As an affiliate, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. We get commissions for purchases made through links on this website from Amazon and other third parties.
If you're craving something hearty and flavorful, BBQ beef sandwiches might just be what you need. These six recipes offer a range of options, from classic brisket to spicy pulled beef, each promising a unique taste experience. Whether you prefer sweet, smoky, or tangy flavors, there's a sandwich here for everyone. Get ready to elevate your meal with these mouthwatering ideas that are sure to impress at your next gathering.
Key Takeaways
- Classic BBQ Beef Brisket Sandwiches use low and slow cooking for tender brisket, seasoned with a flavorful spice mixture.
- Spicy Pulled Beef Sandwiches feature chuck roast or brisket, seared and slow-cooked with chili spices for a zesty kick.
- Sweet and Tangy Beef Sandwiches combine chuck roast with a rich sauce for a deliciously sweet and savory flavor profile.
- Hawaiian BBQ Beef Sandwiches incorporate tangy BBQ sauce and pineapple juice, creating a unique tropical twist on traditional BBQ beef.
- BBQ Beef and Cheddar Melts and Chipotle Beef Sliders offer customizable options for cheese and toppings, perfect for gatherings and casual meals.
Classic BBQ Beef Brisket Sandwiches
To achieve the best results, it's crucial to start with a high-quality cut of brisket and give it plenty of time to cook low and slow. This allows the meat to become incredibly tender while absorbing all the delicious flavors of the spices and sauce.
Once cooked, serve your brisket on toasted buns with your favorite toppings, and enjoy a taste of classic BBQ right from your kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 4-5 pounds beef brisket
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 2 cups barbecue sauce
- 8 hamburger buns
- Pickles and coleslaw (for serving)
Cooking Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 225°F (107°C). In a small bowl, mix together paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if desired. Rub this spice mixture all over the brisket, making sure to coat it evenly.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the brisket on all sides until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer the brisket to a roasting pan and cover it tightly with foil. Place in the preheated oven and roast for approximately 6-8 hours, or until the brisket is fork-tender.
- Once cooked, remove the brisket from the oven and let it rest for at least 30 minutes. Meanwhile, warm the barbecue sauce in a saucepan. Slice the brisket against the grain into thin pieces and toss with the warm barbecue sauce. Serve the brisket on toasted buns, topped with pickles and coleslaw if desired.
Extra Tips:
For the best flavor, consider marinating the brisket overnight with the spice rub before cooking to allow the flavors to penetrate deeper into the meat.
Additionally, if you have a smoker, smoking the brisket for a couple of hours before finishing it in the oven will add an incredible depth of flavor.
Don't forget to save any leftover brisket for other delicious meals throughout the week!
Spicy Pulled Beef Sandwiches
Spicy pulled beef sandwiches are a delightful twist on the classic BBQ beef sandwich, perfect for those who crave a bit of heat. The tender, shredded beef is infused with a medley of spices and flavors that come together beautifully as they slow-cook, resulting in a dish that's both savory and spicy.
Whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue or simply looking for a comforting meal at home, these sandwiches are sure to impress your family and friends.
To achieve the perfect pulled beef, it's crucial to choose the right cut of meat, such as a chuck roast or brisket. Cooking low and slow allows the beef to become fork-tender, while the spices meld together to create a mouthwatering sauce.
Serve these spicy pulled beef sandwiches on toasted buns with your favorite toppings, such as coleslaw or pickled jalapeños, for an extra layer of flavor and crunch.
Ingredients:
- 3-4 pounds beef chuck roast
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Hamburger buns
- Optional toppings: coleslaw, pickled jalapeños, sliced pickles
Cooking Instructions:
Start by seasoning the beef chuck roast with salt, pepper, and the spices (chili powder, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, and cumin).
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and sear the beef on all sides until browned. This step locks in the flavors and juices.
Once seared, transfer the roast to a slow cooker and add the diced onion, minced garlic, beef broth, and BBQ sauce.
Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or until the beef is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
Once cooked, remove the beef from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Mix the shredded beef back into the cooking liquid to soak up all those delicious flavors.
Serve the spicy pulled beef on toasted hamburger buns and top with your desired toppings.
Extra Tips:
For even more flavor, allow the pulled beef to sit in the cooking liquid for a while before serving, as this helps the meat absorb the spices and sauce even further.
