This pulled beef sandwich is a warm and hearty treat! It’s made with tender, slow-cooked beef, perfectly seasoned and piled high on soft bread. Yum!
Who doesn’t love a good sandwich? I always make extra just in case—leftovers are a win in my book! 💙 Try it with some pickles for a little crunch!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck Roast: This cut is great for slow cooking, becoming tender and juicy. If you’re looking for alternatives, you can use brisket or short ribs. Just keep in mind they may have slightly different flavors and textures.
Barbecue Sauce: I love using a smoky or sweet barbecue sauce for depth. Feel free to switch it up with your favorite! If you’re after a less sweet option, a tangy mustard-based sauce works really well.
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar adds a wonderful creaminess. You could swap it for Monterey Jack or Colby for a milder taste. For a vegan alternative, go for plant-based cheese shreds.
Buns: While brioche or pretzel buns are my favorites, you can use any sturdy hamburger bun or even wraps. Toasting them really helps them hold the filling better.
How Do I Make My Beef Tender and Delicious?
The key to a great pulled beef sandwich is tender, flavorful meat. Here’s how you can achieve that:
- Season your beef well with salt, pepper, paprika, and cumin before searing.
- Don’t rush the browning process! Sear the beef for 4-5 minutes per side until it’s nicely browned to lock in flavors.
- For slow cooking, patience is essential! Cook it low and slow—8 hours on low or 4 hours on high yields the best results.
- When it’s time to shred, let the beef cool slightly so it’s easier to handle without burning your fingers.
Following these steps will help you enjoy a hearty, flavorful pulled beef sandwich every time! Happy cooking!
How to Make a Pulled Beef Sandwich
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef:
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your choice of flavor)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sandwich Assembly:
- 4 hamburger buns (preferably brioche or pretzel)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Pickles (optional, for garnish)
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Pulled Beef Sandwich takes about 15 minutes of active prep time with a slow cook time of 8 hours on low or 4 hours on high in a slow cooker, or about 3-4 hours on the stovetop. Once everything is cooked, you’ll take just a few minutes to assemble your sandwiches. A lovely meal that’s worth the wait!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef:
Start by seasoning your beef chuck roast generously with salt, pepper, paprika, and cumin. Make sure to cover all sides well. This will enhance the flavor of your meat as it cooks.
2. Sear the Meat:
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned beef and sear it on all sides until it has a nice brown color. This should take about 4-5 minutes on each side. Browning the meat helps seal in the flavors!
3. Cook the Aromatics:
After searing, take the beef out of the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook these until the onion is soft and translucent, which should take around 3-4 minutes. This step adds wonderful flavor to your dish.
4. Combine Ingredients:
Return the beef to the skillet and pour in the beef broth, barbecue sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Give everything a good stir to mix together. This will create a delicious cooking sauce!
5. Slow Cook:
Now, cover the skillet or if you prefer, transfer all the ingredients to a slow cooker. If you’re using a slow cooker, cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours. For stovetop cooking, let it simmer on low heat for about 3-4 hours. You want the beef to be really tender so it can be easily shredded.
6. Shred the Meat:
Once the beef is cooked, take it out of the sauce and shred it using two forks. The beef should fall apart easily. Then, return the shredded meat to the skillet or slow cooker to mix it with the sauce.
7. Prepare the Buns:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the hamburger buns on a baking sheet, cut side facing up. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on each bun, then bake for about 5-7 minutes until the cheese melts and the buns are a little toasty.
8. Assemble the Sandwich:
Now it’s time to put your sandwich together! Take the cheesy bottom half of each bun and load it up with generous portions of the pulled beef mixture. Drizzle on some extra barbecue sauce if you like, top with pickles if you want, and finally place the top half of the bun on each sandwich.
9. Serve:
Garnish your sandwiches with fresh parsley if you’d like to add a pop of color! Serve them hot alongside your favorite sides, and enjoy your delicious Pulled Beef Sandwich!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef?
Yes, you can use other cuts like brisket or beef shoulder. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary. Brisket may take a bit longer to become tender, while shoulder can also be a good alternative with similar cooking times to chuck roast.
What If I Don’t Have Beef Broth?
No problem! You can substitute beef broth with chicken broth or even water, although broth will provide a richer flavor. If using water, consider adding a bit more seasoning to make up for the flavor difference.
Can I Make This Recipe in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the pulled beef ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat it in a skillet or microwave before serving. The flavors often deepen after a day in the fridge!
How to Store Leftover Pulled Beef?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the pulled beef for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating!
