Description
Get ready for an incredibly easy and satisfying meal that will transport your taste buds straight to Italian deli heaven. These slow cooker Italian beef sandwiches are packed with savory, tender beef and bursting with classic Italian flavors, all prepared with minimal fuss. They’re the perfect comfort food for a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend gathering, promising to be a crowd pleaser every single time.
Ingredients
2 lbs beef chuck roast
1 cup beef broth
1 cup mild giardiniera (a pickled vegetable relish, check label to ensure no pork-based preservatives)
1 packet Italian salad dressing mix
4 hoagie or sub rolls
4 slices provolone cheese (optional)
Instructions
Put the beef chuck roast into your slow cooker.
Add the beef broth, giardiniera with its oil, and the Italian salad dressing mix.
Cover and cook on LOW for 8 to 10 hours until the meat is very tender.
Take the beef out and shred it using two forks. Remove any large fatty bits.
Put the shredded beef back into the slow cooker and mix it with the juices.
Toast your hoagie rolls. Fill them generously with the shredded beef. You can dip the rolls in the juice for extra moisture if you prefer.
If using provolone cheese, place a slice on top and put the sandwiches under the broiler for about 1 minute to melt the cheese.
Notes
Make sure to shred the beef well using two forks. This creates more surface area for the beef to absorb the flavorful juices, making every bite more delicious.
Reserve the juice from the jar of pepperoncini peppers. It adds a crucial tangy element that cuts through the richness of the beef.
If you prefer perfectly melted, slightly browned cheese, place your assembled sandwiches on a baking sheet and broil for 1-2 minutes. Keep a close eye on them as they can brown very quickly.
Don’t forget to serve the beef sandwiches with some of the flavorful cooking liquid (au jus) on the side. It’s meant for dipping and elevates the whole experience!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 to 8 hours
- Category: Sandwiches
- Cuisine: Italian-American