These pulled beef and cheddar sliders are tiny sandwiches packed with flavor! The tender beef is slow-cooked until it’s easy to shred and topped with melty cheddar cheese.
They’re perfect for game day or any fun get-together. I love serving them with a side of crispy fries. Trust me, you won’t be able to eat just one! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck Roast: This cut is perfect for slow cooking due to its rich flavor and tenderness when cooked. If you’re looking for a leaner option, consider using brisket instead. Just remember, it might not be as juicy!
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives a wonderful flavor to the sliders. If you’re after something milder, feel free to swap it out for Monterey Jack or even mozzarella. You can mix and match according to your taste!
Onions: A large onion adds sweet and savory notes. Go for yellow onions for classic flavor or red onions for a touch of sweetness. If you’re short on time, shallots work well too!
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro brightens the dish, but if you’re not a fan, parsley is a great alternative. It adds freshness without the distinct taste of cilantro.
How Do You Get That Perfectly Shredded Beef?
Shredding the beef is crucial for sliders, and there are a few tips to make it easy. After slow cooking the beef until it’s tender, here’s what you need to do:
- Let the beef cool slightly so it’s easier to handle.
- Use two forks to pull apart the meat against the grain. This helps it stay tender!
- Once shredded, mix it back into the sauce for extra flavor and moisture before assembling the sliders.
Taking the time to shred it correctly can make a difference in the texture and enjoyability of your sliders!
How to Make Pulled Beef and Cheddar Sliders
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pulled Beef:
- 2½ to 3 pounds beef chuck roast
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
For the Sliders:
- 12 slider buns (small dinner rolls)
- 12 slices sharp cheddar cheese (or cheddar cheese slices cut to fit sliders)
- ½ cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
- Optional: ¼ cup crumbled queso fresco or feta cheese for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe requires about 20 minutes for preparation and 7-8 hours for slow cooking, or 3-4 hours in the oven. After that, you’ll spend a little extra time assembling and baking the sliders. All in all, you’ll be enjoying these tasty sliders in just about a day of cooking! Perfect for a relaxed gathering or game day watch party!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef:
Start by seasoning the beef chuck roast generously with salt and pepper on all sides. This will add flavor right from the beginning!
2. Sear the Beef:
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Carefully add the roast to the pan and sear it on all the sides until it’s nicely browned, about 3-4 minutes for each side. Once done, set the beef aside.
3. Cook Aromatics:
In the same pan, add the sliced onions and minced garlic. Sauté them until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes. This will add a lovely base flavor to your beef!
4. Slow Cook the Beef:
Now, place the seared beef into a slow cooker or back into the Dutch oven. Add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, chili powder, ground cumin, and tomato paste. Stir everything together nicely to combine all the flavors.
5. Cook Low and Slow:
Cover the cooker and let it work its magic! Cook on low for about 7-8 hours in the slow cooker, or if you’re using the oven, set it to 300°F (150°C) for about 3-4 hours. The slow cooking will make the beef super tender and easy to shred!
6. Shred the Beef:
Once cooked, carefully remove the beef from the cooker and shred it using two forks. It should come apart easily! Return the shredded beef back into the sauce and mix well to soak up all the delicious flavors.
7. Prepare Sliders:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the slider buns in half horizontally and place the bottom halves on a baking tray, making it easy to assemble the sliders.
8. Assemble the Sliders:
Now, take a generous scoop of the pulled beef and place it on each bun bottom. Top the beef with a slice of sharp cheddar cheese—yum!
9. Melt Cheese:
Pop the tray into the preheated oven for about 5 minutes, just until the cheese has melted and is gooey. This is the best part!
10. Add Toppings & Finish:
After removing the sliders from the oven, sprinkle the chopped cilantro over the cheesy beef. If you like, add some crumbled queso fresco or feta cheese for an extra touch of flavor.
11. Serve:
Finally, place the top halves of the buns over the sliders and serve them warm. Enjoy these savory, juicy pulled beef and cheddar sliders, perfect for any occasion!
Enjoy the deliciousness! These sliders are sure to impress your family and friends!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef?
Absolutely! If you prefer a leaner option, you can use brisket or beef round. Just keep in mind that these cuts may not be as juicy as chuck roast, so they might need a little extra moisture during cooking.
What Can I Substitute for the Cheese?
If you want a milder flavor, you can swap sharp cheddar for Monterey Jack or even provolone. If you’re feeling adventurous, try pepper jack for a bit of spice!
How to Store Leftover Sliders?
Store any leftover pulled beef in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sliders can be assembled and wrapped tightly, then kept in the fridge, but I recommend waiting to assemble them until you’re ready to eat to keep the buns soft.
Can I Make These Sliders Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can slow cook the beef a day in advance. Just shred and store it in the fridge, then assemble and bake the sliders right before you’re ready to serve. This makes them super easy for parties!
