Slow Cooker Jalapeno Beef Sandwiches Recipe
Introduction
These Slow Cooker Jalapeno Beef Sandwiches are a flavorful and effortless meal perfect for any day of the week. Tender, slow-cooked beef combined with roasted jalapenos and melty cheese makes each bite a delicious experience. They’re ideal for game day, family dinners, or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 3-4 lbs. beef chuck roast
- 1 tsp. onion powder
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp. black pepper
- 1 oz. packet Au Jus Gravy
- 3-4 jalapenos
- 1 white onion, peeled and cut into eighths
- 6 garlic cloves, left whole
- 1 cup water
- Hoagie rolls
- Cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- Additional sliced jalapeno, if desired
- Sliced white onion
Instructions
- Step 1: Place the chuck roast in the slow cooker. Sprinkle the onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and the Au Jus gravy packet over the meat.
- Step 2: Preheat your oven to broil. Arrange the jalapenos, white onion pieces, and garlic cloves on a sheet pan.
- Step 3: Broil the vegetables until they start to brown and blister, watching closely to avoid burning.
- Step 4: Transfer the roasted vegetables to the slow cooker, placing them on top of the meat. Add 1 cup of water.
- Step 5: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 9 hours, or until the meat is tender and easily shreds.
- Step 6: Remove the meat from the slow cooker onto a plate and shred it using two forks. Discard any fatty pieces.
- Step 7: Remove tops from the jalapenos, shred them into smaller pieces, and add both the shredded meat and jalapenos back into the slow cooker with the juices.
- Step 8: If desired, remove excess grease by laying paper towels over the juices and lifting them out.
- Step 9: Toast hoagie rolls, then pile the shredded beef mixture on top. Add slices of cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese, and melt under the broiler if you like.
- Step 10: Serve the sandwiches with additional sliced jalapenos and onions. Offer leftover au jus gravy in ramekins for dipping.
Tips & Variations
- For milder sandwiches, remove the seeds from the jalapenos before roasting to reduce heat.
- Try adding a splash of beef broth to the slow cooker instead of water for deeper flavor.
- Swap hoagie rolls for crusty ciabatta or brioche buns for a different texture.
- Add pickled jalapenos or fresh cilantro for a fresh, tangy kick.
Storage
Store leftover shredded beef and juices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to keep the meat moist. Hoagie rolls are best stored separately to avoid sogginess.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes, beef chuck roast works best for slow cooking because it becomes tender and flavorful, but brisket or short ribs can also be used with similar results.
How spicy will this sandwich be?
The heat depends on how many jalapenos you use and whether you include the seeds. To control spiciness, remove seeds or use fewer jalapenos. The slow cooking mellows the spice somewhat.
PrintSlow Cooker Jalapeno Beef Sandwiches Recipe
Slow Cooker Jalapeno Beef Sandwiches are a flavorful and tender slow-cooked beef roast infused with smoky broiled jalapenos, onions, and garlic, served on toasted hoagie rolls with melted cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese. Perfect for a hearty and spicy sandwich experience with optional au jus gravy for dipping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 9 hours
- Total Time: 9 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 sandwiches 1x
- Category: Sandwiches
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3–4 lbs. beef chuck roast
- 1 tsp. onion powder
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp. black pepper
- 1 oz. packet Au Jus Gravy
- 3–4 jalapenos
- 1 white onion (peeled and cut into eighths)
- 6 garlic cloves (left whole)
- 1 cup water
Additional Ingredients for Serving
- Hoagie rolls
- Cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- Additional sliced jalapeno, if desired
- Sliced white onion
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef: Add the chuck roast to the slow cooker and evenly sprinkle onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and the au jus gravy packet over the meat.
- Broil Vegetables: Preheat the oven to broil. Arrange jalapenos, peeled and quartered onion, and whole garlic cloves on a sheet pan.
- Broil Until Browned: Place the sheet pan in the oven and broil the vegetables until they are slightly browned and begin to char, enhancing their smoky flavor.
- Add Vegetables to Slow Cooker: Transfer the broiled jalapenos, onions, and garlic onto the beef in the slow cooker, then pour in one cup of water.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook the mixture on the LOW setting for 9 hours, or until the beef is tender and easily shredded.
- Shred the Meat: Remove the beef from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks, discarding any fatty pieces. Remove the tops of the jalapenos and tear the peppers into smaller pieces; then add both back into the slow cooker with the meat and cooking juices.
- Degrease Au Jus (Optional): To reduce fat, lay paper towels over the cooking juices to absorb excess grease, then carefully remove the paper towels.
- Prepare Sandwiches: Toast hoagie rolls and pile on the shredded beef mixture with jalapenos and onions. Top with cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese and melt under the broiler if desired.
- Serve: Serve the sandwiches warm with optional sliced jalapenos and white onions on top. Accompany with the au jus gravy in ramekins for dipping if desired.
Notes
- Broiling the jalapenos, onion, and garlic enhances their smoky flavor which infuses into the beef during slow cooking.
- Adjust the number of jalapenos according to your spice preference.
- Degreasing the au jus gravy helps reduce fat and makes the dipping sauce lighter.
- Use hoagie rolls or any sturdy sandwich buns that hold up well with juicy fillings.
- Leftover shredded beef can be refrigerated and used in tacos or salads.
Keywords: slow cooker beef sandwiches, jalapeno beef sandwich, au jus beef sandwiches, slow cooked beef, spicy beef sandwiches
