Pulled beef sliders are the perfect balance of tender, flavorful beef nestled in soft buns, making them ideal for gatherings, parties, or even a cozy dinner. With juicy, slow-cooked beef paired with tangy barbecue sauce and a touch of coleslaw for crunch, these sliders deliver a mouthwatering experience in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Preparation: Whether you slow-cook or use a pressure cooker, the process is straightforward and hands-free.
- Crowd-Pleaser: These sliders are perfect for entertaining; they disappear quickly at any event.
- Customizable: You can tweak the toppings and sauces to suit your preferences.
- Meal Prep Friendly: The pulled beef can be made ahead of time and reheated without losing flavor.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Beef chuck roast
- Barbecue sauce
- Onion
- Garlic cloves
- Beef broth
- Worcestershire sauce
- Brown sugar
- Slider buns
- Coleslaw (optional, for serving)
- Pickles (optional, for serving)
Directions
- Prepare the Beef: Season the chuck roast with salt and pepper. Sear it in a hot skillet until browned on all sides.
- Set Up Cooking: Place the beef in a slow cooker with chopped onion, garlic, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours, or until the beef is tender and shreds easily.
- Shred the Beef: Remove the cooked beef and shred it using two forks. Return it to the slow cooker and mix with barbecue sauce.
- Assemble the Sliders: Toast the slider buns if desired. Layer the pulled beef, coleslaw, and optional pickles on the buns.
- Serve: Serve warm and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes approximately 10-12 sliders.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours (slow cooker) or 4-5 hours (on high).
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add a few dashes of hot sauce or sliced jalapeños.
- Cheesy Option: Top the beef with a slice of melted cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese.
- Different Proteins: Substitute the beef with pulled pork or shredded chicken for a new twist.
- Vegetarian Version: Use jackfruit as a substitute for beef to create a plant-based slider.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the pulled beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the beef in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water to keep it moist.
FAQs
How do I make pulled beef in the oven?
Place the seared beef and ingredients in a Dutch oven, cover, and cook at 300°F (150°C) for 3-4 hours until tender.
Can I use a pressure cooker?
Yes, cook the beef on high pressure for 60 minutes, then allow a natural release.
What type of buns should I use?
Soft brioche buns or Hawaiian rolls work best for sliders.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free buns and ensure the barbecue sauce is gluten-free.
Is there a substitute for beef chuck roast?
Brisket or pork shoulder are great alternatives.
Can I make the beef ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the beef a day in advance and reheat before serving.
How can I prevent soggy buns?
Toast the buns lightly and add coleslaw just before serving.
What sides pair well with these sliders?
Try potato salad, fries, or baked beans for a complete meal.
Can I skip the coleslaw?
Yes, the sliders taste delicious even without coleslaw.
How do I shred the beef easily?
Use two forks or a hand mixer on low speed to shred the beef quickly.
Conclusion
Pulled beef sliders are a versatile, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish perfect for any occasion. With their tender beef filling and endless customization options, these sliders will be a hit at your table. Whether you’re hosting a party or preparing a weeknight meal, this recipe ensures everyone will come back for seconds!
PrintPulled Beef Sliders
These sliders feature succulent pulled beef topped with smoked cheese sauce, all nestled in soft slider buns. They’re ideal for sharing at parties or enjoying as a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Pulled Beef:
- 2–3 lbs chuck roast, trimmed of excess fat
- 1/4 cup SPG rub (salt, pepper, garlic)
- 1/2 yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 6 tablespoons butter
- 2 cups beef broth
For the Smoked Cheese Sauce:
- 8 oz cream cheese, cubed
- 8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup pepper jack cheese, shredded
- 1.5 cups milk or beer
- 1 teaspoon SPG rub
- 1 teaspoon paprika
For Assembly:
- 2 packs slider buns
- Pickles (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pulled Beef:
- Preheat your smoker to 250°F for indirect heat.
- Cut the chuck roast into large pieces, removing any large portions of hard fat.
- Coat the beef pieces evenly with the SPG rub.
- Place the beef on the smoker grates and smoke for 3-4 hours, spraying with beef broth every hour to build a flavorful bark.
- When the internal temperature reaches 165-170°F, transfer the beef to a foil pan. Add sliced onion, 2 cups of beef broth, and butter. Cover with foil and return to the smoker for an additional 2-3 hours, until the beef is tender and easily shredded.
- Prepare the Smoked Cheese Sauce:
- In a foil pan, combine cream cheese, Velveeta, cheddar, and pepper jack cheeses.
- Pour milk or beer over the cheeses and sprinkle with SPG rub and paprika.
- Place the pan on the smoker alongside the beef during the last 2 hours of cooking. Stir every 30 minutes until the sauce is smooth and melted.
- Assemble the Sliders:
- Once the beef is done, shred it in the braising liquid, discarding any large pieces of fat.
- Slice the slider buns in half horizontally.
- Pile the shredded beef onto the bottom halves of the buns.
- Drizzle the smoked cheese sauce over the beef.
- Add pickles if desired, then place the top halves of the buns on each slider.
- Serve:
- Serve the sliders warm. They pair well with sides like potato salad, grilled broccoli salad, or smoked baked beans.
Notes
- For a different flavor profile, consider using smoked beer cheese or queso instead of the smoked cheese sauce.