Slow Cooker Beef and Cheddar Sandwich
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this incredibly easy slow cooker beef and cheddar sandwich. Tender, slow-cooked shredded beef, piled high on toasted buns with melted sharp cheddar, makes for a satisfying and flavorful meal perfect for any day of the week.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 0 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 3-4 lb boneless beef chuck roast
- 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can beef broth
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 6-8 sandwich buns (kaiser rolls, brioche buns, or onion rolls recommended)
- 12-16 slices sharp cheddar cheese
- Optional: 2 tbsp olive oil (for searing beef)
Instructions
- Prepare Beef: Pat the beef chuck roast dry with paper towels. Season generously all over with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and dried thyme.
- Sear (Optional, but Recommended): Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the beef roast for 3-4 minutes per side, until deeply browned. Transfer the seared beef to your slow cooker.
- Add Aromatics and Liquid: Add the sliced onion and minced garlic around the beef in the slow cooker. Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is fork-tender and easily shreds.
- Shred Beef: Carefully remove the beef from the slow cooker and place it on a large cutting board or in a shallow dish. Using two forks, shred the beef into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker, stirring it into the flavorful cooking liquid to keep it moist and infuse more flavor. Keep warm on the ‘warm’ setting or low.
- Assemble Sandwiches: Lightly toast the sandwich buns if desired. Divide the shredded beef evenly among the bottom halves of the buns. Top each with 1-2 slices of cheddar cheese.
- Melt Cheese: Place the top halves of the buns over the cheese, or place the bottom halves with beef and cheese under a broiler for 1-2 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and melted. Alternatively, you can melt the cheese on the beef in the slow cooker for a few minutes before assembling.
- Serve: Serve hot with any desired sides or condiments.
Notes
For an extra layer of flavor and crunch, try serving these sandwiches with a side of crispy onion rings, a creamy coleslaw, or a tangy dill pickle spear. A drizzle of horseradish sauce or a dollop of BBQ sauce can also elevate the taste!