I’ll be honest, when I first started keeping kosher, I thought I’d have to give up one of my favorite comfort foods forever. Those smoky, tender pulled pork sandwiches from my pre-kosher days seemed like a distant memory. But then I discovered the magic of slow-cooked beef chuck roast, and let me tell you, it’s become one of my family’s most requested meals.
Chuck roast is the perfect substitute here because it has all that marbling and connective tissue that breaks down beautifully in the slow cooker. After eight hours on low heat, you get those same tender, shreddable results you’re craving. The key is picking a good piece of meat with visible fat throughout, not a lean cut that’ll turn stringy.
Why Chuck Roast Works for Kosher Pulled Beef
What makes this version really work is the spice rub and the liquid combination. I use a mix of paprika, brown sugar, and garlic powder that creates this incredible crust, even in the moist environment of the slow cooker. The liquid is where I get creative with kosher wine and beef broth instead of the usual beer. Don’t skip the apple cider vinegar either – it adds that tangy bite that cuts through the richness.
The Secret Spice Rub Technique
These sandwiches are perfect for Shabbos lunch or any time you want something that practically cooks itself. I like to serve them on challah rolls with coleslaw and pickles on the side. The meat keeps beautifully for days, so it’s great for meal prep too.

Ingredients
Method
- Mix brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika in a small bowl to create the spice rub.
- Pat the chuck roast dry with paper towels and rub the spice mixture all over the meat, pressing gently to help it adhere. Let it sit for 10 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
- Place the sliced onion in the bottom of your slow cooker. Set the seasoned roast on top of the onions.
- In a measuring cup, whisk together beef broth, red wine, apple cider vinegar, and tomato paste until smooth. Add the minced garlic and pour this mixture around the roast.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, or until the meat shreds easily with two forks.
- Remove the roast from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Using two forks, shred the meat into bite-sized pieces, discarding any large pieces of fat.
- Strain the cooking liquid through a fine-mesh sieve, pressing on the solids to extract flavor. Return the liquid to the slow cooker and add the shredded beef back in.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Keep warm in the slow cooker on the warm setting until ready to serve.
- Serve the pulled beef on buns topped with coleslaw, with pickles on the side.
