As I stepped into my kitchen, a warm, garlicky aroma enveloped me like a comforting hug; that’s the magic of Garlic Pulled Beef Sliders. The rich scent wafting from the slow cooker immediately transported me to family barbecues, laughter, and joyful gatherings. This recipe is a true game-changer—perfect for anyone looking for an effortless crowd-pleaser or a satisfying comfort food option after a long day. With just 15 minutes of prep and the slow cooker doing all the heavy lifting, you can savor every moment without the stress. Each slider bursts with tender, savory beef perfectly complemented by a crunchy coleslaw twist, making them an instant favorite. Ready to join me in whipping up this delectable dish? Let’s dive in and unveil the secret to slider perfection!
Why Are These Sliders So Irresistible?
Deliciousness Awaits: The rich, garlicky flavor of the beef combined with smoky BBQ sauce creates a taste explosion in every bite.
Effortless Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can set it and forget it, making this recipe a dream for busy cooks.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s game day or a backyard barbecue, these sliders will steal the show, satisfying hungry guests and family alike.
Textural Delight: The juicy pulled beef paired with the crispy coleslaw offers a satisfying crunch that elevates the flavor experience.
Simple and Versatile: Customize these sliders with your favorite toppings or sauces – the options are endless! Check out my tips for making the best sliders to enhance your hosting.
Satisfy your cravings and make your next gathering unforgettable with these flavorful Garlic Pulled Beef Sliders!
Garlic Pulled Beef Sliders Ingredients
For the Beef
• 3 lb beef chuck roast – This cut is perfect for slow cooking, ensuring maximum tenderness and flavor.
• 10 cloves garlic, minced – Garlic elevates the taste, bringing a delicious aroma to your pulled beef.
• 1 teaspoon salt – A must for enhancing the natural flavors of the beef.
• 1 teaspoon black pepper – Adds a subtle warm spice for balance.
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika – Infuses a rich, smoky depth that's irresistible.
• 1 teaspoon onion powder – Complements the garlic for a rounded flavor profile.
• 1 cup beef broth – Keeps the beef moist as it slow cooks, making it fork-tender.
• ½ cup barbecue sauce – Brings sweetness and tanginess to your Garlic Pulled Beef Sliders.
For the Sliders
• 12 slider buns – Soft, fluffy buns are the perfect vehicle for your flavorful filling.
• 1 bag coleslaw mix – Provides a crunchy texture and a refreshing contrast to the beef.
• ½ cup mayonnaise – Creates a creamy base for the coleslaw dressing.
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar – Adds a zesty kick that brightens the slaw.
• 1 teaspoon sugar – Balances the acidity of the vinegar beautifully.
• Salt and pepper to taste – Adjust the seasoning to your liking for the coleslaw.
Prepare your ingredients with love, and soon you’ll have a hearty feast of Garlic Pulled Beef Sliders that will leave everyone wanting more!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Garlic Pulled Beef Sliders
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
Start by placing the 3 lb beef chuck roast in your slow cooker. This versatile appliance makes preparing Garlic Pulled Beef Sliders a breeze! Ensure the roast is positioned evenly for uniform cooking.
Step 2: Season the Beef
In a small bowl, mix together the minced garlic, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and onion powder. Rub this delightful seasoning generously all over the beef, ensuring every inch is coated to maximize flavor. This step is key for infusing the meat with that savory goodness.
Step 3: Add Liquids
Pour 1 cup of beef broth and ½ cup of barbecue sauce over the seasoned beef in the slow cooker. This will not only keep the beef moist but also impart rich flavors as it cooks. Cover your slow cooker and set it to low heat, allowing the beef to cook for 8 hours until it becomes fork-tender.
Step 4: Shred the Beef
After the cooking time is up, carefully remove the beef from the slow cooker using tongs. Place it on a cutting board and, using two forks, shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. This technique helps incorporate more of that flavorful juice from the slow cooker, making your Garlic Pulled Beef Sliders even more irresistible.
Step 5: Mix the Coleslaw
In a mixing bowl, combine the coleslaw mix with ½ cup of mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, sugar, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir until the mixture is well combined and creamy. This crunchy slaw will add a refreshing contrast to your savory, tender beef filling.
