Barbecue Beef Sandwiches with Aioli

Name: Barbecue Beef Sandwiches with Aioli
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 20 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 3 pounds beef chuck roast; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups barbecue sauce; 1 tablespoon smoked paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; Salt and pepper to taste; 4 sandwich buns; Lettuce leaves, for garnish; Pickles, for serving (optional)

Highlighted under: Clean Eats

I absolutely love making Barbecue Beef Sandwiches with Aioli, especially during summer gatherings. The combination of tender, slow-cooked beef drenched in rich barbecue sauce and paired with a creamy, zesty aioli is irresistible. Each bite is a delightful explosion of flavors, and I appreciate how effortlessly they can please a crowd. I'm always excited to serve these sandwiches at any gathering, as they're not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll become one of your go-to recipes for any occasion.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-20T11:42:28.555Z

When I first tried making barbecue beef from scratch, I was surprised by how easy it was to infuse so much flavor into the meat. Slow cooking allows the beef to become incredibly tender and soak up all that smoky barbecue sauce. I recommend letting it cook for at least four hours for the best results. The real magic happens when you pair it with homemade aioli, which adds a freshness that cuts through the richness of the beef.

One of my favorite details about this recipe is how versatile it is. While I usually serve it on a toasted bun, you can also enjoy the beef on a bed of greens for a lighter meal. Experimenting with different barbecue sauces has also become a fun ritual for me, as each sauce brings its own unique flavor profile to the dish.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Tender beef slow-cooked to perfection for a mouthwatering texture
Zesty aioli adds a surprising freshness that contrasts beautifully
Perfect for parties, picnics, or cozy family dinners

      

Understanding the Ingredients

Choosing the right cut of beef is crucial for this Barbecue Beef Sandwich. A beef chuck roast is ideal due to its balance of fat and muscle, which renders beautifully during slow cooking. This results in a tender, flavorful meat that shreds effortlessly. If chuck roast isn’t available, brisket or short ribs can be good alternatives, although they may require different cooking times to achieve optimal tenderness.

The smoked paprika in the recipe plays a key role in enhancing the overall flavor profile. It not only adds a subtle smokiness that complements the barbecue sauce but also deepens the color of the meat. If you're in a pinch, you could substitute with regular paprika, but consider adding a drop of liquid smoke for that characteristic flavor.

Expert Cooking Tips

When searing the beef, be sure to heat your skillet well and let it develop a nice crust before adding it to the slow cooker. This step enhances the depth of flavor in the final dish by creating a Maillard reaction that contributes to rich, savory notes. Sear each side for about 4-5 minutes until golden brown, rather than just a minute or two, to really lock in the flavors.

If you plan to assemble the sandwiches later, store the shredded beef and aioli separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. When ready to serve, simply reheat the beef on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of barbecue sauce or broth if it appears too dry. This keeps the flavors fresh and the texture just right.

Ingredients

For the Barbecue Beef

3 pounds beef chuck roast
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups barbecue sauce
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Aioli

1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste

For Assembly

4 sandwich buns
Lettuce leaves, for garnish
Pickles, for serving (optional)

Instructions

Cooking Instructions

Prepare the Beef

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the beef with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Sear the beef on all sides until browned, then set it aside.

Cook the Beef

In a slow cooker, combine the seared beef, diced onion, minced garlic, and barbecue sauce. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or until the beef is tender and shreds easily.

Make the Aioli

In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Assemble the Sandwiches

Once the beef is done, shred it using two forks. Toast the sandwich buns if desired. Layer the shredded beef onto the buns, top with aioli, and add lettuce. Serve immediately.

Enjoy Your Meal!

Pro Tips

Try using different types of barbecue sauce to experiment with unique flavors. You can also add toppings such as coleslaw or jalapeños for an added crunch.

Variations and Customizations

Feel free to customize the aioli to suit your taste preferences! You can add fresh herbs like dill or parsley for a fresh twist, or some chipotle sauce for a spicy kick. The versatility of aioli makes it a great accompaniment not only for these sandwiches but also for fries or roasted vegetables, enhancing many dishes.

For those looking for a lighter version, consider using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise in the aioli. It creates a tangy and lower-calorie alternative that still delivers on flavor. Just make sure to blend it well to achieve a smooth consistency.

Serving Ideas and Storage

To create a satisfying meal, consider serving these sandwiches with sides like coleslaw or sweet potato fries. The crunch of coleslaw contrasts beautifully with the softness of the sandwich, while sweet potato fries offer a hint of sweetness that complements the barbecue flavors.

If you have leftovers, they're perfect for meal prep! Freeze the shredded beef in portions for up to three months. When you want to enjoy it again, defrost in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat as mentioned earlier. This makes for a quick, hearty meal that's ready with minimal effort.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes, brisket or a round roast can also work well in this recipe.

→ Can I make aioli in advance?

Absolutely! The aioli can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator.

→ Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, the beef can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days, making it perfect for meal prep.

→ Can I freeze the barbecue beef?

Yes, you can freeze the cooked beef for up to three months. Let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container.