Slow-cooker Italian beef sandwiches are a mouthwatering combination of tender, shredded beef simmered in a flavorful broth with Italian herbs and spices, piled high on a crusty roll and topped with tangy giardiniera or sautéed bell peppers. This recipe is perfect for busy days, as the slow cooker does all the work, creating a rich and savory beef filling that’s infused with garlic, oregano, and a touch of pepperoncini heat. The result is a juicy, satisfying sandwich that’s both hearty and delicious, ideal for a casual weeknight dinner or a game-day feast. Serve with a side of chips or a simple salad for a complete meal that will delight your taste buds.
Ingredients:
- 3-4 lbs beef chuck roast
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tbsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup pepperoncini peppers, with juice
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 6-8 sandwich rolls or hoagie buns
- Sliced provolone cheese (optional)
- Giardiniera (Italian pickled vegetable relish) or sautéed bell peppers, for topping
Instructions:
- Sear the Beef:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef chuck roast and sear on all sides until browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. This step helps lock in the flavor of the beef.
- Prepare the Slow Cooker:
- Transfer the seared beef to a slow cooker. Add the sliced onion and minced garlic around the beef.
- Sprinkle the oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) over the beef.
- Add Liquids:
- Pour the beef broth, pepperoncini peppers with their juice, red wine vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce into the slow cooker. These liquids will create a flavorful braising liquid for the beef.
- Cook the Beef:
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the beef is tender and can be easily shredded with a fork.
- Shred the Beef:
- Once cooked, remove the beef from the slow cooker and use two forks to shred it. Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker, stirring it into the juices.
- Assemble the Sandwiches:
- Preheat your oven’s broiler. Open the sandwich rolls or hoagie buns and place them on a baking sheet.
- Place a generous portion of shredded beef onto each roll. Top with provolone cheese slices, if desired.
- Broil the sandwiches for 1-2 minutes, just until the cheese melts and the bread is toasted.
- Add Toppings and Serve:
- Remove the sandwiches from the oven and top with giardiniera or sautéed bell peppers for extra flavor.
- Serve immediately, with any remaining beef juices for dipping.
These slow-cooker Italian beef sandwiches are a delicious and effortless way to enjoy a classic sandwich bursting with rich, savory flavors. Perfect for a hearty dinner or a crowd-pleasing party dish, they’ll quickly become a favorite in your meal rotation.
