Half-Time Shredded Beef Sandwiches Recipe (Slow Cooker)
This shredded beef sandwiches recipe cooks beef chuck low and slow with onion and garlic until it pulls apart easily. The sauce is finished with tomato paste, a touch of brown sugar for balance, and cornstarch to thicken. Clear ingredients and how-to steps make it a handy lunch or party sandwich option.
Ingredients
For the beef
Step-by-Step Method
Load the slow cooker
Place the beef chuck in the slow cooker. Add onion and garlic, then season with salt and pepper.
Add water and cook
Pour in the water, cover, and cook for about 2 hours until the beef is very tender and pulls apart easily (timing can vary by cooker).
Shred the beef
Transfer the beef to a tray and shred with two forks. If you see large pieces of fat, trim them off now.
Thicken the sauce
Stir tomato paste and brown sugar into the cooking liquid. Mix cornstarch with a few tablespoons of cold water, then stir it in and cook 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Combine beef and sauce
Return the shredded beef to the cooker and toss until everything is well coated. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed.
Serve as sandwiches
Spoon the hot shredded beef onto buns and serve right away. Add pickles or a simple salad on the side if you like.