This pulled beef sandwich is a hearty treat! It’s made with tender, slow-cooked beef that’s flavored with delicious spices. Each bite is juicy and packed with taste!
Pair it with your favorite barbecue sauce, and you’ve got a winner! I love piling on extra toppings like coleslaw for that crunch. Trust me, it’s a messy but fun way to enjoy lunch! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck Roast: This is the star of the dish. Chuck roast is flavorful and tender when cooked slow. If you can’t find chuck, a brisket or round roast will also work well. Just adjust cooking time for different cuts.
Barbecue Sauce: I love using a tangy barbecue sauce for this recipe. Feel free to substitute with your favorite sauce or even a homemade version. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you could try a low-sugar barbecue sauce.
Onion and Garlic: These ingredients build a solid flavor base. Yellow onions are ideal, but white or red onions can substitute in a pinch. Fresh garlic is best but can be swapped with garlic powder if necessary.
Cheddar Cheese: I recommend sharp cheddar for a stronger taste. If you want something different, Monterey Jack or even pepper jack for a kick works nicely. Vegan cheese is a good alternative for non-dairy diets!
How Do I Get My Beef Shredded Perfectly?
Shredding your beef correctly is essential for a perfect pulled beef sandwich. After cooking, let the beef rest before shredding, which keeps it juicier. Use two forks to pull it apart easily, and don’t be shy about mixing it with some cooking liquid to keep it moist.
- Rest the beef for about 5 minutes after cooking before shredding to allow juices to redistribute.
- Shred in the direction of the grain for the best texture.
- Toss the shredded beef with a bit of the cooking liquid and extra barbecue sauce to enhance flavor and moisture.
How to Make Pulled Beef Sandwich?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pulled Beef:
- 2 pounds beef chuck roast
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce, plus extra for serving
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Sandwich Assembly:
- 4 burger buns (preferably brioche or pretzel)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Optional: pickles and coleslaw for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This pulled beef sandwich will take about 20 minutes of prep time and 4 to 5 hours of cooking time in the oven. The wait will be worth it as the beef becomes incredibly tender and flavorful, perfect for a delicious sandwich!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Beef:
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). While it’s heating, grab a large bowl and mix the salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and ground cumin together. Take this spice mix and rub it all over the beef chuck roast. This will add lots of flavor to your meat.
2. Sear the Beef:
In a large Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Once hot, place the beef in the pot and sear it on all sides until nicely browned—this should take about 3-4 minutes for each side. Once done, carefully remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.
3. Cook the Onions and Garlic:
In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté these for about 3-5 minutes until they’re softened and fragrant. This will give your dish a great base of flavor!
4. Add the Sauces and Braise:
Now, pour in the beef broth, barbecue sauce, and Worcestershire sauce, making sure to scrape up any brown bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. This is where a lot of flavor is hiding! Return the seared beef to the pot, cover it with a lid, and carefully transfer it to your preheated oven. Cook for 4-5 hours until the beef is super tender and easy to shred.
5. Shred the Beef:
Once it’s done cooking, take the beef out of the pot and let it rest for a few minutes. Then, using two forks, shred the beef into bite-sized pieces. Mix the shredded beef with some of the cooking liquid and additional barbecue sauce if you want it extra saucy.
6. Assemble Your Sandwiches:
Now it’s time to build your sandwiches! Start by placing a generous scoop of the pulled beef on the bottom half of each bun. Top with a handful of shredded cheddar cheese. If you like, you can broil the sandwiches for 1-2 minutes to melt the cheese. Finish off by adding pickles and coleslaw on top if desired.
7. Serve and Enjoy!
Place the top half of the bun on each sandwich. Serve with extra barbecue sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy your delicious homemade pulled beef sandwiches!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef?
Absolutely! If you prefer, you can use brisket or a bottom round roast instead of chuck. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the cut, so check for tenderness while cooking!
Can I Make This in a Slow Cooker?
Yes, you can! Simply follow the same steps for seasoning and searing the beef, then place everything in your slow cooker. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours until the beef is tender and easy to shred.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover pulled beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of beef broth if it’s too dry.
What Can I Use Instead of Barbecue Sauce?
If you’re looking for a change, try using a homemade or store-bought teriyaki sauce, spicy salsa, or even a mix of ketchup and brown sugar for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that you may want to adjust the seasoning accordingly to balance the flavors!
