Pulled Beef Sliders Recipe

The Ultimate Crowd-Pleaser

When it comes to comfort food that brings people together, nothing beats these tender, flavorful Pulled Beef Sliders. Whether you’re hosting a game day party, a backyard barbecue, or a casual family dinner, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit. With melt-in-your-mouth beef, a smoky-sweet barbecue sauce, and soft slider buns, every bite is packed with bold flavors. Plus, it’s easy to prepare with a slow cooker or oven, making it a stress-free meal for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re serving a big crowd or just making a comforting dinner, these sliders fit the bill.
  • Easy Prep: With a slow cooker or oven option, you can set it and forget it until it’s time to eat.
  • Flavor-Packed: The combination of smoky paprika, tangy vinegar, and rich barbecue sauce creates an irresistible taste.
  • Customizable: Add cheese, pickles, or even a spicy twist to make it your own.

Ingredients

For the Pulled Beef:

  • 2.5–3 lbs beef chuck roast
  • 1 large onion, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (plus more for serving)
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

For the Sliders:

  • 12 slider buns or Hawaiian rolls
  • 6 slices of cheese (optional, such as cheddar or pepper jack)
  • Pickles (optional, for topping)
  • 2 tbsp melted butter (for brushing the buns)

Kitchen Equipment Needed

  • Large skillet or Dutch oven
  • Slow cooker or roasting pan
  • Tongs
  • Forks (for shredding the beef)
  • Baking sheet
  • Pastry brush (for buttering the buns)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Beef

  • Season the chuck roast with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and chili powder.
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
  • Sear the roast on all sides until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side.

2. Cook the Beef

Slow Cooker Method:

  • Transfer the seared beef to a slow cooker.
  • Add sliced onions, garlic, beef broth, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and apple cider vinegar.
  • Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until fork-tender.

Oven Method:

  • Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C).
  • Place the beef in a roasting pan with the same ingredients.
  • Cover tightly with foil and cook for 3-4 hours until tender.

3. Shred the Beef

  • Remove the beef from the slow cooker or pan.
  • Shred it using two forks, then return it to the sauce and mix to coat evenly.

4. Assemble the Sliders

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Slice the slider buns in half horizontally (if not pre-sliced) and place the bottom halves on a baking sheet.
  • Spoon the pulled beef onto each bun and top with a slice of cheese if desired.
  • Cover with the top halves of the buns.

5. Bake the Sliders

  • Brush the tops of the buns with melted butter.
  • Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the buns are golden brown.

6. Serve and Enjoy!

  • Serve warm, optionally topped with pickles and additional barbecue sauce.

Storage and Reheating Tips

  • Refrigeration: Store leftover pulled beef in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze shredded beef in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
  • Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in short bursts until heated through.

Variations & Substitutions

  • Spicy Twist: Add 1-2 tsp of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
  • Different Cheese Options: Swap out cheddar for mozzarella, gouda, or provolone.
  • Low-Carb Option: Serve the pulled beef in lettuce wraps instead of slider buns.
  • Sweet & Savory: Use Hawaiian rolls for a slightly sweet contrast to the smoky beef.

Food & Drink Pairings

  • Side Dishes: Serve with coleslaw, potato wedges, or a crisp green salad.
  • Drinks: Pair with an ice-cold beer, homemade lemonade, or a smoky bourbon cocktail.

FAQ

Can I make the pulled beef ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the beef a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just reheat before assembling the sliders.

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Chuck roast is best for shredding, but you can also use brisket or short ribs.

What’s the best barbecue sauce for this recipe?

A smoky, slightly sweet sauce works best, but feel free to use your favorite brand or homemade version.

Can I make this in an Instant Pot?

Yes! Cook on high pressure for 60-70 minutes, then allow a natural release before shredding.

Try This Recipe and Share!

We hope you love these Pulled Beef Sliders as much as we do! They’re easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for any gathering. If you try this recipe, let us know in the comments below, and don’t forget to share it with your friends and family. Subscribe to our blog for more delicious recipes and cooking tips!

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