1-Step One: Prepare the Seasoning Blend In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, crushed red pepper, chili powder, and cumin. Mix well to ensure even distribution of all spices. This blend will create the flavor foundation for your pulled beef sliders.

2-Step Two: Season the Roast Pat the 2.5 lb boneless chuck roast dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick better. Generously coat all sides of the roast with your spice blend, pressing the seasonings firmly into the meat with your hands. This technique ensures the flavors penetrate the surface rather than just sitting on top.

3-Step Three: Set Up the Slow Cooker Pour 1/2 cup of beef broth into the bottom of your slow cooker. This creates a moist cooking environment and adds flavor. Place the seasoned roast into the slow cooker. If you have time, you can optionally brown the meat in a skillet first for extra depth of flavor, but this step is completely optional.

4-Step Four: Cook Low and Slow Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. The longer cooking time allows the connective tissue in the chuck roast to break down completely, resulting in meat that shreds effortlessly. You’ll know it’s done when the beef pulls apart easily with just a gentle tug from two forks.

5-Step Five: Shred the Beef Remove the cooked beef from the slow cooker and transfer it to a large bowl. Using two forks, pull the meat apart into shreds. Alternatively, you can use an electric mixer on low speed for faster results. The meat should be so tender that it practically falls apart on its own.

6-Step Six: Add Barbecue Sauce Pour your favorite barbecue sauce over the shredded beef and mix well to combine. Start with about 1/2 cup and add more to taste. The sauce adds moisture, sweetness, and tangy flavor that makes pulled beef sliders irresistible.

7-Step Seven: Serve Spoon the sauced beef onto hamburger buns or dinner rolls. For sliders, use smaller rolls and add about 1/4 cup of meat per bun. Serve immediately while hot.

8-Step One: Season the Beef Follow the same seasoning process as the slow cooker method. Pat the roast dry, then coat all sides with the spice blend, pressing the seasonings firmly into the meat for maximum adhesion and flavor.

9-Step Two: Add Liquid and Meat Pour 1/2 cup of beef broth into the Instant Pot insert. Place the seasoned roast inside. The liquid is essential for creating the steam needed for pressure cooking and prevents the dreaded “burn” notice.

10-Step Three: Pressure Cook Seal the lid and set the steam release valve to the sealing position. Select “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” and set to high pressure for 60 minutes. The pot will take about 10-15 minutes to come to pressure before the cooking time begins.

11-Step Four: Natural Release Once the cooking cycle completes, allow the pressure to release naturally for at least 15-20 minutes. This gradual release helps keep the meat tender and juicy. After natural release, carefully turn the valve to vent any remaining pressure.

12-Step Five: Shred and Sauce Remove the beef from the Instant Pot and shred using forks or an electric mixer. Transfer to a bowl, add barbecue sauce to taste, and mix thoroughly. Serve on buns or rolls as desired.