Description

These BBQ Pulled Beef Sliders are a mouthwatering treat, featuring tender, juicy beef enveloped in soft buns and topped with tangy coleslaw and pickles. Perfect for any gathering, they are sure to impress your guests with their rich flavors and satisfying texture.

Ingredients

Scale

3–4 lbs beef chuck roast, boneless
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
1 cup apple cider vinegar
1 cup beef broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 cup ketchup
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
12 slider buns (preferably brioche or potato)
Coleslaw (optional, for topping)
Pickles (optional, for topping)

Instructions

Start by preparing the spice rub. In a small bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). This blend will coat the beef and infuse it with flavor.
Take your beef chuck roast and pat it dry with paper towels. This step is crucial as it helps the spice rub adhere better and promotes browning. Rub the spice mixture all over the beef, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate.
In a slow cooker or Dutch oven, combine the apple cider vinegar, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Place the seasoned beef roast into the liquid, making sure it’s mostly submerged. If you’re using a slow cooker, cover it and cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-5 hours. For oven cooking, cover with a lid and bake at 300°F (150°C) for about 4-5 hours.
After cooking, check the beef for doneness. It should shred easily with a fork. If it isn’t tender yet, give it another hour. Avoid the common mistake of pulling the meat too soon; it needs to be fork-tender for the best texture in your sliders.
Once cooked, remove the beef from the cooker and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute. While the beef is resting, strain the cooking liquid to remove any solids, then return the liquid to the pot.
Shred the beef using two forks, discarding any large pieces of fat. Return the shredded beef to the pot with the reserved liquid, mixing it well to soak up all the delicious flavors.
Now, let’s make the BBQ sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Stir frequently until the mixture comes to a simmer, then reduce the heat and let it cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the prepared BBQ sauce to the shredded beef and mix thoroughly, ensuring every piece is coated in sauce. Allow it to simmer together for another 5-10 minutes on low heat to meld the flavors.
To assemble the sliders, slice the slider buns in half and lightly toast them if desired. Spoon a generous amount of the pulled beef mixture onto the bottom half of each bun. Top with coleslaw or pickles, if using, then place the top half of the bun on each slider.
Serve immediately and enjoy your BBQ pulled beef sliders while they’re warm and flavorful!

Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 8-10 hours
Category: Dinner
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slider
Calories: 350
Sugar: 10 g
Sodium: 600 mg
Fat: 15 g
Saturated Fat: 5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 30 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 25 g
Cholesterol: 80 mg

Keywords: For optimal results, sear the beef in a hot skillet for 3-4 minutes on each side before slow cooking. This caramelizes the meat and adds extra flavor. A common mistake is not letting the beef rest after cooking. This step is crucial for juicy meat, so don’t skip it!