Slow-Cooker Barbecue-Beef Sandwiches

Ingredients

• 5 tablespoons dark brown sugar, divided
• 3/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 (1-pound) flank steaks
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1 cup tomato paste
• 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 3 tablespoons molasses
• 3 tablespoons cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dry mustard
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 10 (2 1/2-ounce) submarine rolls, halved
• Red onion slices (optional)
• Dill pickle slices (optional)

Preparation

1. Combine 1 tablespoon brown sugar and pepper; rub over both sides of steaks. Combine 1/4 cup brown sugar, onion, and next 9 ingredients (onion through salt) in an electric slow cooker. Add steaks; turn to coat. Cover with lid; cook on high-heat setting for 1 hour. Reduce heat setting to low; cook for 7 hours. Remove steaks; reserve sauce. Shred steaks with 2 forks. Return shredded steak to cooker; stir into sauce. Spoon 1/2 cup steak mixture onto bottom half of each roll; top with onion and pickles, if desired. Cover with tops of rolls.