Step 6: Assemble the Sliders
Slice each slider bun in half horizontally and start assembling your Garlic Pulled Beef Sliders. Spoon a generous amount of the shredded garlic beef onto the bottom half of each bun, then top with a dollop of the creamy coleslaw. Finally, place the top half of the bun onto each slider to complete the delicious assembly.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Arrange the assembled Garlic Pulled Beef Sliders on a serving platter, making sure they are warm and inviting. These sliders are perfect for sharing, so gather your friends and family around to enjoy the rich flavors and hearty textures.
How to Store and Freeze Garlic Pulled Beef Sliders
Fridge: Store any leftover assembled Garlic Pulled Beef Sliders in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This keeps them fresh while preserving the flavors.
Freezer: For long-term storage, freeze the shredded beef in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Avoid freezing the assembled sliders; instead, freeze the beef and prepare the coleslaw fresh.
Reheating: To enjoy the frozen beef, thaw it in the fridge overnight, then reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. Assemble sliders just before serving.
Coleslaw Storage: Keep the coleslaw separate if you plan to store leftovers, as it will become soggy. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days in a sealed container.
What to Serve with Garlic Pulled Beef Sliders
Imagine the inviting aroma filling your home as you create the perfect meal to complement those irresistible sliders.
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Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy on the outside and fluffy inside, these naturally sweet fries pair perfectly with the savory beef.
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Classic Baked Beans: Rich and smoky, baked beans add a comforting touch while balancing the sliders' bold flavors. They’re a classic cookout staple!
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Garlic Parmesan Roasted Vegetables: The garlicky theme continues with these delightful veggies, offering a nutritious side that’s both savory and vibrant.
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Chilled Cucumber Salad: Refreshing and crunchy, it brightens the meal with a cool contrast against the warm sliders. Perfect for balancing heavy flavors.
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Potato Salad: Creamy and tangy, potato salad is a crowd-pleaser that provides a delightful contrast to the tender pulled beef.
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Herbed Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn brushed with herbed butter adds a burst of freshness alongside your sliders, enhancing the picnic vibe.
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Light Beer or Cider: Pairing these sliders with a chilled beer or craft cider enhances those savory flavors while offering a refreshing contrast.
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Chocolate Chip Cookies: For dessert, nothing beats the timeless appeal of warm chocolate chip cookies, wrapping up your meal on a sweet note.
Garlic Pulled Beef Sliders Variations
Feel free to get creative with your Garlic Pulled Beef Sliders and tailor them to your taste!
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Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free mayonnaise for the coleslaw, ensuring everyone can enjoy these sliders without any worries.
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Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce to your coleslaw for a fiery twist that will tantalize your taste buds! The heat beautifully contrasts the savory beef.
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BBQ Twist: Experiment with different barbecue sauces for unique flavor profiles. A honey chipotle BBQ adds sweetness and depth that can really elevate the dish!
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Healthy Swap: Swap the coleslaw for a fresh shredded carrot salad mixed with lime juice for a lighter, crisp alternative. It brightens up the sliders while keeping them wholesome.
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Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free slider buns or lettuce wraps to create a delectable gluten-free option. This ensures everyone can indulge in the goodness!
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Herb Infusion: Incorporate diced fresh herbs, like cilantro or parsley, into the coleslaw for a fresh pop of flavor. This adds not only taste but a beautiful color to your sliders!
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Crispy Addition: Top the sliders with crispy fried onions for a delightful crunch, adding textural contrast to the tender pulled beef.
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Pineapple Salsa: Offer a scoop of fresh pineapple salsa on top of the beef for a tropical twist, balancing the savory flavors with a splash of sweetness.
With these variations, you can easily make your Garlic Pulled Beef Sliders a signature dish at any gathering!
Make Ahead Options
These Garlic Pulled Beef Sliders are a lifesaver for meal prep enthusiasts! You can season the beef chuck roast and place it in the slow cooker up to 24 hours in advance to save time on a busy day. Just refrigerate the seasoned roast until ready to cook. Additionally, the coleslaw can be mixed and stored separately in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator, ensuring it stays fresh and crunchy. When you’re ready to enjoy your sliders, simply cook the beef as directed, shred it, and assemble with the prepped coleslaw—resulting in delicious sliders with minimal effort, perfect for busy evenings or gatherings!
