Pulled Beef Sliders Recipe: Perfect for Game Day (or Any Day!)

When football season comes around, I love making these pulled beef sliders. They are a total crowd-pleaser with tender, juicy beef, sweet caramelized onions, and creamy garlic mayo on soft buns. They’re perfect for game day, potlucks, or a cozy family dinner. I love that I can let my slow cooker do all the work. The key is to use a good chuck roast – it makes all the difference!

Pulled Beef Sliders

These slow cooker pulled beef sliders are packed with flavor, thanks to a simple rub, caramelized onions, and a creamy garlic mayo. Makes 6 servings.

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 5

Total Time 5 10

Serving Size servings

Equipment

Slow cooker

Ingredients

1 boneless beef chuck pot roast (3 pound)
1 ¼ teaspoon salt divided
1 ⅛ teaspoon pepper divided
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 packet Au Jus Gravy seasoning mix 1 oz
1 ½ cups water
1 cup mayonnaise
2 garlic cloves peeled and minced
2 large yellow onions peeled and thinly sliced
¼ cup butter
12 slider buns

Instructions

Make Rub. In a small bowl, mix 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder.
Add Rub. Rub the mixture onto all sides of the beef roast and place it in a 6-8 quart crockpot.
Make Gravy Mixture. In a small bowl, whisk together the water and Au Jus Gravy mix.
Cook Roast. Pour over the roast and cook the roast on high heat for 5 hours.
Make Mayonnaise Mixture. While the roast cooks, mix mayonnaise, minced garlic, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ⅛ teaspoon pepper in a small bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until serving time.
Caramelize Onions. About an hour before the roast is done cooking, melt the butter over medium-low heat in a heavy pan or Dutch oven and add the onions. Cook the onions for 45 minutes on medium-low heat, stirring periodically to prevent burning. The onions will slowly brown, caramelize, and reduce in size. Turn off the heat and place in a serving bowl. Refrigerate if needed before the roast is done cooking.
Shred Meat. Carefully remove the roast from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. It should be very tender and may break into chunks when removing it from the slow cooker. Using two forks, shred the beef into bite-size pieces. Remove and discard any fatty pieces.
Return Meat to Crockpot. Return the shredded beef to the crockpot and serve immediately or keep warm until time to serve.
Serve. To serve, using a slotted spoon or tongs, remove the desired amount of meat and place it on a slider bun. Top with a tablespoon or two of caramelized onions and spread the garlic mayonnaise on the underside of the top bun. Place the top bun over the beef and onions and serve immediately before the juices from the beef cause the slider bun to get too soggy.

Notes

You can easily serve these plain without the onions and garlic mayo, but I like the flavor of the caramelized onions and dressing with the beef, as they complement the meat so well.

I used the McCormick brand of Au Jus Gravy Seasoning Mix.

The size of the roast is flexible here and you can use the size that would best meet your needs, anywhere between a 2-5 pound roast.

The roast could also be cooked on low for 8-10 hours.

This beef does not have to be cooked in a slow cooker, but could also be cooked in an oven for a few hours. For each pound of meat, you need about an hour of cooking at 325 degrees Fahrenheit.

I’ll be honest: these sliders are my go-to for easy entertaining. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting so I can focus on having fun with my guests. Plus, everyone always raves about the caramelized onions and garlic mayo – they take the sliders to a new level!

I’m always looking for recipes that even my picky eaters will enjoy, and these sliders never disappoint! The tender beef and sweet caramelized onions are a hit with everyone, even those who usually turn their noses up at ‘fancy’ food.

Slider Tips

For extra tender beef, let the roast rest for about 15 minutes after cooking before shredding. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
Don’t skip the caramelized onions! They add a depth of flavor that truly makes these sliders better. If you’re short on time, you can caramelize the onions in advance and store them in the refrigerator.
Toast the buns lightly for a bit of crunch and to prevent them from getting soggy.
Serve the sliders immediately after assembling them to make sure the buns stay soft, and the beef stays warm.
Get creative with toppings! Add sliced cheese, pickles, or your favorite barbecue sauce for extra flavor.

Key Ingredients and Tools

A few things will help make sure your sliders turn out perfectly:

Boneless Chuck Roast: This cut of beef has the perfect balance of fat and flavor, making it perfect for slow cooking and shredding.
Au Jus Gravy Mix: This packet adds a savory richness to the cooking liquid, enhancing the overall flavor of the beef. If you can’t find it, beef broth with a bit of beef bouillon or dry onion soup mix can be a substitute.
Slider Buns: These mini buns are the perfect size for pulled beef sliders, making them easy to eat and perfect for sharing. You can make your own homemade slider buns or find them in the bakery section of your grocery store.
Slow Cooker: This handy appliance makes cooking a breeze. You can set it and forget it while the beef becomes tender and flavorful. A slow cooker is helpful for so many recipes, like these 25 ground beef dinner recipes.

With these key ingredients and tools, you can make delicious sliders!

Serving Suggestions

Serve these sliders with potato salad, coleslaw, and your favorite chips for a satisfying meal.

Troubleshooting and Help

What if I can’t find Au Jus Gravy Mix?

No problem! You can use a combination of beef broth and a bit of beef bouillon or dry onion soup mix instead. It’ll give your pulled beef a similar savory flavor base.

Can I use a different cut of beef?

While a chuck roast is perfect for its marbling and flavor, you can use a round or blade roast in a pinch. Just keep in mind that they might be slightly less tender and flavorful.

Can I make the caramelized onions ahead of time?

Definitely! Caramelized onions taste even better the next day, so feel free to make them a day or two in advance and store them in the refrigerator.

My family doesn’t like mayonnaise. What can I use instead?

No problem! You can skip the garlic mayo or substitute it with a simple barbecue sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.

Feel free to message me with any more questions you might have. I’m always happy to help!

Storing Leftovers

Remember always to follow the USDA’s guidelines for leftovers and food safety.

Refrigerator: Let the cooked beef cool, then store it in an airtight container with some of the cooking juices. It will keep for up to 3-4 days.
Freezer: Portion cooled beef into freezer-safe containers, include some cooking juices, and freeze for 2-3 months.
Thawing and Reheating: Thaw frozen beef in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in the oven at 250°F with a bit of extra liquid or on the stovetop over low heat. You can also microwave it, adding a splash of liquid to prevent drying.

Remember: Don’t leave cooked beef at room temperature for over 2 hours. Store the caramelized onions and garlic mayo separately in the refrigerator.

So there you have it! These pulled beef sliders are seriously delicious and much easier to make than you might think. Your slow cooker does most of the work, leaving you free to hang out with your family and friends. Trust me, these sliders will be a hit with everyone!

Pulled Beef Sliders Recipe: Perfect for Game Day (or Any Day!)