Shredded beef sandwiches are the kind of meal that makes everyone happy. Imagine tender, juicy beef, slow-cooked until it falls apart, then mixed with a tangy barbecue sauce. It's piled onto a soft bun, maybe with some crunchy coleslaw on top.
This recipe is perfect for when you've got a crowd to feed or just want some comfort food. It's easy to make, too. You just put everything in a slow cooker and let it do its thing. By the time it's ready, you've got a delicious filling for sandwiches that will have everyone asking for seconds.
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Why This Recipe Works
This shredded beef sandwich recipe is a winner because it's both foolproof and delicious. The slow cooker does all the hard work, breaking down the beef until it's perfectly tender and full of flavor. The combination of barbecue sauce, onions, and garlic with the beef creates a rich, savory filling that's hard to resist. Plus, using a slow cooker means you can set it up in the morning and come home to a meal that's ready to eat. It's the kind of easy, stress-free cooking that busy days need.
What's great about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can serve the shredded beef in so many ways, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you're hosting a casual backyard barbecue, need a hearty meal for a chilly day, or want something simple and satisfying for dinner, this recipe fits the bill. You can customize the sandwiches with different toppings like pickles, cheese, or even a fried egg to make each one unique. Plus, the leftovers (if you have any!) are just as tasty the next day, making this recipe a gift that keeps on giving.
Ingredients
Beef Chuck Roast - This cut is ideal for shredding after it’s been cooked slowly. It’s flavorful and tender. Substitute: beef brisket for a similar texture.
Barbecue Sauce - Adds a smoky, tangy flavor to the beef. Substitute: a mixture of ketchup, vinegar, and spices if you don’t have BBQ sauce.
Onions - Cooked with the beef, they add sweetness and depth. Substitute: onion powder if you’re in a pinch, but fresh is best.
Garlic - Gives the beef a rich, aromatic flavor. Substitute: garlic powder if fresh garlic isn’t available.
Beef Broth - Helps to cook the beef until it’s perfectly tender and adds flavor. Substitute: chicken broth or vegetable broth.
Tips
- Cook the beef on low and slow to ensure it’s tender enough to shred easily.
- Shred the beef while it’s warm for easier handling and better absorption of the sauce.
- Let the shredded beef simmer in the sauce for a bit to enhance the flavor.
- Toast the buns before assembling the sandwiches for an extra texture.
- Save some sauce to serve on the side for those who want a bit extra.
How to Serve
Shredded beef sandwiches are hearty and satisfying, making them perfect for casual gatherings, game day, or a family dinner. The tender, flavorful beef piled high on a bun, maybe with a bit of coleslaw or pickles, can please a crowd or just provide a comforting meal at home.
- Classic Sandwich: Serve the shredded beef on toasted hamburger buns with extra BBQ sauce, coleslaw, and pickles for a traditional touch.
- Open-Faced: For a knife-and-fork version, serve the shredded beef open-faced on toasted bread, topped with melted cheese.
- Sliders: Perfect for parties, serve the shredded beef on small slider buns. It’s a great way to stretch the recipe further and make easy-to-handle eats for guests.
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Shredded Beef Sandwiches
Ingredients
- 3 lbs beef chuck roast
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 large onion sliced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Hamburger buns for serving
- Optional for serving: extra barbecue sauce coleslaw, pickles, cheese
Instructions
- Season the chuck roast with salt and pepper. Place it in the slow cooker.
- Add the sliced onions, minced garlic, barbecue sauce, and beef broth over the beef.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or until the beef is very tender.
- Remove the beef from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker and mix it with the juices and onions.
- Let it cook on low for an additional 30 minutes to soak up the flavors.
- Toast the hamburger buns, then pile the shredded beef high on the buns. Serve with extra barbecue sauce, coleslaw, pickles, and cheese if desired.
Nutrition
Notes
• Shred the beef while it’s warm for easier handling and better absorption of the sauce.
• Let the shredded beef simmer in the sauce for a bit to enhance the flavor.
• Toast the buns before assembling the sandwiches for an extra texture.
• Save some sauce to serve on the side for those who want a bit extra.