If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the cayenne pepper and adjust the spices to your taste.
Additionally, these sandwiches can be made a day in advance, as they taste even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld.
BBQ Beef and Cheddar Melt
BBQ Beef and Cheddar Melt is a mouthwatering sandwich that combines succulent beef with tangy BBQ sauce and gooey melted cheddar cheese. This comfort food classic is perfect for a casual lunch, dinner, or even a backyard gathering. The rich flavors of the BBQ beef pair wonderfully with the creamy texture of cheddar cheese, all nestled between slices of toasted bread.
This dish isn't only satisfying but also simple to prepare, making it a go-to recipe for busy weekdays. Whether you're using leftover roast beef or a quick stovetop preparation, this BBQ Beef and Cheddar Melt can be assembled in no time. The combination of savory beef, zesty BBQ sauce, and melted cheese is sure to please your palate and leave your guests asking for seconds.
Serve it with a side of crispy coleslaw or potato chips to round out the meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked beef, shredded or thinly sliced
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your choice of flavor)
- 4 slices of cheddar cheese
- 4 slices of bread (Texas toast, sourdough, or your preference)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Optional: pickles or jalapeños for garnish
Cooking Instructions:
In a medium saucepan, combine the shredded beef and BBQ sauce over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the beef is heated through and well-coated with the sauce, typically about 5-7 minutes.
While the beef is warming up, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Butter one side of each slice of bread. Place two slices in the skillet, buttered side down, and layer half of the BBQ beef mixture on each. Top each with two slices of cheddar cheese, and then place the remaining slices of bread on top, buttered side up.
Grill the sandwiches for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted. You may need to press down slightly with a spatula to guarantee an even melt.
Once the sandwiches are ready, remove them from the skillet, slice them in half, and serve hot with pickles or jalapeños if desired.
Extra Tips:
For added flavor, consider marinating your beef in the BBQ sauce for a few hours before cooking. This enhances the taste and guarantees every bite is packed with flavor.
Additionally, feel free to experiment with different types of bread or cheese to make this BBQ Beef and Cheddar Melt your own. For a crunchier texture, you can toast the bread in the oven before assembling the sandwiches. Enjoy!
Smoky Chipotle Beef Sliders
Smoky Chipotle Beef Sliders are the perfect addition to any summer barbecue or game day gathering. These sliders feature tender beef infused with smoky chipotle flavor, serving as a delicious and satisfying option for your guests. The combination of spices and a touch of sweetness from the barbecue sauce creates a mouthwatering experience that will leave everyone coming back for seconds.
These mini sandwiches aren't only tasty but also easy to prepare. You can whip them up quickly and serve them with an array of toppings and sides. Whether you choose to pile on the coleslaw, garnish with pickles, or simply enjoy them as they are, these Smoky Chipotle Beef Sliders are sure to impress.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tbsp chipotle in adobo sauce, minced
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Slider buns
- Optional toppings: coleslaw, sliced jalapeños, pickles, shredded cheese
Cooking Instructions:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, minced chipotle in adobo sauce, barbecue sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
Form the mixture into small slider patties, about 2 to 3 inches in diameter. Preheat a grill or skillet over medium heat. Cook the slider patties for approximately 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they're cooked through and have nice grill marks.
Once cooked, remove the patties from the heat and let them rest for a couple of minutes. Assemble the sliders by placing each patty on a slider bun and adding your choice of toppings.
Extra Tips:
For an extra smoky flavor, consider adding some smoked cheese or a dash of liquid smoke to the meat mixture. You can also prepare the beef mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours, allowing the flavors to meld even more.
Serve these sliders with a side of sweet potato fries or a fresh salad for a complete meal that your guests will love!
Sweet and Tangy Beef Sandwiches
Sweet and Tangy Beef Sandwiches are a delightful fusion of flavors that combine the rich taste of beef with a perfect blend of sweetness and tang. These sandwiches are perfect for a casual lunch, a backyard BBQ, or even a cozy dinner. The homemade sweet and tangy sauce adds a unique twist that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Pair them with crispy coleslaw and a side of pickles for a complete meal that everyone will adore.
To make these sandwiches, you'll want to choose a cut of beef that shreds easily, such as chuck roast or brisket. Slow cooking the beef allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in tender, juicy meat that's bursting with flavor.
