Description
Slow-cooked Italian beef sandwiches bring hearty Midwestern comfort to dinner tables. Tender meat nestled in crusty rolls delivers a rich, savory meal perfect for family gatherings and casual weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat:
- 3 to 4 pounds beef chuck roast
Seasonings and Spices:
- 1 packet Italian dressing mix
- 1 packet au jus gravy mix
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
Liquids and Peppers:
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 jar (16 ounces / 454 grams) pepperoncini peppers, with juice
Instructions
- Position the beef chuck roast in the slow cooker, preparing for a flavor-packed culinary journey.
- Combine beef broth, water, Italian dressing mix, au jus gravy mix, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes in a mixing bowl, creating a robust seasoning blend.
- Pour the aromatic liquid mixture over the beef, ensuring complete coverage.
- Introduce pepperoncini peppers along with their tangy juice directly into the slow cooker.
- Secure the lid and slow cook on low temperature for 8-10 hours, allowing the meat to become exceptionally tender and easily shredable.
- Use two forks to meticulously shred the beef, thoroughly incorporating it with the flavorful cooking juices.
- Preheat the oven to 375F (190C) and prepare hoagie rolls by splitting them lengthwise.
- Brush roll interiors with melted butter and a sprinkle of garlic powder for added richness.
- Toast the rolls in the oven for 5-7 minutes until they achieve a delicate, crispy texture.
- Layer the succulent shredded beef generously onto the toasted rolls.
- Enhance the sandwich with giardiniera, roasted red peppers, and optional shredded cheese.
- Return assembled sandwiches to the oven for 2-3 minutes to melt cheese and warm through.
- Serve immediately while hot, savoring the complex, Italian-inspired flavors.
Notes
- Swap chuck roast with leaner cuts like top round for a healthier version with reduced fat content.
- Customize heat levels by adjusting red pepper flakes or adding hot sauce for spice enthusiasts.
- Prepare the beef a day ahead and refrigerate to enhance flavor development and make meat even more tender.
- For gluten-free option, use gluten-free au jus mix and serve on gluten-free rolls or lettuce wraps.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours (or 10 hours)
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 230 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg