Beef on a Bun will be served at any event in Calgary during Stampede season. That’s the only thing that’s certain in life besides death and taxes. And that’s a good thing! But when I moved to Calgary 25 years ago, I didn’t really understand how great it was. But let me tell you, it grows on you. to the point that eventually you cant live without it. Because there haven’t been any Stampede events in the last few years, I chose to make my own Slow Cooker Beef on a Bun this year.
I LOVE slow cooker recipes (see all of my slow cooker recipes HERE!), especially ones like this slow cooker BBQ beef that you can dump and go or set and forget! It only takes 10 minutes to put together and the slow cooker does all the work! It’s also WW friendly! [feast_advanced_jump_to].
Every BBQ beef on a bun place I’ve been to in Calgary is a little different. Some roast and shred the beef, while others use a slow cooker, like I have. But they’re all delicious.
A roast beef sandwich is a classic for good reason. Tender, juicy roast beef layered on a bun makes for a simple yet delicious meal. However, the right side dishes can take your roast beef on a bun from great to spectacular. The ideal sides should complement the savory meat with contrasting textures, flavors and nutrition.
Here are 15 sensational sides to serve with roast beef on a bun:
1. Crispy French Fries
Crispy golden french fries are a no-brainer pairing. They provide a salty, starchy crunch that balances the tender beef. For more flavor, use Russet or sweet potatoes. Fry them up extra crispy or bake them in the oven. Dip them in tangy ketchup smoky aioli or creamy ranch dressing.
2. Coleslaw
Cool, crunchy coleslaw adds freshness and tang to balance the richness of roast beef. Using shredded cabbage and carrots tossed in a creamy dressing, this summery side also packs vitamins and fiber. Jazz it up with apples, cranberries or citrus zest.
3. Leafy Green Salad
A fresh green salad is a lighter counterpart to the hearty sandwich Lettuce varieties like spinach, kale, arugula or Romaine supply crispness Top with juicy tomatoes, sweet red onion, crunchy cucumbers and a tangy vinaigrette.
4. Pasta Salad
Chilled pasta salad provides starchy carbs along with crunch. Rotini, farfalle or wagon wheel pasta work nicely. Toss with shredded chicken crispy bacon diced veggies, black olives, herbs and a light dressing.
5. Mac and Cheese
For ultimate comfort food, nothing beats mac and cheese. Elbow noodles baked in a rich, velvety cheese sauce make the ultimate side for roast beef. Mix in ham, peas or sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor.
6. Fingerling Potatoes
Tender fingerling potatoes roasted with olive oil, garlic and rosemary are simple yet so tasty. Crispy on the outside and fluffy inside, they pair perfectly with sliced roast beef. Red, yellow or purple potatoes all work beautifully.
7. Baked Beans
Sweet, smoky baked beans complement the savory beef wonderfully. Slow-baked until thick and saucy, beans provide fiber, antioxidants and plant protein. Jazz them up with crispy bacon, onion and barbecue sauce.
8. Onion Rings
With their crisp, golden exterior and sweet, aromatic flavor, onion rings make a stellar accompaniment. Using thick-cut rings dipped in spiced batter and fried delivers the best texture and taste. Offer dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard or chipotle mayo.
9. Roasted Broccoli
For a healthy, fresh-tasting side, try oven-roasted broccoli. Florets charred with olive oil, garlic and red pepper flakes offer vitamin C and antioxidants. The slight char bitterness balances the rich beef.
10. Cucumber Salad
A cool cucumber salad supplies crunch and moisture. Sliced cucumbers mixed with red onion and dill in a tangy yogurt dressing provide hydration and nutrients like vitamin K. It’s a refreshing complement to the hearty sandwich.
11. Cauliflower Rice
Buttery cauliflower rice is a lighter, gluten-free alternative to grains. Pulsing cauliflower florets into rice-sized crumbles creates a fluffy, mild base to soak up meat juices. Sauté with garlic and herbs for maximum flavor.
12. Seasoned Potato Wedges
For heartier oven fries, baked potato wedges are very satisfying. Cubed Russet or sweet potatoes roasted with olive oil, spices and Parmesan offer more surface area for crispiness. They pair perfectly with sliced roast beef.
13. Corn on the Cob
Grilled corn on the cob makes for a fun, hands-on side. Brush shucked corn with melted butter or olive oil and grill until lightly charred. Sprinkle with chili powder or cotija cheese. The sweet kernels balance the savory sandwich.
14. Roasted Vegetables
For a one-pan side dish, roast a medley of vegetables. Potatoes, carrots, peppers and green beans drizzled with oil and baked develop amazing caramelized flavors. The assortment of colors and textures complements sliced roast beef beautifully.
15. Dinner Rolls
Warm, fluffy dinner rolls round out the meal nicely. Brush rolls with butter or garlic butter before serving. Or try flavored varieties like cheese, jalapeño or onion. Tear off pieces to soak up any beef juices and gravy on the plate.
With options from light salads to hearty starches and veggies, these flavorful sides complete your roast beef on a bun sandwich. Mix and match different textures, tastes and colors to design a well-rounded meal. Your roast beef will never taste so good!
Variations & Substitutions
- You can use any kind of bun (hamburger, Kaiser, etc.) or my Dinner Buns (Granny Buns) recipe. *I use hamburger buns OR make it WW-friendly with a thin bun.
