There are few things better than the smell of a slow cooker working its magic. And when you fill it with tender beef, herbs, and a savory broth, you’re in for a treat that practically melts in your mouth.
I first made these Italian beef sandwiches when I was craving something hearty, but I didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. The result was nothing short of amazing—juicy, flavorful beef piled high on soft buns with a tangy broth for dipping.
These sandwiches are perfect for a crowd or just for those nights when you want to put something on and let it do its thing while you go about your day. Whether you serve them for game day, a family gathering, or a laid-back dinner, these slow cooker Italian beef sandwiches are sure to please everyone at the table.
Why You’ll Love These Slow Cooker Italian Beef Sandwiches
This recipe is the kind of comfort food you can’t stop thinking about. Here’s why it should be your next go-to meal:
- Melt-in-Your-Mouth Tender Beef – The slow cooker does all the work, making the beef incredibly tender and flavorful after hours of cooking in a rich broth.
- Simple and Easy – Just add the ingredients to your slow cooker, and you’re good to go. No fuss, just tender, flavorful beef sandwiches.
- Perfect for Meal Prep – Make a large batch and enjoy it throughout the week. These sandwiches keep well, making them perfect for lunch or dinner the next day.
- Customizable – Want a spicier sandwich? Add some hot peppers or jalapeños. Feel like a cheesy twist? Melt some provolone on top for an extra creamy bite.
These slow cooker Italian beef sandwiches are hearty, satisfying, and perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a quiet dinner or a party with friends.
Key Ingredients for Slow Cooker Italian Beef Sandwiches
This recipe uses a handful of simple ingredients to create a dish that’s bursting with flavor. Here’s what you need:
- Chuck Roast – The best cut for slow cooking! It’s rich, tender, and falls apart beautifully after hours of cooking.
- Italian Seasoning – This blend of herbs, like oregano, basil, and thyme, gives the beef a savory, aromatic kick.
- Beef Broth – This is the base for the cooking liquid, creating a rich and flavorful broth to soak the beef in.
- Pepperoncini Peppers – These give the sandwich a mild, tangy heat that complements the beef perfectly.
- Garlic – Fresh garlic brings a rich, savory depth to the flavor.
- Hoagie Rolls – Soft, slightly toasted rolls are perfect for holding all that tender beef and broth.
These ingredients come together to create a sandwich that’s perfect for any day of the week.
How to Make Slow Cooker Italian Beef Sandwiches
Making these sandwiches is easy and involves very little prep work. Here’s how to put it all together:
- Sear the Beef (Optional) – If you want to add a little extra flavor, sear the chuck roast in a hot pan with some olive oil until browned on all sides. This step isn’t necessary, but it helps lock in the juices.
- Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker – Place the beef in the slow cooker, then add beef broth, Italian seasoning, garlic, and the pepperoncini peppers (with some of the juice for extra flavor).
- Cook on Low – Set your slow cooker to low and let it cook for about 6-8 hours, or until the beef is so tender it shreds easily with a fork.
- Shred the Beef – Once the beef is done cooking, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded beef to the broth to soak in all those amazing flavors.
- Assemble the Sandwiches – Toast your hoagie rolls for a minute in the oven or on a skillet, then load them up with the shredded beef. Spoon some of the juicy broth over the top for an extra burst of flavor.
Now you’re ready to dive into these melt-in-your-mouth sandwiches that are perfect for lunch, dinner, or a game day feast!
What to Serve with Slow Cooker Italian Beef Sandwiches
While these sandwiches are hearty enough on their own, a few sides can make your meal even better:
| Side Dish | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Crispy French Fries | Classic and crispy, they’re perfect for dipping in the beef broth. |
| Coleslaw | A tangy, crunchy coleslaw adds a fresh contrast to the rich beef. |
| Grilled Veggies | Smoky grilled veggies add a healthy touch to balance the richness of the beef. |
| Garlic Bread | Buttery, toasted garlic bread to soak up the delicious beef broth. |
| Pickled Vegetables | The acidity and tangy flavors of pickled veggies cut through the richness of the beef. |
| Potato Salad | A creamy potato salad makes for a satisfying and classic side. |
How to Store and Reheat Slow Cooker Italian Beef Sandwiches
Leftovers? No problem! Here’s how to store and reheat your sandwiches:
How to Store Leftovers
- Store the shredded beef in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also keep the broth separately to keep everything flavorful.
How to Reheat
- Stovetop: Reheat the shredded beef in a pan with a little of the broth over low heat, stirring occasionally. This helps keep the meat moist and tender.
- Microwave: Heat the beef and broth together in a microwave-safe dish for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Oven: If you prefer, you can reheat the sandwiches in the oven. Wrap them in foil and heat at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Italian Beef Sandwiches
Here are some tips to ensure your sandwiches come out perfectly:
- Don’t skip the pepperoncini. They add a tangy, mild heat that complements the beef and broth beautifully.
- Use a fatty cut of beef like chuck roast for the best flavor and texture. The fat helps keep the beef juicy as it cooks.
- Let the beef rest in the broth after shredding it to ensure the meat soaks up all the flavors.
- Toast your rolls to give them a little extra texture and warmth.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different cut of beef?
While chuck roast is ideal, you can also use a brisket or round roast. Keep in mind that the texture may vary, and you might need to adjust the cooking time.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the beef and broth in the slow cooker the day before and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it and assemble the sandwiches when ready to serve.
3. Can I freeze the beef?
Yes, you can freeze the shredded beef and broth for up to 3 months. Reheat it slowly on the stove when ready to serve.
4. Can I make this spicier?
If you prefer a spicier sandwich, add sliced jalapeños or hot peppers to the slow cooker. You can also add a dash of hot sauce to the beef after it’s shredded.
5. What if I don’t have hoagie rolls?
You can use any kind of soft roll, French baguette, or even sub sandwich bread for the sandwiches.
These slow cooker Italian beef sandwiches are the perfect comfort food for any day of the week. With tender beef, a flavorful broth, and that classic sandwich appeal, you won’t be disappointed!
Slow Cooker Italian Beef Sandwiches
Equipment
- Slow Cooker For cooking the beef
- Large Skillet For searing the beef
- Tongs For shredding the beef
Ingredients
- 3 pounds chuck roast or brisket
- 1 cup beef broth low sodium
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 jar pepperoncini peppers with juice
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for searing
- 1 teaspoon salt to taste
- 1 teaspoon black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sear the chuck roast in a large skillet over medium-high heat with olive oil for 4-5 minutes on each side until browned.
- Place the seared roast in the slow cooker. Add beef broth, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, and half of the pepperoncini peppers with some juice.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the beef is tender and shreds easily with a fork.
- Remove the beef from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker and stir it into the broth.
- Toast the hoagie rolls lightly, then pile the shredded beef onto each roll. Spoon some of the broth over the beef and top with the remaining pepperoncini peppers.
- Serve the sandwiches hot and enjoy!
Notes
- For a spicy twist, add some jalapeños or hot sauce to the beef.
- If you prefer a cheesy version, melt provolone cheese over the beef before serving.
- Leftover beef can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for later use.
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