sugar-free BBQ sauce or make your own with tomato sauce, vinegar, and your favorite spices.
Brioche Buns: Brioche gives a nice buttery flavor. If you’re aiming for a lighter option, whole wheat or gluten-free buns work great too. Regular sandwich buns are fine as well.
Cheddar Cheese: While sharp cheddar is my favorite cheese for this sandwich, feel free to use Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a little kick. Vegan cheese is a good substitute if you’re dairy-free.
Why is Shredding the Beef Important?
Shredding the beef is key to getting all those flavors to meld together. It helps the meat soak up the BBQ sauce and makes it easier to eat. Here’s how to do it right:
- After cooking, let the beef rest for about 10 minutes to hold in the juices.
- Use two forks to pull the beef apart, working against the grain to get nice strands.
- Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker and mix thoroughly with the BBQ sauce—this step is crucial for flavor.
How to Make Pulled Beef Sandwiches?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pulled Beef:
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (plus additional for serving)
For the Sandwiches:
- 4 brioche or sandwich buns
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Pickles, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 10 minutes to prepare the ingredients and 8 hours for cooking in the slow cooker. After cooking, allow another 15 minutes to warm up the pulled beef and assemble the sandwiches. In total, we’re looking at around 8 hours and 25 minutes, but most of that time is hands-off while the beef cooks.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef:
Start by slicing the onion and mincing the garlic. In your slow cooker, place the sliced onion and minced garlic at the bottom. Now, lay the beef chuck roast right on top of them—easy peasy!
2. Make the Rub:
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, paprika, cumin, salt, black pepper, and chili powder. With your hands, rub this flavorful mix all over the beef roast. This step really amps up the flavor!
3. Add Broth:
Now, pour the beef broth into the slow cooker. Make sure to pour it around the beef so the delicious rub stays on top. You want to keep all those spices intact!
4. Cook:
Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on low for about 8 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the beef becomes super tender and shreds easily with a fork. Just let time do its magic!
5. Shred the Beef:
Once your beef is cooked, carefully take it out of the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. It should come apart beautifully. Return the shredded beef back to the slow cooker and mix in the BBQ sauce. Let everything warm together for about 15 minutes—this is where it all comes together!
6. Prepare the Buns:
While the beef warms up, lightly toast your brioche or sandwich buns on a skillet or in the oven until they’re golden and slightly crispy. This adds a nice texture for your sandwich!
7. Assemble the Sandwich:
Grab your toasted buns and spoon a generous amount of the pulled beef mixture onto the bottom half of each bun. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top, and if you’re feeling extra saucy, drizzle a little more BBQ sauce over it.
8. Melt the Cheese:
If you want extra gooey cheese, place your assembled sandwiches under the broiler for just a minute or two. Keep an eye on them to make sure the cheese doesn’t burn!
9. Serve:
Finish off your sandwiches by placing the top bun on. If you like, add some pickles for a little crunch. Serve these warm and enjoy your delicious pulled beef sandwiches!
Can I Use Different Cuts of Beef for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use other cuts like brisket or round roast, but the cooking time may vary. Make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the thickness and fat content; leaner cuts might need less time, while tougher cuts may need longer for optimal tenderness.
Can I Make This Recipe Without a Slow Cooker?
Absolutely! You can cook the beef in a Dutch oven or a heavy pot. Brown the beef on the stovetop, then add the broth and all other ingredients. Cover and simmer on low heat for about 3-4 hours, or until the beef is tender and shreddable.
How to Store Leftover Pulled Beef?
Store any leftover pulled beef in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
What Are Some Good Toppings for Pulled Beef Sandwiches?
In addition to cheddar cheese and pickles, consider adding coleslaw, sliced jalapeños, or sautéed onions for extra flavor and crunch. You can also try different sauces or spreads like mayo or mustard to customize your sandwiches further!
