This pulled beef sandwich is a crowd-pleaser with tender, flavorful beef slow-cooked to perfection. Topped with tangy sauce, it’s a delicious treat for lunch or dinner!
The best part? You can pile it high with your favorite toppings! I love adding crunchy pickles and a bit of coleslaw for extra zing. So good, you’ll want to make it again and again! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck Roast: This cut is ideal for slow cooking. It’s flavorful and gets tender as it cooks. If you’re in a pinch, you could swap it with brisket or a round roast, but they may not be as juicy.
Beef Broth: Adds rich flavor to your pulled beef. If you don’t have beef broth, chicken broth works as a substitute, but it will change the taste slightly.
Cuts of Onion and Garlic: These aromatics are essential for a tasty base. White or yellow onions are best, and fresh garlic packs a stronger flavor. If you’re out of fresh garlic, garlic powder can be used as a backup, though I recommend fresh for the best flavor.
Worcestershire Sauce: This sauce brings a unique umami flavor. If you don’t have it, soy sauce can be a good alternative, but adjust for saltiness.
Cheddar Cheese: This melty cheese complements the beef perfectly. Feel free to substitute with Monterey Jack or a spicy pepper jack if you want a kick.
How Can You Ensure the Beef Shreds Perfectly?
Getting tender, shred-ready beef involves two key things: cooking time and temperature. Low and slow is the way to go, and here’s how to nail it:
- Don’t rush the searing! Browning the beef adds extra flavor.
- Cook it at 300°F (150°C) for 4-5 hours. You want it falling apart when it’s done!
- Let it cool slightly before shredding—it’s easier to handle that way.
- If it feels tough, don’t hesitate to cook it longer. Every roast is different!
- Mixing in some cooking liquid right away keeps it moist and flavorful.
How to Make Pulled Beef Sandwich?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pulled Beef:
- 3 lbs beef chuck roast
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Assembling the Sandwich:
- 4 hamburger buns (preferably brioche)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- BBQ sauce, for serving
- Optional: pickles or coleslaw for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious pulled beef sandwich takes about 15 minutes to prep, plus 4-5 hours to cook in the oven (or 8 hours in a slow cooker). After cooking, you’ll spend about 15 minutes assembling the sandwiches. In total, plan for around 5 to 5.5 hours, including cooking time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C). This low temperature will help make the beef super tender while cooking.
2. Sear the Beef:
In a large skillet over medium heat, add a little oil to heat up. Take the beef chuck roast and sear it on all sides until it’s nicely browned. This step is important because it adds a rich flavor to your sandwich!
3. Prepare the Cooking Mixture:
In a slow cooker or a large baking dish, mix together the beef broth, sliced onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, chili powder, brown sugar, cumin, salt, and pepper. Grab your seared beef chuck roast and place it right in the middle of this flavorful mixture.
4. Cook the Beef:
Cover the slow cooker or baking dish and cook! If you’re using the oven, let it cook for 4-5 hours. If using a slow cooker, set it to low for 8 hours. The goal is to have the beef so tender that you can easily shred it with a fork.
5. Shred the Beef:
Once the beef is cooked, carefully take it out and let it cool for a few minutes. Then, using two forks, shred the beef into bite-sized pieces. It should fall apart nicely!
6. Mix With the Cooking Liquid:
To keep your shredded beef nice and juicy, mix it with some of the cooking liquid. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if you need to—just a little salt and pepper might do the trick!
7. Toast the Buns:
Toast your hamburger buns a bit, either on a skillet or in the oven. This will give them a nice crunch and make your sandwich even more tasty.
8. Assemble the Sandwiches:
Time to build your delicious sandwiches! Start with a generous helping of the shredded beef on the bottom half of each bun. Top it off with the shredded cheddar cheese, which will melt just a bit from the warmth of the beef.
9. Add Toppings:
If you like, drizzle some BBQ sauce over the cheese for extra flavor, and feel free to add pickles or coleslaw for some crunch and zest.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Put the top half of the bun on your sandwich and serve immediately while it’s warm. Enjoy your mouthwatering pulled beef sandwich with a side of your favorite chips or a salad!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef?
Yes, you can substitute the chuck roast with brisket or flank steak. Keep in mind that different cuts may require varied cooking times, with flank steak cooking faster, so adjust accordingly to ensure it remains tender.
What Can I Use Instead of Beef Broth?
If you don’t have beef broth, chicken broth or vegetable broth work as excellent substitutes to maintain moisture and flavor. For a richer taste, try using a blend of water and a few tablespoons of soy sauce!
How Do I Store Leftover Pulled Beef?
Store leftover pulled beef in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Just make sure to let it cool completely before placing it in the freezer to avoid freezer burn.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can cook the beef a day in advance. Once it’s shredded, let it cool, then refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat it gently in a skillet with a splash of the cooking liquid to keep it moist before assembling your sandwiches.
