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Coffee-Rubbed Pulled Beef Recipe

Coffee on a sandwich? Trust Big Daddy on this one. A bold coffee and smoked paprika rub goes on a chuck roast, we sear it hard, then let it slow-cook for hours in a rich braising liquid until it practically shreds itself. Load it up on a toasted artisan roll with coleslaw and pickles and you've got one of the most satisfying sandwiches you'll ever eat. This one's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 5 hours
Servings: 8
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

INGREDIENTS
  • 4 lbs beef chuck roast
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large onion sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup strong brewed coffee
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tbsp finely ground coffee for rub
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika for rub
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar for rub
  • 1 tsp ground cumin for rub
  • 1 tsp chili powder for rub
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper optional (for rub)
  • 1 tsp salt for rub
  • 8 artisan sandwich rolls
  • Coleslaw optional, for serving
  • Pickles for serving
  • BBQ sauce for serving

Method
 

INSTRUCTIONS
    Step 1 — Make the Coffee Rub
    1. Mix ground coffee, smoked paprika, brown sugar, cumin, chili powder, cayenne, and salt in a small bowl. Rub generously all over the chuck roast.
    Step 2 — Sear
    1. Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear chuck roast on all sides until deeply browned, about 4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
    2. Step 3 — Build the Braising Base
    3. In the same pot, sauté onions until caramelized, 8-10 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute. Stir in brewed coffee, broth, and Worcestershire sauce, scraping up browned bits.
    Step 4 — Slow Cook
    1. Return beef to pot. Cover tightly and cook in a 300°F oven for 4-5 hours until fork-tender. Alternatively, slow cooker on low for 8 hours.
    Step 5 — Shred the Beef
    1. Remove beef from liquid and let rest briefly. Shred with two forks, discarding excess fat. Mix shredded beef with some of the cooking liquid to keep it moist.
    Step 6 — Build the Sandwiches
    1. Slice rolls and toast lightly. Pile pulled beef generously on each roll. Top with coleslaw, pickles, and BBQ sauce. Serve warm.

    Notes

    NOTES & VARIATIONS
    • Don't skip the searing step — it builds the whole flavor foundation.
    • Use fresh ground coffee for maximum aroma.
    • Spicy Version: Extra cayenne or chipotle powder in the rub.
    • Sweet Twist: Mix maple syrup into the BBQ sauce.
    • Wine/Beer pairing: Rich dark ales or a smoky Zinfandel.