Tender, smoky, and packed with bold BBQ flavor, these Smoky BBQ Pulled Beef Sandwiches are the ultimate comfort food for Father’s Day. Slow-cooked to perfection and piled high on a toasted bun with melted cheddar, crisp lettuce, fresh tomato, and creamy coleslaw, these sandwiches are a guaranteed hit at any cookout or gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Melt-in-Your-Mouth Beef – Slow-cooked or smoked until incredibly tender and juicy.
Bold BBQ Flavor – A perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors.
Easy Hands-Off Cooking – Let the slow cooker or smoker do all the work.
Great for Gatherings – Perfect for Father’s Day, backyard BBQs, or game day.
Customizable Toppings – Add coleslaw, extra cheese, or your favorite BBQ sauce.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Pulled Beef:

3 lbs chuck roast or brisket
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
1 cup beef broth
1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

For the Sandwiches:

4 brioche or hamburger buns, toasted
4 slices cheddar cheese
1 cup coleslaw (optional)
1 tomato, sliced
4 lettuce leaves

Directions

1. Prepare the Beef

Pat the chuck roast or brisket dry and rub with olive oil, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
Place the beef in a slow cooker or smoker.
Pour in beef broth, BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce.

2. Slow Cook or Smoke the Beef

Slow Cooker Method:

Cook on low for 8-10 hours or until the beef is fork-tender and shreds easily.

Smoker Method:

Preheat smoker to 225°F (107°C).
Smoke the beef for 6-8 hours. Once it reaches 165°F (74°C), wrap in foil and continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 203°F (95°C).

3. Shred the Beef

Remove the beef and shred with two forks.
Mix with extra BBQ sauce for added flavor.

4. Assemble the Sandwiches

Place a slice of cheddar cheese on the toasted bun.
Pile on the BBQ pulled beef.
Add lettuce, tomato, and coleslaw if desired.
Serve warm with extra BBQ sauce on the side.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 8 hours
Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
Calories: 620 kcal per serving

Variations

Spicy Kick – Add extra cayenne pepper or mix in hot sauce with the BBQ sauce.
Cheesy BBQ Beef – Use pepper jack or smoked gouda instead of cheddar.
Crispy Onions – Top with fried onion strings for added crunch.
Carolina-Style BBQ – Swap the BBQ sauce for a vinegar-based sauce for tangier flavor.
Lighter Version – Serve the pulled beef in lettuce wraps or on whole wheat buns.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftover pulled beef in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheating:
- Stovetop: Warm over low heat with a splash of broth or BBQ sauce.
- Microwave: Heat in short bursts, stirring occasionally.
- Oven: Bake at 300°F (150°C) covered with foil for 15-20 minutes.

FAQs

What’s the best cut of beef for pulled beef?

Chuck roast or brisket are ideal due to their marbling and tenderness when slow-cooked.

Can I cook this in an Instant Pot?

Yes! Pressure cook on high for 60 minutes, then let it naturally release for 15 minutes before shredding.

What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?

Use your favorite! Smoky, sweet, or spicy BBQ sauces all work well with this recipe.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Pulled beef tastes even better the next day. Store in the fridge and reheat when ready to serve.

How do I keep the sandwiches from getting soggy?

Toast the buns and assemble just before serving to keep them from getting too soft.

Can I use different buns?

Yes! Try pretzel buns, ciabatta rolls, or even Hawaiian sweet rolls for a different texture.

What are some great sides for these sandwiches?

Serve with French fries, coleslaw, baked beans, potato salad, or grilled corn on the cob.

Can I use this recipe for tacos instead of sandwiches?

Absolutely! Serve the BBQ pulled beef in tortillas with slaw and pickled onions.

How do I make this meal gluten-free?

Use gluten-free buns and check your BBQ sauce for hidden gluten ingredients.

What’s the best way to reheat large batches?

For large portions, reheat in the slow cooker on low for 1-2 hours with extra BBQ sauce to keep it moist.

Conclusion

These Smoky BBQ Pulled Beef Sandwiches are the perfect balance of tender, smoky, and saucy, making them an ideal Father’s Day meal or game-day favorite. Whether slow-cooked or smoked, this beef is juicy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy!

Smoky BBQ Pulled Beef Sandwiches

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Tender, smoky, slow-cooked beef piled high on a toasted bun with melted cheddar and tangy BBQ sauce—this sandwich is the ultimate comfort food for Father’s Day!

Author: Asma
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours
Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooking, Smoking
Cuisine: American, BBQ

Instructions

Prepare the Beef:
- Rub chuck roast with olive oil, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne.
- Place the beef in a slow cooker or smoker. Add beef broth, BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce.
Slow Cook the Beef:
- Slow Cooker Method: Cook on low for 8-10 hours or until the beef shreds easily.
- Smoker Method: Smoke at 225°F (107°C) for 6-8 hours, then wrap in foil and cook until the internal temperature reaches 203°F (95°C).
Shred the Beef:
- Use two forks to shred the beef. Mix with extra BBQ sauce for even more flavor.
Assemble the Sandwiches:
- Place a slice of cheddar cheese on the toasted bun.
- Pile on the pulled beef, then add lettuce, tomato, and coleslaw (if desired).

Serve Warm:
- Serve with extra BBQ sauce on the side.

Notes

For a spicy kick, add hot sauce or extra cayenne to the BBQ sauce.
Make it ahead: Cook the beef a day in advance, store in the fridge, and reheat before serving.

Pair with crispy fries or pickles for the ultimate BBQ experience.