Sweet, tangy, and absolutely addictive. Nolan Ryan Chuck Roast slow-cooked in a honey-mustard glaze until it's fall-apart tender, then topped with crispy fried onion strings and served on slider buns. It's perfect for tailgating - make it ahead at home, pack it up, and let everyone grab a slider. The sticky glaze and crispy onions make it anything but basic.
Ingredients
For the Pulled Beef:
- 3-4 lb. Nolan Ryan Chuck Roast
- 1/2 cup whole grain mustard
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 medium yellow onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
For Assembly:
- 12-16 slider buns (Hawaiian rolls or brioche)
- 2 tablespoons butter (for toasting buns)
- 1 can crispy fried onion strings (or homemade)
- Dill pickle slices (optional)
Instructions
Make the Glaze:
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Mix glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together whole grain mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Set aside.
Slow Cook the Beef:
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Prep: Trim excess fat from chuck roast (leave some marbling). Place in slow cooker along with sliced onion and minced garlic.
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Add glaze and broth: Pour mustard-honey glaze over the roast. Add beef broth around (not over) the roast.
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Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours (or HIGH for 3-4 hours). The beef should shred easily with a fork and be incredibly tender. If using HIGH, check after 3 hours.
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Shred: Once cooked, remove beef to a cutting board. Shred using two forks, pulling in opposite directions. Discard any large fat chunks.
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Combine: Return shredded beef to slow cooker with the cooking liquid and caramelized onions. Stir gently to combine. The beef should be saucy but not soupy.
For Tailgate Transport:
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Keep warm: Leave in slow cooker on WARM setting if serving soon, or transfer to a container and wrap in foil/towels to transport to tailgate. Will stay warm for 2-3 hours.
Assemble at Tailgate:
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Toast buns: Toast slider buns lightly (on a grill if available, or just serve as-is).
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Build sliders: Place a generous spoonful of honey-mustard pulled beef on bottom bun. Top with a handful of crispy fried onion strings and a pickle slice if desired. Add top bun.
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Serve: Serve warm with any extra sauce on the side for dipping.