Description
Pulled beef sandwiches deliver mouthwatering comfort with tender, slow-cooked meat nestled between pillowy buns. Hearty flavors and rich textures invite friends and family to savor this classic American comfort dish perfect for weekend gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 3 lbs (1.36 kg) beef chuck roast (or brisket)
- 1 cup (240 ml) beef broth
Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ cup (120 ml) barbecue sauce
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon mustard (yellow or Dijon)
Serving Components:
- 6 brioche or hamburger buns
- ½ cup (120 ml) coleslaw (optional, for topping)
- Extra barbecue sauce (for drizzling)
Instructions
- Meticulously pat the beef completely dry, then generously coat with a robust blend of salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder, ensuring an even distribution of seasonings across the entire surface.
- Ignite a large skillet over medium-high heat, drizzle with olive oil, and strategically sear the seasoned beef for 2-3 minutes on each side, developing a rich, caramelized exterior that locks in deep flavor profiles.
- Gently transfer the seared beef into a slow cooker, creating a flavor foundation by combining beef broth, tangy barbecue sauce, zesty Worcestershire sauce, sharp apple cider vinegar, molasses-like brown sugar, and bold mustard.
- Secure the slow cooker lid and allow the beef to transform, cooking on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours until the meat becomes incredibly tender and effortlessly separates with minimal pressure.
- Carefully extract the beef from its aromatic cooking liquid, using two forks to delicately shred the meat into succulent, mouth-watering strands.
- Reintroduce the shredded beef into the remaining cooking sauce, gently folding to ensure each strand is luxuriously coated with the rich, complex flavors.
- Optionally toast the buns to add a crisp texture, then generously layer the pulled beef, crown with a refreshing coleslaw, and finish with an additional drizzle of barbecue sauce for an extra flavor punch.
Notes
- Ensure meat is thoroughly dried before seasoning to achieve a perfect sear and develop a rich, flavorful crust that locks in moisture.
- Choose a well-marbled cut like chuck roast or brisket for maximum tenderness and rich flavor during slow cooking.
- Adjust spice levels by increasing or decreasing paprika and adding cayenne for those who love extra heat.
- Make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free barbecue sauce and serving on gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 950 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg