Introduction

Slow Cooker Beef and Cheddar Sandwiches are a comforting and simple meal perfect for busy days. Tender beef slow-cooked with savory spices and topped with melted cheddar creates a flavorful and satisfying sandwich everyone will love.

Slow Cooker Beef and Cheddar Sandwiches Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

3 lbs. beef chuck roast
1 tsp. onion powder
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 ½ tsp. salt
¼ tsp. pepper
1 Tbsp. brown sugar
2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 white onion, sliced
1 cup Arby’s barbecue sauce (or any barbecue sauce)
Hamburger buns
Arby’s sauce (available at most grocery stores, or any barbecue sauce)
Horsey sauce (available at most grocery stores, or horseradish mayo)
Cheddar cheese slices (or nacho cheese sauce, or Cheez Whiz)

Instructions

Step 1: Add the chuck roast to the slow cooker. Sprinkle over the onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and brown sugar. Pour Worcestershire sauce evenly over the top.
Step 2: Slice the white onion into rings and place them on top of the roast. Pour the barbecue sauce over the onions and beef.
Step 3: Cover and cook on low for 9 hours until the beef is very tender.
Step 4: Remove the beef from the slow cooker onto a plate and shred it using two forks, discarding any excess fat. Keep about ½ cup of the cooking juices and return the shredded beef to the slow cooker. You can leave the cooked onions in if you like. If the sauce seems greasy, use a paper towel to blot the grease.
Step 5: Toast the hamburger buns if desired to add extra texture and warmth.
Step 6: Assemble the sandwiches by placing the shredded beef and onions on the buns. Top with cheddar cheese slices, Arby’s sauce, and horsey sauce for a delicious finish.
Step 7: Serve immediately and enjoy your hearty, flavorful sandwiches!

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, marinate the beef roast with the dry spices and Worcestershire sauce overnight before cooking.
Substitute cheddar cheese with pepper jack or mozzarella for a different twist.
Use nacho cheese sauce or Cheez Whiz if you prefer a gooier texture on your sandwich.
Try adding pickles or sliced jalapeños for a bit of crunch and heat.
If you don’t have Arby’s or horsey sauce, spicy mustard or ranch dressing work nicely as alternatives.

Storage

Store leftover shredded beef and onions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. Keep buns separate to avoid sogginess. For longer storage, freeze the shredded beef in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

Yes, you can use other tough cuts good for slow cooking like brisket or bottom round. Just adjust cooking time as needed to ensure tenderness.

Do I have to use a slow cooker?

While a slow cooker is ideal for tenderizing the beef over several hours, you can also use a pressure cooker for a faster version, cooking for about 60–75 minutes on high pressure.

Slow Cooker Beef and Cheddar Sandwiches Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 119 reviews

These Slow Cooker Beef and Cheddar Sandwiches feature tender, flavorful shredded beef cooked low and slow with aromatic spices and barbecue sauce, served on toasted buns with melty cheddar and tangy sauces for a delicious and satisfying meal perfect for gatherings or a comforting weeknight dinner.

Author: Lila
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 9 hours
Total Time: 9 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 8 sandwiches 1x
Category: Sandwich
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Beef and Seasoning

3 lbs. beef chuck roast
1 tsp. onion powder
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 ½ tsp. salt
¼ tsp. pepper
1 Tbsp. brown sugar
2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 white onion, sliced

Sauces and Toppings

1 cup Arby’s barbecue sauce (or any barbecue sauce)
Hamburger buns
Arby’s sauce (or any barbecue sauce)
Horsey sauce (horseradish mayo)
Cheddar cheese slices (or nacho cheese sauce, or Cheez Whiz)

Instructions

Prepare the slow cooker: Place the beef chuck roast into the slow cooker. Sprinkle onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and brown sugar evenly over the roast. Pour Worcestershire sauce on top to add depth of flavor.
Add onions and barbecue sauce: Slice the white onion into rings and lay them over the roast. Pour the barbecue sauce evenly over the onion and beef to infuse the meat with savory sweetness during cooking.
Cook low and slow: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 9 hours, allowing the beef to become tender and absorb the spices and sauce.
Shred the beef: Once cooked, remove the beef from the slow cooker to a plate and shred it with two forks, discarding excess fat. Carefully remove most of the juices from the slow cooker, leaving about 1/2 cup along with the onions. Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker juices. If the sauce appears greasy, skim it with a paper towel to remove excess fat.
Toast the buns: Optionally toast the hamburger buns to add texture and prevent sogginess from the meat and sauce.
Assemble the sandwiches: Place the shredded beef and onions on the toasted buns. Top with cheddar cheese slices, Arby’s sauce, and horsey sauce to taste for a perfect balance of creaminess and tang.
Serve and enjoy: Serve the sandwiches immediately while warm and enjoy the hearty, flavor-packed meal.

Notes

Using a chuck roast is ideal for slow cooking due to its marbling and flavor.
Allowing the beef to cook low and slow for 9 hours ensures tenderness and maximum flavor absorption.
Adjust the amount of barbecue, Arby’s, and horsey sauce according to your taste preferences.
Cheddar cheese slices melt nicely; alternatively, nacho cheese sauce or Cheez Whiz can be used for a different texture and flavor.
To reduce grease in the cooking juices, use a paper towel to gently blot the fat before mixing with the shredded beef.
For added crunch, consider adding pickles or coleslaw on the sandwich.

Keywords: slow cooker beef sandwiches, shredded beef sandwiches, beef and cheddar sandwiches, barbecue beef, slow cooked beef roast, easy slow cooker recipes