This pulled beef sandwich is a tasty treat featuring tender, slow-cooked beef piled high on a soft bun. It’s juicy, flavorful, and great for lunch or dinner!
Honestly, there’s nothing better than the smell of beef cooking all day. I love piling on my favorite toppings and perhaps a side of chips for crunch. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck Roast: This cut is great for slow cooking because it becomes super tender. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you can use sirloin roast or brisket, but those may not be as juicy.
Beef Broth: It adds richness to the dish. If you want a lighter flavor, try vegetable broth or chicken broth as substitutes. Homemade broth can also give great results!
Barbecue Sauce: Use your favorite brand or homemade sauce for a personal touch! If you’re looking for a different taste, try a hot sauce, teriyaki sauce, or even a mustard-based barbecue sauce.
Onion and Garlic: They are key for flavor. You can substitute them with shallots for a milder taste, or use onion powder and garlic powder if you’re in a pinch.
Brioche Buns: These are soft and slightly sweet. If you’re looking for alternatives, use whole wheat buns, kaiser rolls, or gluten-free buns if needed.
How Can I Shred The Beef Easily?
Shredding beef might seem tricky, but it’s easy once you get the hang of it! After cooking, let the beef rest so it’s a bit cooler to handle. Use two forks to pull apart the meat, which works best when the beef is cooked well and tender.
- Hold one fork in each hand, and insert them into the meat at opposing angles.
- Gently pull the forks in opposite directions to shred the beef apart.
- If you find it’s still tough to shred, give it a little more time in the cooker!
Your goal is fluffy, tender shreds that are ready to soak up all that tasty barbecue sauce.
How to Make Pulled Beef Sandwich
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef:
- 2 pounds beef chuck roast
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your choice)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
For The Sandwich:
- 4 brioche hamburger buns
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Pickles and additional barbecue sauce for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes around 15 minutes to prepare and about 4 to 8 hours to cook, depending on your slow cooker setting. Once done, you can assemble the sandwiches and enjoy them right away!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef:
Start by seasoning your beef chuck roast with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and cumin. Make sure each side is well-coated with the spices. Then, place the seasoned beef into your slow cooker.
2. Add Flavor:
Pour the beef broth over the beef in the slow cooker. Next, sprinkle the chopped onion and minced garlic on top of the beef. This will infuse your dish with wonderful flavors!
3. Slow Cook:
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for about 8 hours, or on high for around 4 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the beef becomes super tender and can be easily shredded with a fork.
4. Shred the Beef:
Once the beef is cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and let it rest for a few minutes. Use two forks to shred the meat apart. Then, return the shredded beef back into the slow cooker and mix it with the cooking juices and your chosen barbecue sauce. Give it a good stir and let it heat through for another 15 minutes.
5. Prepare the Buns:
While the beef is heating up, you can toast the brioche buns. Just place them on a skillet or grill and cook until they are golden brown on the outside. This will add nice texture to your sandwiches!
6. Assemble the Sandwich:
Now it’s time to build your sandwich! Take the bottom half of each toasted bun and pile on a generous portion of the pulled beef. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top. If you like, feel free to add pickles and more barbecue sauce.
7. Melt the Cheese:
If you want melty cheese, you can place your assembled sandwiches under a broiler for a few minutes. Keep an eye on them until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Serve:
Finally, place the top half of the bun over the beef mixture. Serve your delicious pulled beef sandwiches warm, perhaps with your favorite sides for a complete meal!
Enjoy your scrumptious pulled beef sandwich!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef?
Absolutely! While beef chuck roast is ideal for its marbling and flavor, you can also use brisket or even a round roast. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary; lean cuts might need less time to avoid drying out.
What If I Don’t Have Beef Broth?
No worries! You can substitute beef broth with chicken broth or even vegetable broth for a lighter flavor. If you’re out of all broth, adding water with a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce can also work well.
How Do I Store Leftover Pulled Beef?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the pulled beef in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months! Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the pulled beef a day in advance and keep it in the fridge. Just reheat it gently in the slow cooker or on the stove, adding a little extra barbecue sauce if needed to refresh the flavor before serving.
