Description
Learn how to make the ultimate Pulled Beef Sandwich! This recipe features tender, slow-cooked chuck roast, flavorful sauce, and endless topping options for a truly satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3–4 lbs beef chuck roast
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (or your favorite sauce)
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 6–8 sandwich buns
- Optional toppings: pickles, coleslaw, sliced onions, jalapenos
Instructions
1. Prepare the Beef: Seasoning for Flavor
- Pat Dry: Pat the chuck roast dry with paper towels. This helps the seasonings adhere better.
- Season Generously: Season the entire surface of the chuck roast generously with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and ground cumin. Rub the seasonings into the meat to ensure even distribution.
2. Slow Cook the Beef: The Key to Tenderness
- Prepare Slow Cooker (or Dutch Oven): Place the sliced onion and minced garlic in the bottom of your slow cooker or Dutch oven. This creates a flavorful bed for the beef.
- Add Beef: Place the seasoned chuck roast on top of the onions and garlic.
- Add Liquids: Pour the beef broth, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar over the beef.
- Tip: If using a Dutch oven, you can sear the beef in the Dutch oven before adding the other ingredients for extra flavor.
- Cover and Cook:
- Slow Cooker: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours.
- Dutch Oven: If using a Dutch oven, cover it tightly with a lid and cook on the stovetop over low heat or in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 4-5 hours.
- Check for Tenderness: The beef is done when it’s fork-tender and easily shreds apart.
3. Shred the Beef: Creating the Perfect Texture
- Remove Beef: Once the beef is cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker or Dutch oven and place it on a large cutting board or in a large bowl.
- Shred with Forks: Using two forks, shred the beef into bite-sized pieces. Discard any large pieces of fat.
- Return to Sauce: Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker or Dutch oven and toss it with the cooking juices to coat it evenly.
4. Prepare the Buns: Toasted or Not, It’s Your Choice
- Toast (Optional): If you prefer toasted buns, you can place them cut-side down on a baking sheet and broil them in the oven for a minute or two, or toast them lightly on a grill or in a dry skillet. Watch them closely to prevent burning.
5. Assemble the Sandwiches: Building Layers of Flavor
- Spoon on Beef: Use a slotted spoon or tongs to pile a generous amount of the shredded beef onto the bottom half of each bun.
- Add Toppings: Add your favorite toppings, such as pickles, coleslaw, sliced onions, or jalapeños.
- Top with Bun: Place the top half of the bun over the beef and toppings.
- Press Gently: Press down gently on the top of the sandwich to hold everything together.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Savor the Deliciousness
- Serve Immediately: Serve the Pulled Beef Sandwiches immediately while they’re warm and the beef is juicy.
- Side Dishes: Pair with your favorite sides, such as potato chips, French fries, coleslaw, potato salad, or a simple green salad.