Once you have the beef cooked to perfection, serve it on toasted buns with plenty of sauce, and watch as your friends and family rave about your culinary skills.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds beef chuck roast
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 hamburger buns
- Optional toppings: coleslaw, pickles, sliced onions
To prepare the Sweet and Tangy Beef Sandwiches, start by placing the beef chuck roast in a slow cooker. In a separate bowl, mix together the barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt.
Pour this mixture over the beef in the slow cooker, ensuring the meat is well-coated. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or until the beef is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
Once cooked, remove the beef from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker to soak in the sauce for an additional 30 minutes.
For serving, toast the hamburger buns lightly. Pile the sweet and tangy beef onto the buns and add your choice of toppings such as coleslaw, pickles, or sliced onions for added crunch and flavor.
Serve immediately and enjoy the mouthwatering experience of these delicious sandwiches.
Extra Tips: To enhance the flavor, consider marinating the beef in the sweet and tangy sauce overnight before cooking. This will allow the meat to absorb even more of the sauce's flavors.
Additionally, you can experiment with different types of barbecue sauce to find the perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess for your taste.
Hawaiian BBQ Beef Sandwiches
Hawaiian BBQ Beef Sandwiches are a delightful fusion of sweet and savory flavors that transport your taste buds straight to the islands. The combination of tender beef slow-cooked in a tangy BBQ sauce, paired with the sweetness of pineapple and a touch of teriyaki, creates a mouthwatering experience that's perfect for any gathering or a cozy family dinner.
Served on soft, toasted buns, these sandwiches aren't only delicious but also super easy to prepare. To make these sandwiches even more appealing, you can add your favorite toppings like coleslaw, jalapeños, or extra pineapple slices.
The versatility of this dish allows you to customize it to your liking, ensuring that everyone at the table will enjoy it. Whether you're firing up the grill or using a slow cooker, Hawaiian BBQ Beef Sandwiches are sure to become a favorite in your home.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds beef chuck roast
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ginger powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 6 hamburger buns
- 1 cup pineapple rings (fresh or canned)
- Optional toppings: coleslaw, sliced jalapeños, chopped green onions
Cooking Instructions:
Begin by placing the beef chuck roast in a slow cooker. In a separate bowl, mix together the BBQ sauce, pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, ginger powder, and black pepper.
Pour this mixture over the beef, ensuring it's well coated. Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours, until the beef is tender and easily shredded with a fork.
Once the beef is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker and mix it with the juices.
While the beef absorbs the flavors, toast the hamburger buns until golden. To assemble, place a generous portion of the BBQ beef on the bottom half of each bun, top with a pineapple ring, and add any additional toppings desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Extra Tips:
For an added layer of flavor, try marinating the beef in the BBQ and pineapple mixture overnight before cooking. This allows the meat to absorb all the delicious flavors, resulting in an even more tender and flavorful sandwich.
Additionally, feel free to experiment with different types of BBQ sauce to find the perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess that suits your taste. Enjoy your Hawaiian BBQ Beef Sandwiches!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Different Types of Beef for These Recipes?
You can use various beef cuts like brisket, chuck, or sirloin for your recipes. Each type brings its own flavor and texture, so experiment to find what you enjoy the most in your sandwiches!
How Can I Store Leftover BBQ Beef Sandwiches?
"Don't put all your eggs in one basket." To store leftover BBQ beef sandwiches, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then refrigerate. They'll stay fresh for up to three days, ready for your next meal!
What Sides Pair Well With BBQ Beef Sandwiches?
To complement your BBQ beef sandwiches, you can't go wrong with coleslaw, baked beans, or potato salad. These sides enhance the flavors, adding crunch and creaminess that perfectly balance the richness of the beef. Enjoy!
Can I Make BBQ Beef Sandwiches in Advance?
Sure, you can prepare those delightful sandwiches ahead of time! Just assemble them without the sauce, then store in the fridge. When you're ready, add the sauce to keep everything fresh and tasty.
Are There Vegetarian Alternatives to BBQ Beef Sandwiches?
You can try using jackfruit, lentils, or mushrooms to create delicious vegetarian alternatives. These ingredients can mimic the texture and flavor of BBQ beef, making your sandwiches equally satisfying and flavorful. Enjoy experimenting!
