Get ready to transform an ordinary meal into a mouthwatering feast that will have everyone at your table begging for seconds! These Barbecued Shredded Beef Sandwiches are the perfect combination of tender, slow-cooked meat and tangy barbecue sauce, nestled between perfectly toasted buns. Whether you're hosting a weekend gathering or craving a hearty meal that requires minimal effort, this recipe is your ticket to culinary bliss. Imagine pulling apart succulent beef that's been simmering for hours, infused with rich flavors and falling apart at the mere touch of a fork.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 8 hrs
Total Time: 8 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 3 pounds beef chuck roast
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 6 hamburger buns
- Pickles for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Slice the onion and mince the garlic. Set aside.
- Season the beef chuck roast generously with salt and pepper on all sides. This will enhance the flavor of the meat as it cooks.
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat a small amount of oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned beef chuck roast and sear it on all sides until it develops a nice brown crust. This should take about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Once the beef is browned, remove it from the skillet and place it in a slow cooker. Add the sliced onion and minced garlic on top of the beef.
- Pour the barbecue sauce over the beef, ensuring it is evenly coated. You can use store-bought barbecue sauce or make your own if desired.
- Cover the slow cooker with a lid and set it to low heat. Allow the beef to cook for 8 hours. This slow cooking process will make the beef tender and easy to shred.
- After 8 hours, check the beef for tenderness. It should easily shred with a fork. If it is not tender enough, let it cook for an additional hour.
- Once the beef is ready, remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
- Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker and mix it with the remaining barbecue sauce and onions to ensure it is well-coated.
- While the beef is absorbing the flavors, lightly toast the hamburger buns on a grill or in a toaster for added texture and flavor.
- To assemble the sandwiches, place a generous portion of the barbecued shredded beef onto the bottom half of each toasted hamburger bun.
- Top the shredded beef with pickles if desired, then place the top half of the bun on each sandwich.
- Serve the barbecued shredded beef sandwiches warm, with additional barbecue sauce on the side if desired. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Tips
- Choose the Right Cut: Chuck roast is ideal for this recipe due to its marbling and ability to become incredibly tender when slow-cooked.
- Searing Matters: Don't skip the browning step! Searing the meat creates a delicious crust that locks in flavor and adds depth to the final dish.
- Low and Slow is the Way to Go: Patience is key. Cooking the beef on low heat for 8 hours ensures maximum tenderness and flavor development.
- Sauce Selection: While store-bought barbecue sauce works great, consider making your own or mixing different sauces for a unique flavor profile.
- Toasting Buns: Lightly toasting the hamburger buns adds a wonderful texture and prevents them from getting soggy from the beef's moisture.
- Make Ahead Friendly: This recipe is perfect for meal prep. The shredded beef can be made in advance and reheated when needed.
- Customize Your Toppings: While pickles are optional, feel free to experiment with coleslaw, additional onions, or even a slice of cheese to make the sandwich your own.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 519kcal
Carbohydrates: 33g
Protein: 39g
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 100mg
