This pulled beef sandwich is a cozy treat! Tender beef cooked to perfection and piled high on a soft bun, it’s topped with zesty BBQ sauce and crunchy coleslaw for extra flavor.
Honestly, I can never have just one! Add some pickles on top, and I’m in heaven. It’s a perfect meal for a game day or a weekend BBQ with friends. Yum! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck Roast: This cut is ideal for slow cooking. If you can’t find it, a brisket or any other tough cut like a round roast can work too. Just make sure it’s well-marbled for tenderness.
Barbecue Sauce: Use your favorite bottled barbecue sauce, but homemade is always great! If you’re looking for a healthier option, opt for a sugar-free or reduced-sugar version. You can also swap in a spicy sauce for a kick.
Buns: Brioche or pretzel buns add a nice touch, but if you want to keep it lighter, whole wheat or gluten-free buns can be a fantastic alternative. Feel free to get creative with your bread choice!
Cheddar Cheese: While sharp cheddar is my go-to, Monterey Jack or pepper jack can provide a creamy texture and different flavor. For a dairy-free option, go for vegan cheese.
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Shredded Beef?
Shredding beef may seem daunting. The secret is to ensure it cooks long enough so it pulls apart easily. Here’s how to do it:
- Set your timer for the 3-4 hour cooking time, but check for doneness around the 3-hour mark. It should be fork-tender!
- After resting, use two forks to pull the beef apart. Start at the grain and gently pull it into pieces.
- For extra flavor, toss the shredded beef back into the cooking juices before assembling your sandwiches.
How to Make Pulled Beef Sandwich?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef:
- 2 pounds beef chuck roast
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (plus extra for serving)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Sandwich:
- 4 hamburger buns (preferably brioche or pretzel buns)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing)
- Optional: Pickles or coleslaw for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Pulled Beef Sandwich takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 3-4 hours to cook in the oven. So, you’ll need a bit of time to let the flavors come together, but it’s mostly hands-off cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C). This low and slow cooking will make the beef super tender.
2. Season the Beef:
In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Take this seasoning mixture and rub it all over the beef chuck roast. Make sure it’s nicely coated for maximum flavor!
3. Sear the Beef:
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned beef chuck roast to the skillet. Sear it on all sides until it’s nicely browned, which will take about 3-4 minutes per side. This helps lock in those delicious juices!
4. Prepare the Cooking Liquid:
After searing, carefully remove the roast from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, add the beef broth, barbecue sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Make sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom—that’s where the flavor is!
5. Cook the Beef:
Return the beef to the skillet and cover it with a lid or foil. Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and let it cook for about 3-4 hours, or until the beef is super tender and can be shredded easily with a fork.
6. Shred the Beef:
Once the beef is done, take it out of the oven and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes. After resting, use two forks to shred the beef into bite-sized pieces.
7. Assemble the Sandwiches:
To put your sandwiches together, place a generous amount of pulled beef on the bottom half of each bun. Top with shredded cheddar cheese and a nice drizzle of barbecue sauce. You can also add pickles or coleslaw if you want some extra crunch!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, close the sandwiches with the top half of the buns and serve them up right away. Enjoy your homemade Pulled Beef Sandwich—it’s sure to be a hit!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef?
Absolutely! While chuck roast is ideal for its marbling and flavor, you can also use brisket or a round roast. Just keep in mind that different cuts may require slight adjustments in cooking time; leaner cuts like round roast may cook faster, so check for tenderness early.
What Can I Substitute for Barbecue Sauce?
If you’re out of barbecue sauce, you can use a combination of ketchup, honey, and vinegar as a quick substitute. Mix 1 cup of ketchup with 2 tablespoons of honey and 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar for a sweet and tangy flavor.
How to Store Leftover Pulled Beef?
Store any leftover pulled beef in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let it cool before freezing to maintain its texture!
Can I Make This Recipe in a Slow Cooker?
Yes, you can! Just sear the beef as directed, then place it in the slow cooker along with the broth, barbecue sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook on low for 8 hours or on high for about 4-5 hours, until tender. This method allows the flavors to blend beautifully!
