This pulled beef sandwich is a tasty treat! Tender beef is cooked low and slow until it falls apart, then piled high on a soft bun. Yum!
There’s nothing better than messy hands and a big bite of flavor! I love adding some pickles and slaw for extra crunch. Trust me, it’s a winner at the dinner table!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck Roast: This cut is perfect for slow cooking as it becomes tender and flavorful. If you’re looking for alternatives, brisket or top round can work, though they may have slightly different textures.
Onion and Garlic: These aromatics enhance the flavor beautifully! While yellow onions work best, you can use white or even sweet onions if that’s what you have. For garlic, fresh is ideal, but garlic powder can fit in a pinch.
Beef Broth: I recommend using low-sodium beef broth to control the saltiness. In case you’re out of broth, you can substitute with water mixed with a bit of soy sauce for a similar richness.
Barbecue Sauce: Choose your favorite brand, but if you’re looking for a healthier option, homemade BBQ sauce can be a great substitute. Don’t forget to adjust sweetness to your taste!
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar gives a nice melty quality. However, feel free to swap in Monterey Jack or a spicy pepper jack if you like a kick.
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Shredded Beef?
To get that perfectly tender and easy-to-shred beef, focus on the cooking time. Slow cooking is key here—allow the beef to simmer for 3-4 hours. If using a slow cooker, aim for 8 hours on low heat.
- After cooking, let the beef rest a few minutes for easier shredding.
- Use two forks to pull apart the meat gently. It should fall apart without much effort!
Mix the shredded beef back into the sauce for extra flavor before assembling your sandwich. Enjoying this part is my favorite—it’s like the beef gives you a hug!
How to Make Pulled Beef Sandwiches
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pulled Beef:
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (plus extra for serving)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Assembling the Sandwich:
- 4 burger buns (preferably brioche or pretzel buns)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Optional: sliced pickles and jalapeños for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This pulled beef sandwich recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, and then you’ll need to let the beef simmer for about 3-4 hours on the stove (or 8 hours in a slow cooker). The total time for making this delicious sandwich is around 4 hours, but most of it is hands-off cooking time. Perfect for a leisurely meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef:
Start by seasoning the beef chuck roast generously with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, cumin, and chili powder. Make sure to coat all sides well—this will add great flavor to your beef!
2. Sear the Beef:
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat some oil over medium-high heat and sear the beef on all sides until it’s nicely browned, about 4-5 minutes per side. Once browned, remove the beef from the pot and set it aside on a plate.
3. Sauté Aromatics:
In the same pot, add the chopped onion. Cook it for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent. Then, toss in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it smells wonderful.
4. Add Broth and Sauce:
Return the seared beef to the pot. Pour in the beef broth and add 1 cup of barbecue sauce. Stir everything together to combine well.
5. Cook the Beef:
Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer on low heat for 3-4 hours until the beef is fork-tender. If you’re using a slow cooker, set it on low and let it cook for about 8 hours. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
6. Shred the Beef:
Once the beef is cooked, take it out of the pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded beef to the pot and mix it well with the sauce to soak up all the flavors.
7. Assemble the Sandwich:
Lightly toast the burger buns. Pile a generous amount of the pulled beef mixture onto the bottom bun and top it with shredded cheddar cheese—yum!
8. Melt the Cheese:
For a gooey finish, place the assembled sandwiches under a broiler for 1-2 minutes, just until the cheese becomes melted and bubbly. Keep a close eye on it so it doesn’t burn!
9. Serve:
This is the best part! Drizzle some extra barbecue sauce over your sandwich and add any optional toppings like sliced pickles or jalapeños. Place the top bun on and serve your pulled beef sandwiches hot. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While chuck roast is ideal for its tenderness and flavor, you can also use brisket or top round. Just be mindful that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the cut, so adjust accordingly until the meat is fork-tender.
How to Store Leftover Pulled Beef?
Store any leftover pulled beef in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To freeze, place it in a freezer-safe container or bag, where it can last for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Can I Make This Sandwich Spicier?
Yes! You can increase the chili powder amount or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix for an extra kick. Also, consider using spicy barbecue sauce for more heat. For toppings, sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce will amp up the spice levels!
How Do I Keep the Buns From Getting Soggy?
To prevent soggy buns, you can lightly toast them before assembling the sandwich. Additionally, consider adding a layer of shredded cheese as a barrier between the beef mixture and the bun, which helps to absorb some of the moisture!