- Beef: round roast, chuck roast, or sirloin tip—Any cheap beef roast will do.
- ketchup and an extra teaspoon of chili powder could be used instead of chili sauce. I use Heinz Chili Sauce (affiliate link).
- Do not use wine vinegar. Instead, use apple cider vinegar or regular vinegar mixed with a splash of white wine, if you have any.
- Instead of brown sugar, use white sugar and add 1 teaspoon of molasses.
- If you don’t have liquid smoke (affiliate link), don’t use it. But if you do have it, use it. It makes a huge difference, and you can find it at almost any grocery store.
- Pickles, jalapenos, or pepperoncini are some of the toppings. Some people put the coleslaw right on top, which is something I love to do.
Traditionally, beef on a bun is served with coleslaw and beans. It seems wrong to suggest anything else, so here are some coleslaw recipes and another side dish I think goes well with this dish:
It is much faster to shred or pull your beef with a stand mixer. If you don’t have a stand mixer, you could use a hand mixer instead, which is what I did. ).
This recipe makes a lot, so if you’re making it for a big group, make the full amount. However, if you are making it for a smaller group, you can reduce the servings. Just click on the blue serving size and choose how many servings you need. The amounts will then change to match!
And if youre looking for an even quicker recipe, try my shortcut version (Speedy Beef on a Bun!) And for even more Stampede recipes, be sure to try my other recipes at the bottom of the recipe card!
Make up to 2 days in advance and store in fridge for up to 3 days after making.
Stampede is on this year, albeit a scaled down version with a few more restrictions. But whether you’re going to Stampede or not, this is the time of year when you’ll probably want Beef on a Bun! Oh, and I can promise you one more thing: this recipe will most definitely satisfy that craving!
Slow Cooker Beef on a Bun Recipe
- ▢ 5 lbs beef – chuck roast round roast,
- ▢ 1 – medium yellow onion finely diced
- ▢ 1 cup -barbecue sauce- I use presidents choice gourmet
- ▢ ½ cup chili sauce * I use Heinz
- ▢ ½ cup brown sugar
- ▢ 2 tablespoon white wine vinegar
- ▢ 2 teaspoon mustard
- ▢ 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ▢ 2 teaspoon -minced garlic
- ▢ 2 teaspoon liquid smoke
- ▢ 1 teaspoon salt
- ▢ 1 ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ▢ 20 buns
- Spray nonstick cooking spray inside the slow cooker and put the meat on the bottom.
- Whisk remaining ingredients together in separate bowl.
- Pour over meat.
- Low for 8 hours or high for 4 to 6 hours, or until beef is soft.
- To shred the beef, take it out of the slow cooker and use two forks. You can also use a mixer (see VIDEO in the notes).
- Return beef to the slow cooker. Mix in the sauce, then remove the fat from the cooking liquid. Cover and cook for 15 minutes or until heated through.
- Using a slotted spoon, remove from slow cooker.
- Place meat on each bun.
- Then, if you want, add coleslaw, onions, pickles, pepperoncini, or jalapenos on top.
- Buns: You can use any kind of bun (hamburger, Kaiser, etc.) or my Dinner Buns (Granny Buns) recipe. *I use hamburger buns.
- Any cheap cut of beef, like a round roast, chuck roast, or sirloin tip
- ketchup and an extra teaspoon of chili powder could be used instead of chili sauce. I use Heinz Chili Sauce (affiliate link).
- Apple cider vinegar or regular vinegar mixed with a splash (about 2 tsp) of white wine, if you have it. This is what wine vinegar is.
- Instead of brown sugar, use white sugar and add 1 teaspoon of molasses.
- If you don’t have liquid smoke (affiliate link), leave it out for now. But I do think you should try it—it really does make a difference! You can get it on Amazon or at almost any grocery store.
- You can add pickles or jalapenos, and some people put the coleslaw right on top.
Barbecued Roast Beef on a Bun – Food Wishes
FAQ
What side dishes go with beef on a bun?
What goes well with roast beef condiment?
What goes with roast beef on a bun?
Some ideas include: What side goes with beef on a bun? Yorkshire puddings, crispy roast potatoes, suet pudding, English mustard, or horseradish sauce, as well as vegetables like red cabbage, Brussels sprouts, carrots, and parsnips, are typical traditional sides served with roast beef.
What goes well with roast beef?
We’ve got a selection of easy side dishes that go perfectly with roast beef, ranging from potato dishes to vegetables, and even some salads! The classic way to serve roast beef is with crispy roast potatoes! But there are plenty of other options too, ranging from air fryer potato dishes to creamy mashed potatoes!
What is a good side dish for beef on a bun?
Typically served as a side dish for beef on a bun, this simple recipe can be made with either mayonnaise or a lighter yogurt-based dressing. Either way, you’ll love the combination of the sweet and sour flavor with the fresh cabbage. If you’re looking for a more traditional coleslaw recipe, try our Classic Coleslaw.
What to serve with roast beef sandwiches?
Yorkshire puddings, crispy roast potatoes, suet pudding, English mustard, or horseradish sauce, as well as vegetables like red cabbage, Brussels sprouts, carrots, and parsnips, are typical traditional sides served with roast beef. What is a good side for roast beef sandwiches? Beef up dinner with these sides. Mom’s Scalloped Potatoes.