A Pulled Beef Sandwich is a hearty and flavorful meal made with tender, slow-cooked beef that’s shredded and piled onto a soft bun. Cooked with a savory blend of spices, broth, and seasonings, the beef becomes incredibly juicy and packed with flavor. Whether topped with barbecue sauce, pickles, or slaw, this sandwich is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tender & Juicy Beef – Slow-cooked to perfection for melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Easy to Make – Let your slow cooker or oven do most of the work.
- Versatile Toppings – Customize with your favorite sauces and add-ons.
- Great for Meal Prep – Make a big batch and enjoy throughout the week.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for lunch, dinner, game days, or gatherings.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Beef chuck roast or brisket
- Onion, sliced
- Garlic cloves, minced
- Beef broth
- Worcestershire sauce
- Barbecue sauce (optional)
- Brown sugar
- Smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper
- Olive oil
- Soft sandwich buns
- Optional toppings: coleslaw, pickles, caramelized onions, cheese
Directions
- Season the Beef – Rub the beef with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and brown sugar.
- Sear the Meat – In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the beef on all sides until browned.
- Slow Cook the Beef – Transfer the beef to a slow cooker or Dutch oven. Add sliced onions, minced garlic, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and barbecue sauce if using.
- Cook Until Tender –
- Slow Cooker: Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
- Oven: Bake at 300°F (150°C) for 3-4 hours, covered.
- Shred the Beef – Once the beef is fork-tender, shred it using two forks. Stir it back into the sauce.
- Assemble the Sandwich – Pile the shredded beef onto sandwich buns and add your favorite toppings. Serve warm.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-10 hours (depending on the method)
- Total Time: Varies based on cooking method
Variations
- Spicy Kick – Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the seasoning.
- Sweet & Tangy – Mix in honey or apple cider vinegar for extra depth.
- Cheesy Upgrade – Melt provolone or cheddar cheese on top.
- Mexican-Inspired – Use taco seasoning and serve in tortillas instead of buns.
- Asian Twist – Add soy sauce, ginger, and hoisin sauce for an Asian-inspired flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftover beef in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Freeze shredded beef in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a bit of broth to keep it moist.
FAQs
What’s the best cut of beef for pulled beef sandwiches?
Chuck roast or brisket works best because they become tender and flavorful when slow-cooked.
Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Cook on high pressure for 60 minutes, then let it naturally release for 15 minutes before shredding.
Do I have to sear the beef before slow cooking?
Searing adds extra flavor, but you can skip it if you’re short on time.
Can I use pre-shredded beef?
Yes, but freshly cooked beef will have better texture and flavor.
What’s the best bread for these sandwiches?
Soft sandwich buns, brioche, or ciabatta rolls work best.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Pulled beef tastes even better the next day after the flavors meld together.
How do I keep the beef from drying out?
Keep it in the sauce while storing and reheating to maintain moisture.
Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?
Yes! Bell peppers, mushrooms, or carrots add extra flavor.
What’s a good side dish for pulled beef sandwiches?
Serve with coleslaw, fries, baked beans, or potato salad.
Can I use a different sauce besides barbecue?
Yes! Try a garlic butter sauce, horseradish mayo, or chimichurri for a unique twist.
Conclusion
Pulled Beef Sandwiches are a satisfying and easy meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With tender, flavorful shredded beef and endless topping options, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Whether served at a casual lunch or a big gathering, it’s a guaranteed hit!
PrintPulled Beef Sandwich
Tender, slow-cooked beef in a rich, flavorful sauce, served on a soft bun. This easy recipe is perfect for a comforting meal or a crowd-pleasing sandwich.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 sandwiches 1x
- Category: Dinner, Sandwiches
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Pulled Beef:
- 3 lbs beef chuck roast (or brisket)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 cup beef broth
- ½ cup barbecue sauce
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp mustard (yellow or Dijon)
For Serving:
- 6 brioche or hamburger buns
- ½ cup coleslaw (optional, for topping)
- Extra barbecue sauce (for drizzling)
Instructions
- Prepare the beef: Pat the beef dry and season it with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Sear the beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned.
- Slow cook: Transfer the beef to a slow cooker. Add beef broth, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and mustard. Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours, until the beef is tender and easily shreddable.
- Shred the beef: Remove the beef from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded beef to the sauce and stir to coat.
- Assemble the sandwiches: Toast the buns if desired. Pile the pulled beef onto the buns, top with coleslaw, and drizzle with extra barbecue sauce. Serve warm.
Notes
- For a smoky flavor, add ½ teaspoon of liquid smoke.
- This can also be made in an Instant Pot (cook on high pressure for 60 minutes, then natural release for 15 minutes).
- Pulled beef can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.