Tangy Shredded Beef Sandwiches: Food Truck Style At Home

Sometimes, you just make that one recipe that stands above the others. These slow cooker Shredded Beef Sandwiches do just that.

Now, I love me some chuck roast from the crock pot. And I also LOVE the flavors of citrus, cumin, and oregano. They work amazingly well in these Pork Carnitas.

So I applied a similar recipe to beef… just to see what it would be like.

Holy cow I was blown away. It seriously tastes like something I would have gotten from a food truck, what an amazing recipe!

And hey, it wasn’t just me… the family, my brother, sister, and my girls had some, and all said something along the lines of, “Holy cow. This is really good.”

Key Takeaways

• Cook Time: Low – 8-10 hours
• Main Ingredients: Beef chuck roast, onion, beef bouillon, garlic, orange concentrate, lime, and more
• Servings: 6
• Extras: Add melted cheese for a little creaminess, and top your meat with a good coleslaw for a crunch to your sandwich

Shredded Beef Sandwiches: Food Truck Style At Home

I love this new take on a pulled beef sandwich rather than pulled pork!

So… like all of my favorite recipes, you just toss it all in the slow cooker and let it do its thing.

After 8 or 10 hours, I would remove the meat to get rid of any pieces of fat and then return it to the juices in the slow cooker.

Toast some Kaiser rolls, smear them with mayo, and slice some avocado and you’re good to go.

Pretty much a complete meal right in the crock pot without much work.

Trust me… you’re gonna like this one a lot 🙂

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Food Truck Style Shredded Beef Sandwiches

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 8 hours hours

Total Time: 8 hours hours 10 minutes minutes

Servings: 6

Author: Brittany Kline

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Ingredients

• 2-3 lb chuck roast trimmed
• 1 onion sliced
• 1 green pepper sliced
• 1 1/2 tsp cumin
• 2 beef bouillon cubes or 1/4-1/2 cup beef broth
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 Tbsp minced garlic or 2 tbsp garlic powder
• 2 Tbsp orange juice concentrate
• Juice from 1 lime
• 2 Tbsp water

Instructions

• Place all ingredients in the slow cooker.
• Cook on low for 8-10 hours.
• Remove meat to shred and discard any pieces of fat.
• Place meat back in the slow cooker.
• Serve on toasted buns or rolls with mayo and sliced avocado.

Recipe Substitutions

Several substitution options are available for those looking to customize these slow cooker Shredded Beef Sandwiches or accommodate different dietary preferences.

The Meat

If beef is not your meat of choice, try substituting it with pork shoulder or chicken thighs for a lighter variant while maintaining the juicy, succulent nature of the meat.

You can still use beef broth or bouillon or switch to chicken or vegetable broth.

For a vegetarian option, jackfruit can mimic the texture of shredded meat when cooked and seasoned in the same fashion.

The Veggies & “Fruits”

In terms of the vegetables, red peppers can be used instead of green for a sweeter taste, or you could add slices of jalapeño for those who prefer a spicier kick.

If orange juice concentrate isn’t available, you could use fresh orange juice or even lemon juice for a citrusy tang that complements the rich flavors of the meat.

If you want the sauce to be a bit saltier and more savory than sweet from the orange, you can add a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce.

The Rolls

Man do I love a good sandwich on some nice soft rolls! I love using Kaiser rolls because they have a robust salty flavor that goes so well with beef.

If Kaiser rolls aren’t your preference, ciabatta or hoagie rolls could provide a delightful crunch or a softer bite, respectively. 

Or, if you have some frozen hamburger buns like I do at times, thaw them and put them to good use beside burgers!

Additionally, for a gluten-free option, serving the shredded beef over a bed of rice or gluten-free tortillas can make for an equally delicious meal.

Add-Ons

Adding melted cheese and other toppings can elevate your slow cooker shredded beef sandwiches to a whole new level of deliciousness.

I’ll use Swiss or provolone cheese, which pairs wonderfully with the rich flavors of the beef.

Simply place a slice of cheese on the beef atop the toasted bun and broil it for a minute or so until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

On a lazy day, I’ll melt the cheese in the microwave and throw the goop on top lol

To add more depth to your sandwich, consider incorporating a tangy element like pickled red onions or a spoonful of zesty chimichurri sauce.

The acidity from these toppings cuts through the richness of the meat and cheese, bringing a welcome balance to each bite.

For those who enjoy a bit of freshness and crunch, a layer of coleslaw or a handful of arugula can add both texture and a peppery flavor that complements the beef beautifully.

Other Slow Cooker Recipes

And if you like this one, you might be interested in 40 other slow cooker dump recipes that are AMAZING!

FAQs

What cuts of beef should I use for shredded beef sandwiches?

You can use a variety of cuts for shredded beef sandwiches, but some common choices include chuck roast, brisket, and beef short ribs.

It’s important to choose a cut with enough marbling and connective tissue to ensure tender and flavorful meat after slow cooking.

What other toppings can I add to these sandwiches?

Some other popular toppings for shredded beef sandwiches include coleslaw, pickled onions, jalapenos, and barbecue sauce. Feel free to get creative and add your own favorite toppings!

Can I make this recipe in the Instant Pot?

Absolutely! To make these shredded beef sandwiches in the Instant Pot, follow the same steps but cook on high pressure for 60 minutes, followed by a natural release of pressure.

First, sear the meat on the stovetop and then cook it in the Instant Pot on high pressure for 40 minutes, followed by a natural release.

After that, shred the beef and return it to the pot with the remaining ingredients for another hour or two.

What sides would go well with beef sandwiches?

These shredded beef sandwiches are versatile and can be paired with a variety of sides.

I like a classic potato salad, corn on the cob, and a fresh green salad.

You could also serve them as part of a taco bar with tortillas, salsa, guacamole, and other toppings and make the meat into a fun taco experience.

Is there a vegetarian option for this sandwich?

While this crock pot recipe specifically calls for beef, you could easily substitute the chuck roast with a vegetarian or vegan alternative such as jackfruit or tofu.

Just be sure to adjust the cooking time and seasonings accordingly.

Final Thoughts

Ready to bring the vibrant essence of food truck cuisine into your kitchen using just your slow cooker?

These Food Truck Style Shredded Beef Sandwiches not only promise a burst of flavor with every bite but also offer a delightful twist on pulled pork.

With ingredients that blend the richness of chuck roast with the tangy zest of citrus and spices, this recipe is the perfect way to impress family and friends.

Even my kids, who can be picky eaters, absolutely love the shredded beef – they say it’s their favorite!

And the best part? We use the leftover beef to make delectable tacos the next day, making this recipe a two-for-one hit in our household.

Have you grabbed my Chaos to Control Starter Guide, yet? I might be biased but I think its pretty amazing! Check it out!

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