Description

Ever dreamed of a sandwich so tender and flavorful it makes your taste buds dance? Chipotle Beef Sandwiches are here to make that dream real! With juicy, shredded beef, smoky chipotle salsa, and a hint of beer, these sandwiches pack a punch of spice and comfort.

Ingredients

To make Chipotle Beef Sandwiches, you’ll need a few ingredients that deliver big, bold flavors. Here’s what you need and why each one matters:

Sweet Onion (1 large, halved and thinly sliced): Adds a mild, sweet flavor that caramelizes during cooking, balancing the spicy salsa.
Beef Sirloin Tip Roast (3 pounds): A lean, budget-friendly cut that becomes tender and shreddable after slow cooking.
Chipotle Salsa (16 oz jar): The star of the dish, providing smoky, spicy flavor from chipotle peppers in a tangy tomato base.
Beer or Nonalcoholic Beer (½ cup): Adds depth and a slight malty sweetness, helping to tenderize the beef. Nonalcoholic beer works just as well.
Lipton Beefy Onion Soup Mix (1 envelope): Boosts savory, umami flavor with a blend of onion and beefy seasonings.
Kaiser Rolls (10, split): Sturdy, crusty rolls that hold the juicy beef and sauce without getting soggy.

Substitutions and Variations

Beef: Swap sirloin tip roast for chuck roast or rump roast for a fattier, richer flavor; cooking time remains similar.
Salsa: Use regular salsa for less heat or mango salsa for a sweet-spicy twist. Adjust spice with mild, medium, or hot varieties.
Beer: Replace with beef broth, apple juice, or cola for a non-beer option, keeping the liquid amount the same.
Soup Mix: Substitute with 1 tbsp onion powder, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 1 tsp beef bouillon for a homemade version.
Rolls: Use brioche buns, slider rolls, or whole-wheat buns instead. Gluten-free rolls work for a gluten-free version.
Onion: Swap sweet onion for yellow or red onion, though sweet onions caramelize best.

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Instructions

Prepare the Slow Cooker:
- Halve and thinly slice 1 large sweet onion, then spread the slices evenly in the bottom of a 5-quart slow cooker.
- Tip: Thin slices ensure the onions cook down into a soft, sweet base for the beef.
Add the Beef:
- Cut the 3-pound beef sirloin tip roast in half to fit easily in the slow cooker.
- Place both halves on top of the onion layer.
- Tip: Cutting the roast helps it cook evenly and makes shredding easier later.
Mix the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, combine 16 oz chipotle salsa, ½ cup beer (or nonalcoholic beer), and 1 envelope Lipton beefy onion soup mix.
- Stir until the soup mix is well blended with the salsa and beer.
- Pour the mixture evenly over the beef in the slow cooker.
- Tip: Ensure the beef is fully covered with sauce for maximum flavor absorption.
Cook the Beef:
- Cover and cook on low for 7–8 hours, until the beef is tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.
- Tip: Check at 7 hours to avoid overcooking; the beef should reach an internal temperature of 195–205°F for shredding.
Shred the Beef:
- Remove the beef from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Let it cool slightly (5–10 minutes).
- Shred the beef using two forks into bite-sized pieces.
- Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker and stir to coat with the sauce. Heat through for 5–10 minutes on low.
- Tip: Shred while warm for easier pulling, but don’t burn your hands!
Serve:
- Using a slotted spoon, spoon the shredded beef and onions onto the bottom halves of 10 split kaiser rolls.
- Add the top halves and serve immediately.
- Tip: The slotted spoon helps control the sauce amount, preventing soggy rolls.