Pulled beef sliders are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, combining tender, flavorful shredded beef with soft slider buns. Perfect for game days, parties, or casual family dinners, these sliders are easy to prepare and endlessly customizable with your favorite toppings and sauces.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Slow-cooked beef is melt-in-your-mouth tender and packed with flavor.
- Great for feeding a crowd with minimal effort.
- Easy to customize with toppings and sauces.
- Can be made ahead and reheated for convenience.
- Works as an appetizer, snack, or main course.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Pulled Beef:
- Beef chuck roast
- Onion, sliced
- Garlic, minced
- Beef broth
- Worcestershire sauce
- Barbecue sauce (or your preferred sauce)
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Smoked paprika (optional)
For the Sliders:
- Slider buns
- Coleslaw (optional, for topping)
- Pickles (optional, for topping)
- Additional barbecue sauce (optional, for serving)
Directions
- Sear the Beef:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the beef with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika (if using). Sear the beef on all sides until browned, about 2–3 minutes per side.
- Slow Cook the Beef:
- Place the sliced onions and garlic in the bottom of a slow cooker. Add the seared beef on top.
- Pour in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and barbecue sauce. Cover and cook on low for 8–10 hours or high for 4–5 hours, until the beef is tender and easily shredded with a fork.
- Shred the Beef:
- Remove the beef from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker and stir to coat with the sauce. Keep warm until ready to serve.
- Assemble the Sliders:
- Split the slider buns and lightly toast them if desired.
- Add a generous amount of pulled beef to the bottom half of each bun. Top with coleslaw, pickles, or additional barbecue sauce as desired. Place the top bun on and serve warm.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 10–12 sliders
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8–10 hours (slow cooker)
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef for extra heat.
- Cheesy Option: Melt a slice of cheese over the beef before assembling the sliders.
- Sweet Twist: Use a honey barbecue sauce or add a touch of brown sugar to the sauce for a sweeter flavor.
- Different Proteins: Substitute beef with pork shoulder or chicken thighs for a twist.
- Low-Carb: Serve the pulled beef in lettuce wraps instead of slider buns.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover pulled beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the beef in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or barbecue sauce to keep it moist.
- Freezing: Pulled beef can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
FAQs
1. Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook the beef in a Dutch oven at 300°F (150°C) for 3–4 hours, or until tender.
2. What type of beef is best for pulled beef?
Beef chuck roast is ideal because it’s well-marbled and becomes tender when slow-cooked.
3. Can I make the beef ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef a day in advance. Store it in the fridge and reheat before serving.
4. Can I use store-bought barbecue sauce?
Absolutely! Use your favorite barbecue sauce to keep things simple.
5. How do I prevent the sliders from getting soggy?
Lightly toast the buns and serve the beef with a slotted spoon to drain excess sauce.
6. Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?
Yes, carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms can be added to cook alongside the beef.
7. What other toppings work well?
Caramelized onions, shredded cheese, or avocado slices are excellent additions.
8. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free buns and ensure your barbecue sauce is gluten-free.
9. How do I get a smoky flavor without a smoker?
Use smoked paprika, liquid smoke, or a smoky barbecue sauce for that flavor profile.
10. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, this recipe scales well. Just ensure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the increased volume.
Conclusion
Pulled beef sliders are a versatile and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party or planning a family meal, these sliders are sure to be a hit. With tender, juicy beef and endless topping options, they’re as easy to customize as they are to devour.
Print
Pulled Beef Sliders
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking or Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Description
Juicy, tender pulled beef piled high on soft slider buns makes for an irresistible meal or party snack. These sliders are packed with smoky, savory flavor and are perfect for game days, gatherings, or a satisfying dinner.
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- Cook the Beef:
- Slow Cooker: 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 the beef is fork-tender.
- Oven: 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.
- Shred the Beef:
- Remove the beef from the slow cooker or pan and shred it with two forks. Return it to the sauce and mix to coat evenly.
- 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.
- Bake the Sliders:
- Brush the tops of the buns with melted butter and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the buns are golden.
- Serve:
- Serve warm, optionally topped with pickles and additional barbecue sauce.
Notes
- Leftover pulled beef can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- Add coleslaw on top for a crunchy and tangy twist.
- Use a pressure cooker to reduce cooking time (cook for 60-70 minutes on high pressure).