Description
Hearty slow cooker Italian beef sandwiches provide a mouthwatering journey through classic Italian-American comfort cuisine. Tender meat, rich pepperoncini, and melted provolone cheese create a satisfying meal for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings you’ll crave again.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat:
- 3 – 4 lb (1.36 – 1.81 kg) beef chuck roast
Seasonings and Spices:
- 1 packet Italian dressing seasoning mix
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Liquid and Additional Ingredients:
- 2 cups (473 ml) beef broth
- 1/2 cup (118 ml) pepperoncini peppers, sliced (plus juice from jar)
- 1/4 cup (59 ml) giardiniera (optional)
- 6 – 8 hoagie or Italian rolls
- 6 – 8 slices provolone or mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Craft a flavorful seasoning blend combining garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, basil, and optional red pepper flakes. Generously coat the beef chuck roast with this aromatic mixture.
- Transfer the seasoned roast into the slow cooker basin, positioning it centrally for even heat distribution.
- Pour beef broth around the meat, ensuring liquid surrounds the roast without fully submerging it. Sprinkle Italian dressing seasoning mix across the surface.
- Scatter pepperoncini peppers and optional giardiniera around the roast, including a splash of pepper brine for enhanced flavor complexity.
- Secure the slow cooker lid and set to low temperature for 8-10 hours or high temperature for 4-5 hours. The meat should transform into fork-tender, easily shredded consistency.
- Carefully extract the roast from cooking liquid. Using two forks, methodically shred the meat into delicate, succulent strands.
- Return shredded beef to the slow cooker, gently folding it into the remaining cooking juices to maintain moisture and flavor.
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Split hoagie rolls lengthwise and arrange on a baking sheet.
- Generously load each roll with shredded beef, crowning with a melting cheese slice.
- Bake sandwiches for 3-5 minutes until cheese becomes gloriously molten and rolls develop a light golden crispness.
- Serve immediately, accompanied by extra pepperoncini, giardiniera, or reserved cooking liquid for dipping. Optional fresh parsley garnish adds vibrant color.
Notes
- Customize heat levels by adjusting red pepper flakes for spice-sensitive diners or those craving extra kick.
- Choose lean chuck roast cuts to reduce fat while maintaining tender, juicy meat texture.
- Swap regular hoagie rolls with gluten-free or low-carb alternatives to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil can elevate flavor complexity and add vibrant color to final presentation.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 hours (on Low) or 5 hours (on High)
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 950 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg