Slow Cooker Italian Beef Sandwich

If your weeknight dinners need a little joy, look no further than the Slow Cooker Italian Beef Sandwich! This dish is the epitome of comfort food—juicy, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. Imagine sinking your teeth into a soft bun filled with tender beef, seasoned to perfection and drenched in an aromatic broth. What’s even better? This recipe takes minimal effort, making it perfect for busy families or anyone looking to enjoy a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Here’s a fun fact: Italian beef sandwiches trace their origins back to Chicago, where they became a beloved staple. Everyone from neighborhood delis to family kitchens has put their spin on this famous dish. With this slow cooker version, you can whip up a satisfying feast with just a few ingredients and a couple of hours. Trust us, once you try this recipe, you might forget all about ordering takeout!

If you enjoy this hearty sandwich, be sure to check out our recipes for BBQ Pulled Chicken and Shredded Pork Tacos. They’re both equally easy to prepare and promise delightful flavors. Let’s dive into the scrumptious world of Slow Cooker Italian Beef Sandwiches!

What is a Slow Cooker Italian Beef Sandwich?

So, what exactly is in a Slow Cooker Italian Beef Sandwich? This delightful dish is basically a love letter to beef, served on a crusty roll and smothered in a savory broth. The roast beef is typically seasoned with Italian herbs, garlic, and spices, before being slow-cooked to perfection. But why is it called Italian beef? Rumor has it that this sandwich was created by Italian immigrants in Chicago as a way to jazz up leftover roast beef. And as they say, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” So, why not snag a recipe that’s been winning hearts for decades? Dive into this culinary adventure and we guarantee you’ll see why it’s a family favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Italian Beef Sandwich

The Slow Cooker Italian Beef Sandwich is a showstopper on any dinner table, and here are three key reasons why you’ll fall in love with it.

First, the dish’s main highlight is its incredible flavor—think tender, slow-cooked beef infused with aromatic herbs and a rich broth that soaks beautifully into the roll. It’s like a warm hug in sandwich form!

Second, making this dish at home is a fantastic way to save money without sacrificing flavor or quality. You can enjoy restaurant-quality comfort food that the whole family will rave about!

Lastly, the toppings make this sandwich truly special. Options like pickled peppers, giardiniera, or provolone cheese add diverse textures and a flavor explosion that take each bite to the next level. If you’re a fan of hearty comfort food, you’ll want to check out our recipe for Classic Sloppy Joes, which is another great option for a quick and filling meal. Ready to get cooking?

How to Make a Slow Cooker Italian Beef Sandwich

Quick Overview

Making Italian Beef Sandwiches in a slow cooker is as easy as it gets! With minimal prep time and only a few ingredients, you’ll have a steaming dish ready to enjoy in just a few hours. The slow cooking process means the flavors meld beautifully, creating a mouthwatering meal that’s sure to impress. Plus, it only takes about 10 minutes to prep, allowing you to focus on other things while dinner practically cooks itself!

Key Ingredients for Slow Cooker Italian Beef Sandwich

• 3 to 4 pounds beef chuck roast
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 packet Italian seasoning mix
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 cup sliced green bell peppers (optional)
• 1 cup sliced onions (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Crusty rolls or hoagie buns
• Provolone cheese for serving (optional)
• Pickled peppers or giardiniera for topping (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Beef: Start by seasoning your beef chuck roast generously with salt and pepper on all sides. This step enhances the flavor as the beef cooks.
2. Mix the Broth: In a bowl, combine beef broth, Italian seasoning, and minced garlic. Stir well to ensure the seasoning is distributed throughout the broth.
3. Place in Slow Cooker: Transfer the seasoned roast to a slow cooker. If you’re using bell peppers and onions, scatter them over the top of the meat.
4. Add the Broth: Pour the broth mixture over the roast, making sure it’s well-covered.
5. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, or on high for about 4 hours, until the meat is tender and shreds easily.
6. Shred the Beef: Once cooked, remove the roast from the slow cooker and shred it with forks. Return the shredded beef to the broth and mix well.
7. Serve: Pile the beef onto crusty rolls or hoagie buns. Top with provolone cheese and any desired toppings like pickled peppers or giardiniera.
8. Enjoy: Dive into your delicious Slow Cooker Italian Beef Sandwich, and savor every bite!

What to Serve Slow Cooker Italian Beef Sandwich With

To create a well-rounded meal, consider pairing your Slow Cooker Italian Beef Sandwich with sides that complement its rich flavors. Here are some suggestions:

• Potato Chips: For a classic combo, serve your sandwich with crispy potato chips for crunch.
• Coleslaw: A refreshing, tangy coleslaw adds a nice contrast to the hearty beef.
• Side Salad: A simple salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and Italian vinaigrette can balance the richness of the sandwich.
• Garlic Fries: For a comforting touch, serve it with crispy garlic fries or sweet potato fries.

Top Tips for Perfecting Slow Cooker Italian Beef Sandwich

• Choose the Right Cut: Beef chuck roast is ideal for this recipe because it’s well-marbled, ensuring tender and juicy results.
• Let It Rest: Allow the beef to rest for a few minutes before shredding. This helps keep it moist.
• Be Generous with Toppings: Don’t skimp on toppings! They can transform the dish and add exciting flavor profiles.
• Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust the seasoning to suit your taste or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.

Storing and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers (which is likely because this dish is so good!), store the beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the shredded beef for up to 3 months. When reheating, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if it seems dry. Serve it again on fresh rolls and enjoy a comforting meal all over again!

This Slow Cooker Italian Beef Sandwich is a guaranteed hit at your dining table—simple to make, bursting with flavor, and utterly satisfying. Give it a try, and you may just find a new favorite dish your family will request again and again!

Slow Cooker Italian Beef Sandwich

A hearty and flavorful delight, this slow cooker Italian beef sandwich features tender beef seasoned with Italian herbs, served on crusty rolls and drenched in a savory broth.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 8 hours hrs

Total Time 8 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Italian

Calories: 650

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 3-4 pounds beef chuck roast Well-marbled for tenderness
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 packet Italian seasoning mix
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 cup sliced green bell peppers Optional
• 1 cup sliced onions Optional
• to taste Salt and pepper For seasoning
• 4-6 pieces Crusty rolls or hoagie buns
• to taste Provolone cheese For serving, optional
• to taste Pickled peppers or giardiniera For topping, optional

Method

 

Preparation

1. Season the beef chuck roast generously with salt and pepper on all sides.
2. In a bowl, combine beef broth, Italian seasoning, and minced garlic. Stir well.
3. Transfer the seasoned roast to a slow cooker and scatter bell peppers and onions on top if using.
4. Pour the broth mixture over the roast.

Cooking

1. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for about 4 hours, until the meat is tender.
2. Remove the roast from the slow cooker, shred it with forks, and return it to the broth.

Serving

1. Pile the beef onto crusty rolls or hoagie buns.
2. Top with provolone cheese and desired toppings.
3. Enjoy your delicious Slow Cooker Italian Beef Sandwich!

Notes

For a well-rounded meal, consider pairing your sandwich with sides like potato chips, coleslaw, or garlic fries. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.