Description
Looking for a bold, easy meal that’s perfect for game days, family dinners, or casual gatherings? Chipotle Beef Sandwiches are the ultimate recipe! This slow-cooker dish features tender, shredded beef sirloin infused with smoky chipotle salsa, savory onion soup mix, and a splash of beer, all piled high on kaiser rolls with sweet onions
Ingredients
- For the Beef:
- 1 large sweet onion, halved and thinly sliced
- 1 beef sirloin tip roast (3 pounds)
- 1 jar (16 ounces) chipotle salsa
- 1/2 cup beer or nonalcoholic beer
- 1 envelope Lipton beefy onion soup mix
- For Assembly:
- 10 kaiser rolls, split
Why These Ingredients Matter
- Sweet Onion: Adds caramelized sweetness and soft texture.
- Beef Sirloin Tip Roast: A lean cut that becomes tender and shreddable after slow cooking.
- Chipotle Salsa: Provides smoky, spicy flavor with chipotle peppers in adobo.
- Beer: Enhances depth and tenderizes the meat (nonalcoholic works too).
- Beefy Onion Soup Mix: Brings savory, umami-rich seasoning.
- Kaiser Rolls: Sturdy, crusty rolls that hold the juicy beef and sauce.
Substitutions and Variations
- Onion: Swap with yellow or white onion for a milder flavor.
- Beef: Use chuck roast or rump roast (same cooking time) or 3 pounds beef brisket (cook 8-9 hours).
- Chipotle Salsa: Replace with regular salsa plus 1-2 teaspoons adobo sauce or 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika.
- Beer: Use beef broth, chicken broth, or apple juice for a non-beer option.
- Soup Mix: Substitute with 1 tablespoon dried onion flakes, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon beef bouillon.
- Rolls: Use brioche buns, slider rolls, or hoagie rolls.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free rolls and ensure soup mix and salsa are gluten-free.
- Milder Version: Use mild salsa and reduce soup mix to half an envelope.
- Spicy Kick: Add 1 diced jalapeño or 1/2 teaspoon cayenne to the salsa mixture.
- Cheesy Twist: Top sandwiches with shredded cheddar or pepper jack before serving.
Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
- Halve and thinly slice 1 large sweet onion.
- Cut 1 beef sirloin tip roast (3 pounds) in half for easier cooking.
- Measure 1 jar (16 ounces) chipotle salsa, 1/2 cup beer (or nonalcoholic beer).
- Open 1 envelope Lipton beefy onion soup mix.
- Gather 10 kaiser rolls.
- Grease a 5-quart slow cooker with cooking spray.
Tip: Slice onions thinly for even cooking; halve the roast to fit snugly in the slow cooker.
Step 2: Layer the Slow Cooker
- Add Onions: Place sliced sweet onions in the bottom of the greased 5-quart slow cooker.
- Add Beef: Place the halved beef roast over the onions.
- Make Sauce: In a small bowl, combine 1 jar chipotle salsa, 1/2 cup beer, and 1 envelope beefy onion soup mix. Stir well and pour over the beef.
Tip: Spread onions evenly for a soft base; pour sauce to cover the beef for maximum flavor.
Step 3: Slow Cook
- Cook on Low: Cover and cook on Low for 7-8 hours, until the beef is tender and easily pulls apart with a fork (internal temperature should reach at least 195°F/90°C for shredding).
Tip: Check at 7 hours; larger roasts may need closer to 8 hours. Avoid lifting the lid to maintain heat.
Step 4: Shred the Beef
- Remove Roast: Transfer the beef to a large bowl or cutting board using tongs.
- Shred: Shred the beef with two forks into bite-sized pieces.
- Return to Slow Cooker: Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker and stir to coat with the sauce and onions.
- Heat Through: Keep on Low or “keep warm” setting for 5-10 minutes to meld flavors.
Tip: Shred finely for easy sandwich filling; mix well to incorporate onions and sauce.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
- Prep Rolls: Split 10 kaiser rolls and toast lightly if desired (in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes or on a skillet).
- Add Beef: Using a slotted spoon, spoon about 1/2 cup of the shredded beef mixture (with onions) onto the bottom half of each roll.
- Serve: Place roll tops on sandwiches and serve immediately, with extra sauce on the side if desired.
Tip: Use a slotted spoon to avoid soggy rolls; serve with napkins for juicy, messy bites.