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Italian Beef Recipe: Quick & Tender

A comforting dish featuring tender beef slices in a rich broth, perfect for family gatherings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Meat
  • 3 pounds beef chuck roast well-marbled for tenderness
Broth and Seasonings
  • 2 cups beef broth opt for low-sodium
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil for sautéing
  • 1 large onion, sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon oregano, dried
  • 1 tablespoon sweet paprika
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes adjust to your heat preference
Bread and Toppings
  • 1 loaf Italian bread or rolls fresh is best
  • Provolone cheese optional, for topping
  • Pepperoncini or hot giardiniera optional, for spiciness and crunch

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
  2. Season the beef chuck roast with salt and pepper, then add it to the pot.
  3. Sear on both sides until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
  4. In the same pot, add the sliced onion and cook until translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
  5. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Cooking
  1. Return the seared beef to the pot.
  2. Sprinkle the oregano, paprika, and crushed red pepper flakes over the meat.
  3. Pour in the beef broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  4. Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low.
  5. Allow it to simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender, flipping the meat halfway through.
Serving
  1. Once done, remove the beef and let it rest for a few minutes.
  2. Shred the beef with two forks, then return it to the broth to soak up all that wonderful flavor.
  3. Slice the Italian bread or rolls.
  4. Spoon a generous amount of the beef mixture onto each roll and top with provolone cheese, if desired.
  5. Add pepperoncini or hot giardiniera for an extra kick.
  6. Serve hot and enjoy.

Notes

Avoid rushing the cooking process; a longer cooking time creates a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Use flavorful broth for enhanced taste. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.