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Slow Cooker Pulled Beef Sandwiches (Kosher) - American recipe
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. 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. 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.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 385

Ingredients
  

For the Beef
  • 4 pounds beef chuck roast well-marbled
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons paprika
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
For the Cooking Liquid
  • 1 cup beef broth low sodium
  • 1/2 cup red wine kosher, dry
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 large onion sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
For Serving
  • 8 hamburger buns or challah rolls
  • coleslaw for topping
  • pickles for serving

Method
 

  1. Mix brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika in a small bowl to create the spice rub.
  2. 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.
  3. Place the sliced onion in the bottom of your slow cooker. Set the seasoned roast on top of the onions.
  4. 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.
  5. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, or until the meat shreds easily with two forks.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Keep warm in the slow cooker on the warm setting until ready to serve.
  9. Serve the pulled beef on buns topped with coleslaw, with pickles on the side.

Notes

The beef will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and freezes well for up to 3 months. You can also cook this on high for 4-5 hours if you're short on time, though the texture won't be quite as tender. For extra flavor, try searing the roast in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker.
Nutrition Facts
8 servings per recipe
Serving size 1 serving
Calories 385
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 24g 31%
Saturated Fat 9g 45%
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 95mg 32%
Sodium 650mg 28%
Dietary Fiber 1g 4%
Total Sugars 5g
Protein 32g 64%