Slow Cooker Italian Beef Sandwiches Recipe | Juicy & Easy
I’ve always been on the hunt for the perfect Italian beef sandwich, one that reminds me of the juicy, messy, and absolutely delicious ones you find in Chicago. After some experimenting, I finally perfected this slow cooker version that hits all the right notes. The beef becomes incredibly tender and flavorful, soaking up all the zesty goodness from the seasonings and peppers.
I promise, once you make these sandwiches at home, they’ll become a regular in your meal rotation. And if you’re looking for other hearty dinner ideas, you might also enjoy Lemon Pepper Cajun Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo for a creamy twist on a chicken pasta night.
Ingredients
This recipe uses a blend of simple seasonings and savory liquids to create a mouthwatering beef that’s perfect for sandwiches. Here’s what you’ll need to get started.
- 3 cups beef broth: This creates the rich, savory base of the cooking liquid, ensuring the meat stays moist.
- 1 teaspoon salt: A fundamental seasoning that enhances all the other flavors in the dish.
- 1 teaspoon ground pepper: Adds a subtle, mild heat and complexity.
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning: A classic blend of herbs like oregano and basil that provides an authentic Italian flavor.
- 1 teaspoon dried onion: Offers a convenient way to add sweet and savory onion notes without the prep work.
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley: Contributes a fresh, slightly peppery taste to the mix.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Gives a deep, aromatic garlic flavor that is essential for this recipe.
- 1 bay leaf: An aromatic leaf that infuses the broth with a subtle, earthy undertone. Remember to remove it before serving!
- 1 package dry Italian dressing mix: This is a secret weapon for a punch of zesty, tangy flavor that elevates the whole dish.
- 3-4 pounds chuck roast: The ideal cut for slow cooking, as its marbling and connective tissue break down into tender, shreddable beef.
- 1/2 cup giardiniera: This Chicago-style mix of pickled vegetables adds a crunchy texture and a spicy, tangy kick.
- 4-8 pepperoncinis: These mild, tangy peppers add a bright flavor; you can adjust the quantity based on your preference.
- 1/4 cup pepperoncini juice: Using the juice from the jar adds an extra layer of zesty, vinegary flavor to the cooking liquid.
Note: This recipe yields several servings, typically enough for about 8 hearty sandwiches.
Variations
While the classic recipe is a crowd-pleaser, you can easily customize it to fit your tastes or dietary needs. These simple swaps and additions can take your sandwiches to the next level.
- Cheese Please: Instead of mozzarella, try using provolone for a sharper, more traditional flavor. Swiss or even cheddar can also work well, depending on your preference.
- Add Some Veggies: For extra flavor and texture, toss in some sliced green or red bell peppers with the roast. Sautéed onions also add a delicious sweetness.
- Spice it Up: If you love heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix. You can also opt for a hot giardiniera mix instead of a mild one.
- Deeper Flavor: A splash of Worcestershire sauce can add an extra layer of umami and depth to the beef broth. For a bolder garlic flavor, toss a few smashed garlic cloves into the slow cooker.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve the shredded beef in lettuce wraps instead of hoagie rolls for a lighter, low-carb meal that’s still packed with flavor.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 hours
- Total Time: 10 hours 20 minutes
Equipment You Need
- Slow Cooker: This is the key piece of equipment for cooking the beef low and slow until it is perfectly tender.
- Two Forks: You’ll use these to easily shred the tender beef once it’s finished cooking.
- Small Bowl: For mixing the broth and seasonings together before pouring them over the roast.
- Slotted Spoon: Helpful for serving the beef while allowing excess juice to drain away.
How to Make Slow Cooker Italian Beef Sandwiches
This recipe is incredibly simple to prepare, as the slow cooker does most of the work for you. Just a few minutes of prep in the morning will lead to a delicious, hot meal waiting for you at dinner time.