Expert Tips for Garlic Pulled Beef Sliders
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Choose the Right Cut: Use a beef chuck roast for optimal tenderness. Avoid lean cuts, as they won't shred as easily or retain moisture during cooking.
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Season Well: Don’t skimp on the garlic and spices. A thorough rub ensures that every bite of your garlic pulled beef sliders is bursting with flavor.
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Low and Slow: Resist the urge to speed up the cooking time. Cooking on low for 8 hours allows the beef to become perfectly tender and flavorful, making it easy to shred.
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Let It Rest: After shredding the beef, let it soak in its juices for a few minutes. This helps lock in moisture, enhancing the flavor of your sliders.
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Coleslaw Crunch: Mix the coleslaw just before serving for the best texture. It keeps the slaw crisp, offering a great contrast to the tender beef in your sliders.
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Customizable Touch: Feel free to add your favorite toppings, like jalapeños or pickles, for a personalized twist on your garlic pulled beef sliders.
Garlic Pulled Beef Sliders Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right cut of beef?
Absolutely! When preparing Garlic Pulled Beef Sliders, opt for a beef chuck roast. It's the best choice for slow cooking because it offers great marbling, resulting in tender, flavorful meat that's easy to shred after hours of cooking. Avoid lean cuts like sirloin, as they may dry out during the lengthy cooking process.
How should I store leftover Garlic Pulled Beef Sliders?
Very easy! Store any leftover assembled Garlic Pulled Beef Sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This will keep the flavors fresh and maintain their delightful textures, perfect for a quick snack or meal.
Can I freeze Garlic Pulled Beef sliders?
Absolutely! To freeze, first, let the shredded beef cool completely, then transfer it into an airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag. It will keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy some sliders, simply thaw the beef overnight in the fridge and reheat as desired, then assemble fresh with coleslaw and buns.
How can I prevent the beef from drying out while cooking?
Great question! To ensure your beef stays succulent, always use enough liquid in the slow cooker – in this case, both beef broth and barbecue sauce help. It's essential to cover the slow cooker during cooking to trap moisture. Never skip the step of letting the beef rest in its juices after shredding; this allows for maximum flavor infusion!
Can pets eat pulled beef?
While your furry friends might be curious about your Garlic Pulled Beef Sliders, it's best to keep them away from the meal. The seasoning, especially garlic, can be harmful to pets. If you want to treat them, consider reserving some plain, unseasoned shredded beef as a special snack instead!
What should I do if the beef isn’t shredding easily?
If you find your beef isn’t shredding as well as you expected, it may need a bit more cooking time. Simply return it to the slow cooker, cover it, and allow it to cook for another 30-60 minutes on low. The meat should become more tender and easily pull apart with forks. Patience pays off for the juiciest sliders!
Savory Garlic Pulled Beef Sliders Perfect for Game Day
Equipment
- Slow Cooker
Ingredients
For the Beef
- 3 lb beef chuck roast This cut is perfect for slow cooking.
- 10 cloves garlic, minced Garlic elevates the taste.
- 1 teaspoon salt Enhances natural flavors.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper Adds subtle spice.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika Infuses smoky depth.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder Complements garlic.
- 1 cup beef broth Keeps beef moist.
- ½ cup barbecue sauce Brings sweetness and tang.
For the Sliders
- 12 pieces slider buns Soft, fluffy buns.
- 1 bag coleslaw mix Provides crunchy texture.
- ½ cup mayonnaise Creamy base for dressing.
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar Adds zesty kick.
- 1 teaspoon sugar Balances acidity.
- salt and pepper to taste Adjust seasoning for coleslaw.
Instructions
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Place the beef chuck roast in your slow cooker, ensuring it's positioned evenly.
- Mix together garlic, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and onion powder. Rub the mixture all over the beef.
- Pour beef broth and barbecue sauce over the beef, cover, and set on low heat for 8 hours.
- After cooking, remove beef and shred it into bite-sized pieces.
- Mix coleslaw mix with mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, and season with salt and pepper.
- Assemble sliders by spooning shredded beef onto the bottom half of each bun, topping with coleslaw, and adding the bun top.
- Serve warm and enjoy with friends and family.
