4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Beef Sandwiches with Dill Pickle Brine
When I need an easy, comforting dinner that basically makes itself, these slow cooker beef sandwiches are my go-to. With just four ingredients—chuck roast, a jar of dill pickles (juice included), chili sauce, and garlic—you can throw everything in the crockpot in the morning and come home to tender, flavorful beef sandwiches at night.
The secret ingredient? Pickles and pickle juice. It’s a natural brine that breaks down the beef and infuses it with a tangy, savory flavor that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
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Why This Isn’t an Italian Beef Sandwich
Being from Chicagoland area, I know a true Italian beef sandwich: thin-sliced roast beef, seasoned with oregano and spices, slow-roasted in broth, and served dripping with “gravy” on a French roll, topped with spicy giardiniera.
This recipe is different. Instead of broth and a spice rub, the beef cooks in pickle brine, garlic, and chili sauce. The result is shredded beef with a punch of tangy flavor that’s delicious on a roll but far simpler to make. Think of it as the shortcut cousin to Italian beef—same comfort food feel, but with a unique twist.
Ingredients
- 3 pound beef chuck roast
- 1 Jar (18) oz. dill pickles with the Juice
- 1/4 cup Chili sauce or ketchup
- 2 tbsp crushed garlic For convenience I use jarred crushed garlic
Instructions
- Cut roast into two or three pieces to fit in the bottom of the slow cooker
- Add in chili sauce (or ketchup), garlic, and add the entire jar of pickles including the juice. Gently mix.
Cooking
- Put the lid on the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours
Serving
- If you've got pickles in your juice, take them out with a slotted spoon and throw them away.
- Shred beef with two forks. Serve on rolls and add a topping of your choice if you would like.
Nutrition
What Makes This Recipe Different
Most top-ranked slow cooker beef sandwich recipes call for searing, spice rubs, broths, and layered sauces. They’re delicious, but they require extra steps and a longer ingredient list.
This version flips the script:
- No searing, no fuss. Just a chuck roast straight into the slow cooker.
- Pickle juice magic. Instead of broth or wine, the acidity of pickle brine tenderizes the beef and infuses it with tangy, savory flavor.
- Minimal ingredients, maximum payoff. Chili sauce brings subtle heat and sweetness, garlic rounds everything out, and the roast + pickles do the rest.
The result? Tender, juicy beef that tastes far more complex than the short ingredient list suggests.
How to Serve
Pile the shredded beef on a French roll or hoagie bun and load it up with toppings if you like. I personally love it with mustard and pickles. Here are some more suggestions:
- Swiss cheese or provolone
- Slaw mix for crunch
- Pickles (always!)
- Sauces: BBQ, Mustard, Ketchup, Ranch Dressing,
- Classic Chicago-style giardiniera for heat
“Handy” likes to make garlic bread french rolls and then piles the beef on top! Give it a try, it’s amazing!
What to Serve on the Side
At our house, favorites include:
- Potato salad
- Coleslaw (sometimes right on the sandwich!)
- French fries or sweet potato fries
- Steamed broccoli
- A fresh side salad
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Minimal effort: Only 5 minutes of prep.
- Unique flavor: The dill pickles and juice adds a tangy twist you won’t find in most slow cooker beef sandwiches.
- Family-friendly: Mild enough for kids, but you can spice it up with hot giardiniera or chili flakes.
- Perfect for busy nights: Set it and forget it.
If you’re tired of overcomplicated slow cooker recipes, this one proves you don’t need a long ingredient list to make a flavor-packed shredded beef sandwich.
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Enjoy!
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