This pulled beef sandwich is a delicious treat! Tender beef is slow-cooked to perfection and piled high on a soft bun, topped with your favorite sauce and pickles.
Trust me, this is the kind of sandwich you won’t want to share! I love having it for lunch on lazy weekends—it’s so easy to make, and your taste buds will be dancing!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck Roast: This cut is perfect for slow cooking as it becomes tender and flavorful. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you can try beef brisket or round roast, though they may not be as juicy.
Spices: The combination of smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder adds great flavor. If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika or even chili powder can work as a substitute for a different taste.
Barbecue Sauce: Choose a sauce you love as it heavily influences the taste. For a healthier option, you can use sugar-free barbecue sauce or make your own using ketchup, vinegar, and spices.
Buns: Brioche or pretzel buns are delightful for this sandwich. If you’re aiming for a lighter option, whole wheat buns or even lettuce wraps work well too!
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Shredded Beef?
Shredding the beef correctly makes your sandwich delicious. First, let the beef rest after cooking to let the juices redistribute. Then, using two forks, pull apart the meat against the grain for the best texture. It makes shredding easier and keeps the beef tender.
- After resting, hold the beef with one fork and shred with the other fork going in the opposite direction.
- Make sure to discard any large pieces of fat while shredding.
How to Make Pulled Beef Sandwich
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef:
- 2 pounds beef chuck roast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (plus extra for serving)
For the Sandwich:
- 4 hamburger buns (preferably brioche or pretzel)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Optional: sliced pickles, coleslaw for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and then cooks for 8 hours in a slow cooker. You’ll spend a little extra time assembling the sandwiches at the end, making it perfect for a busy day! Total time includes hands-on prep and slow cooking, so plan accordingly.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Beef:
Start by rubbing the beef chuck roast all over with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Make sure every bit of beef is nicely coated with the seasonings. This will give your sandwich fantastic flavor!
2. Sear the Beef:
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat a bit of oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the seasoned beef. Sear the beef on all sides until it’s nicely browned, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes per side. This step adds great color and flavor!
3. Cook the Beef:
After browning, transfer the beef to a slow cooker. Pour the beef broth and barbecue sauce on top. Cover the cooker and cook on low for about 8 hours, until the meat is super tender and falls apart easily with a fork.
4. Shred the Beef:
Once the beef is cooked, take it out of the slow cooker and let it rest for a few minutes. Then, using two forks, shred the beef into bite-sized pieces, discarding any fat you find. It should come apart easily!
5. Mix with Sauce:
Put the shredded beef back into the slow cooker and mix it well with the juices and sauce. Let it warm on low for about 15-20 minutes so it can soak up that delicious flavor. Yum!
6. Prepare the Buns:
While the beef is warming, slice your hamburger buns in half. If you like, you can toast the insides of the buns on a skillet or grill for a little extra crunch. It makes a big difference!
7. Assemble the Sandwiches:
Take the bottom halves of the buns and pile on a generous amount of the pulled beef. Add some shredded cheddar cheese on top and drizzle with extra barbecue sauce. Feel free to add any optional toppings like pickles or coleslaw for extra flavor!
8. Finish and Serve:
Cover each sandwich with the top half of the bun. Serve immediately with a little extra barbecue sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy your delicious pulled beef sandwich—it’s a crowd-pleaser!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef?
Absolutely! If you can’t find beef chuck roast, you can use brisket or a round roast instead. Just keep in mind that brisket may take a little longer to become tender, while round roast might be leaner and require careful cooking to avoid dryness.
What If I Don’t Have a Slow Cooker?
No problem! You can cook the beef in a Dutch oven on the stove or in the oven. Follow the same steps for seasoning and searing, then add the broth and barbecue sauce. Cover and simmer on low heat on the stovetop for about 3-4 hours, or bake in the oven at 300°F for about the same time until the beef is tender.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pulled beef in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, place it in a pot over low heat or use the microwave, adding a splash of beef broth or water to keep it moist.
Can I Freeze the Pulled Beef?
Yes! Pulled beef freezes very well. Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy it again!