Prepare the Seasoning Mix
First, combine the beef broth, salt, ground pepper, Italian seasoning, dried onion, dried parsley, garlic powder, bay leaf, and the packet of dry Italian dressing mix in a bowl. Whisk everything together until it is well combined. This liquid is what will infuse your beef with incredible flavor as it cooks.
Place Roast in Slow Cooker
Next, place the chuck roast into the bottom of your slow cooker. There’s no need to sear it beforehand, which makes this recipe even easier. Just unwrap the roast and set it inside, ensuring it lies flat.
Add Liquids and Peppers
Pour the seasoning mixture you prepared evenly over the top of the roast. Then, add the giardiniera, whole pepperoncinis, and the pepperoncini juice. These will add that signature tangy and slightly spicy flavor that makes Italian beef so unique.
Cook and Shred
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 10 hours. This low and slow cooking method is crucial for breaking down the tough connective tissues in the chuck roast, resulting in fall-apart tender meat. Once the cooking time is complete, carefully remove the bay leaf and discard it. Use two forks to shred the beef directly in the slow cooker, allowing it to soak up all the delicious juices.
Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better
Over the years of making this dish, I’ve picked up a few tricks that really make a difference.
- I always make sure to use a good quality chuck roast. The marbling is key to getting that juicy, tender result, so don’t be tempted to use a leaner cut.
- Don’t skip the giardiniera! I find it adds the perfect crunchy, tangy contrast to the rich beef. If you’re not a fan of spice, look for a mild version.
- My favorite part is dipping the sandwich. I always serve a small bowl of the cooking liquid (the au jus) on the side for each person to dip their sandwich into. It’s messy, but it’s the best part!
- Toasting the hoagie rolls is a must for me. It helps them hold up against the juicy beef and adds a nice bit of texture to every bite.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Italian Beef Sandwiches
The best way to serve this dish is on a sturdy, fresh hoagie roll that can absorb some of the juices without falling apart. Lightly toast the rolls before assembling the sandwiches. Use a slotted spoon to pile the shredded beef high, then top it with a slice of melted mozzarella or provolone cheese.
For an authentic touch, add some extra giardiniera and pepperoncinis on top. These sandwiches are fantastic served with a side of french fries, potato chips, or a simple side salad. And don’t forget that small bowl of au jus for dipping!
Nutritional Information
Here is an approximate nutritional breakdown for the Italian beef itself, not including the roll or cheese.
- Calories: 363kcal
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fat: 24g
Make Ahead and Storage
This recipe is perfect for making ahead of time, and the leftovers are just as delicious. Here’s how to properly store your Italian beef to enjoy later.
Storing
To store leftover Italian beef, place it in an airtight container with some of the cooking juices. Keeping the meat in the juice prevents it from drying out. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezing
This beef freezes exceptionally well. Let it cool completely, then place it in freezer-safe bags or containers along with some of the juices. Squeeze out any excess air from the bags to prevent freezer burn. The beef can be frozen for up to 5 months.
Reheating
To reheat, you can let the frozen beef thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Then, gently warm it in a saucepan over low heat on the stovetop or in the microwave. Reheating it with the juices ensures it will be just as moist and flavorful as when it was first made.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to fall in love with these slow cooker Italian beef sandwiches. Here are just a few of them.
- Incredibly Easy: With minimal prep time and a “set it and forget it” cooking process, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. The slow cooker handles all the hard work, leaving you with a tender, flavorful meal.
- Packed with Flavor: The combination of zesty Italian seasonings, tangy pepperoncinis, and savory beef broth creates a rich and complex flavor profile. Every bite is a delicious explosion of taste that will have you coming back for more.
- Perfect for a Crowd: This recipe makes a large batch, making it an ideal choice for feeding a family or serving at a party or potluck. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy.
- Versatile Leftovers: The leftover beef is just as amazing as it is on the first day. You can use it to make tacos, nachos, stuffed potatoes, or even serve it over rice for a completely different meal.
