This pulled beef sandwich is super tasty, featuring tender beef slathered in a homemade sauce, all tucked in a soft bun. It’s perfect for lunch or dinner!
I love piling on extra toppings like pickles or coleslaw. It makes each bite even better! Who can resist that juicy goodness? 🥪
Making the beef is easy too! Just cook it low and slow until it’s super tender. Great for meal prep, so you can enjoy it all week long!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck Roast: This cut is perfect for slow cooking due to its marbling. If you’re looking for leaner options, consider brisket or round roast. Just remember, tougher cuts yield more flavor after long cooking.
Barbecue Sauce: You can use your favorite barbecue sauce, whether sweet, tangy, or spicy. If you don’t have any, homemade sauce made from ketchup, vinegar, and honey works well as a substitute.
Worcestershire Sauce: This adds depth to the flavor. If you’re out, soy sauce can be a good replacement, just use a little less since it’s saltier.
Burger Buns: Brioche or pretzel buns are my go-to because they add a nice sweetness and texture. If you’re watching carbs, lettuce wraps also work great for a low-cal option.
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded sharp cheddar complements the beef perfectly. You can also try Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a bit of heat.
How Do You Get Juicy, Shredded Beef?
The key to perfectly shredded beef lies in the cooking time and temperature. Slow cooking allows the tough fibers to break down, giving you tender meat. Follow these steps for great results:
- Season the beef generously before searing for added flavor.
- Sear all sides to lock in juices; don’t rush this step!
- Cook the beef low and slow; if using high heat, make sure not to overcook.
- Once cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before shredding to retain moisture.
How to Make Pulled Beef Sandwiches
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pulled Beef:
- 2 pounds beef chuck roast
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your choice)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
For the Sandwich Assembly:
- 4 burger buns (preferably brioche or pretzel)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Pickles and coleslaw (optional garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes of prep time and 4 to 8 hours of cooking time, depending on whether you choose to cook it on low or high. The wait is worth it for that tender, flavorful pulled beef!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef:
Start by seasoning your beef chuck roast. Sprinkle salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and cumin over it. Make sure to coat all sides evenly for the best flavor.
2. Sear the Meat:
Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned beef and sear it on all sides until browned, which should take around 4-5 minutes per side. After searing, carefully transfer the beef to your slow cooker.
3. Add Aromatics:
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until they become soft and fragrant. Then, transfer this onion and garlic mixture to the slow cooker alongside the beef.
4. Add Liquids:
Pour the beef broth, barbecue sauce, and Worcestershire sauce over the beef in the slow cooker. This will make your beef flavorful and juicy as it cooks.
5. Cook:
Cover your slow cooker and let it work its magic! Cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours, until the beef is tender and shreds easily with a fork. You can go about your day while it cooks!
6. Shred the Beef:
Once the beef is done, carefully remove it from the slow cooker. Use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. Then, return the shredded beef to the slow cooker and stir it in with the sauce.
7. Prepare the Sandwich:
To make the sandwiches, lightly toast the burger buns on a skillet or grill. This adds a nice crunch! Place a generous amount of the pulled beef mixture on the bottom half of each bun.
8. Add Cheese:
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the pulled beef. If you want it extra melty, pop the open sandwiches under a broiler for a minute!
9. Garnish and Serve:
If you like, add pickles and coleslaw on top before closing the sandwich with the top half of the bun. Serve them warm and enjoy your delicious homemade pulled beef sandwiches!
Enjoy each bite of your tasty pulled beef sandwich!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef?
Absolutely! While chuck roast is ideal due to its fat content and tenderness, you can also use brisket or round roast. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly, so check for fork-tender texture as you go.
What If I Don’t Have a Slow Cooker?
No worries! You can cook the beef in a Dutch oven on the stove or in the oven. Simply sear the beef, add the ingredients, then cover and simmer over low heat on the stove for about 3-4 hours, or bake in the oven at 300°F for the same amount of time until tender.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can make the pulled beef a day ahead. Just let it cool and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat it gently in the slow cooker or on the stovetop, adding a splash of beef broth if it seems dry.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store 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 thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating!
