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Pulled Beef Sandwich Recipe

4.2 from 42 reviews

This Pulled Beef Sandwich recipe features tender, slow-cooked beef chuck roast seasoned with smoky spices and simmered in a flavorful blend of barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth. Slow-cooked to perfection, the beef is shredded and served on toasted sandwich buns with optional tangy toppings like pickles and coleslaw, making it a hearty and satisfying meal perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef and Seasonings

  • 34 lbs beef chuck roast
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin

Cooking Base

  • 1 large onion, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (or your favorite sauce)
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar

Assembly

  • 68 sandwich buns
  • Optional toppings: pickles, coleslaw, sliced onions

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Beef: Season the beef chuck roast on all sides with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and ground cumin to evenly coat the meat with the spices.
  2. Slow Cook the Beef: Place the sliced onion and minced garlic at the bottom of a slow cooker or Dutch oven. Put the seasoned beef on top, then pour in the beef broth, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and sprinkle the brown sugar over the mixture. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours in a slow cooker, or alternatively, cook covered in a Dutch oven at 300°F (150°C) for 4-5 hours until the beef is very tender and easy to shred.
  3. Shred the Beef: Remove the cooked beef from the pot and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to pull the beef apart into bite-sized shredded pieces. Return the shredded beef back into the cooking juices in the slow cooker to absorb more flavor.
  4. Prepare the Buns: If desired, toast the sandwich buns on a baking sheet in the oven or on a grill until they are lightly golden and slightly crispy for added texture.
  5. Assemble the Sandwiches: Spoon a generous portion of the pulled beef onto the bottom half of each toasted bun. Add any optional toppings like pickles, coleslaw, or sliced onions. Place the top half of the bun over the filling and press gently to complete the sandwich.

Notes

  • Using a slow cooker is preferred for convenience and tenderness, but a Dutch oven in the oven provides a great alternative.
  • Adjust barbecue sauce type to your taste preference to vary sweetness and spice level.
  • Make sure to shred the beef while it’s still warm for easier handling.
  • To add extra moisture, reserve some cooking liquid and mix it into the shredded beef before assembling.
  • Optional toppings like coleslaw add crunch and contrast the rich beef flavor wonderfully.

Keywords: pulled beef sandwich, slow cooked beef, barbecue beef sandwich, shredded beef, slow cooker recipe, beef chuck roast sandwiches