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Pulled Beef Sandwich Recipe

3.8 from 40 reviews

This Pulled Beef Sandwich recipe features tender, slow-cooked beef chuck roast smothered in a smoky barbecue sauce and served on toasted buns, optionally topped with crisp coleslaw. Perfect for a hearty lunch or casual dinner, this dish combines bold flavors with simple preparation using oven braising for juicy, flavorful pulled beef.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef and Sauce

  • 2 pounds beef chuck roast
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 cup barbecue sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Sandwich Assembly

  • 4 hamburger buns
  • Coleslaw for topping (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Onion and Garlic: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). In a large Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release their aroma.
  2. Season and Brown the Beef: Season the beef chuck roast evenly with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper if using. Add the roast to the pot and brown on all sides for approximately 4-5 minutes per side to develop flavor and color.
  3. Add Liquids and Simmer: Pour in the beef broth, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar. Stir gently to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing the flavors to meld.
  4. Braise the Beef in the Oven: Cover the Dutch oven with its lid and transfer it to the preheated oven. Cook the beef low and slow for 3 to 4 hours or until the meat is fork-tender and easily shreds apart.
  5. Shred the Beef: Carefully remove the pot from the oven. Using two forks, shred the beef directly in the sauce to keep it moist and flavorful.
  6. Toast the Buns: Lightly toast the hamburger buns to add texture and prevent sogginess.
  7. Assemble and Serve: Pile the pulled beef onto the toasted buns and top with coleslaw if desired, serving immediately for the best taste and texture.

Notes

  • For a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños to the beef mixture before cooking.
  • If you prefer a sweeter flavor, use a honey barbecue sauce instead of regular barbecue sauce.
  • Leftover pulled beef can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
  • Coleslaw adds a refreshing crunch and balances the smoky, rich flavor of the beef.

Keywords: Pulled Beef Sandwich, BBQ Beef, Slow Cooked Beef, Oven Braised Beef, Beef Chuck Roast Recipe, Barbecue Sandwich