I’ll be honest, when I first started making kosher versions of classic barbecue dishes, I wasn’t sure how pulled beef would stack up against the pork original. But after years of perfecting this recipe, I can tell you that slow-cooked chuck roast creates incredibly tender, flavorful pulled meat that’s every bit as satisfying as what you’d find at any barbecue joint.
Why Chuck Roast Makes the Best Pulled Beef
The key to great pulled beef is choosing the right cut and giving it plenty of time to break down. Chuck roast works beautifully here because it has enough fat and connective tissue to stay moist during the long cooking process. I season mine with a blend of brown sugar, paprika, and garlic powder before searing it quickly on all sides. This browning step isn’t just for show, it creates those deep, caramelized flavors that make all the difference in the final dish.
The Secret to Tender, Flavorful Results
What really makes this recipe work is the cooking liquid. Instead of just dumping sauce over the meat, I create a braising liquid with beef broth, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. The acid helps tenderize the meat while adding that tangy note that makes pulled meat so addictive. After about 8 hours on low heat, the beef practically falls apart when you touch it with a fork.
These sandwiches are perfect for feeding a crowd without much fuss. I love making them for Shabbat lunch or when we’re having friends over to watch the game. Serve them on challah rolls with some homemade coleslaw and crispy potato chips. The contrast between the tender meat and crunchy slaw is absolutely perfect.

Ingredients
Method
- Pat the chuck roast dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Rub the spice mixture all over the roast, coating all sides evenly.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the roast for 3-4 minutes per side until browned all over.
- Transfer the seared roast to your slow cooker. Add the sliced onion around the meat.
- In a measuring cup, whisk together beef broth, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and tomato paste until smooth.
- Pour the liquid mixture over the roast in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours, or until the meat shreds easily with a fork.
- Remove the roast from the slow cooker and place on a cutting board. Let cool for 10 minutes.
- Using two forks, shred the meat into bite-sized pieces, discarding any large pieces of fat.
- Strain the cooking liquid through a fine mesh strainer, discarding the solids. Return 1/2 to 3/4 cup of the liquid to the shredded meat and mix to moisten.
- Serve on buns with coleslaw and pickles on the side.
