Crock Pot Italian beef sandwiches are a savory, flavorful dish made with tender, slow-cooked beef infused with Italian seasonings. Served on crusty rolls with melted cheese and zesty peppers, these sandwiches are perfect for weeknight dinners, game day feasts, or feeding a crowd.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Slow cooker convenience—set it and forget it!
- Tender, juicy beef packed with bold Italian flavors.
- Perfect for sandwiches, sliders, or over mashed potatoes.
- Great for meal prep or serving at parties.
- Easy to customize with toppings like cheese, peppers, or even giardiniera.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Chuck roast or bottom round beef roast
- Beef broth
- Italian dressing mix (packet or homemade)
- Pepperoncini peppers (with juice)
- Garlic (minced or powder)
- Onion powder
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Hoagie rolls or sandwich buns
- Provolone or mozzarella cheese (optional)
Directions
- Prepare the Crock Pot: Place the beef roast in the slow cooker.
- Add Seasonings: Sprinkle the Italian dressing mix, minced garlic, onion powder, and crushed red pepper flakes over the roast.
- Pour in Liquids: Add beef broth and about ½ cup of pepperoncini juice. Scatter whole pepperoncini peppers around the beef.
- Cook:
- Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-5 hours, until the beef is fork-tender.
- Shred the Beef:
- Remove the roast from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded beef to the Crock Pot to soak up the juices.
- Assemble the Sandwiches:
- Toast hoagie rolls or sandwich buns if desired. Pile the shredded beef onto the rolls, top with provolone or mozzarella cheese, and add more pepperoncini or giardiniera for extra flavor.
- Serve: Serve the sandwiches hot, with a side of the au jus from the Crock Pot for dipping.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes about 6-8 sandwiches.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes.
- Cook Time: 8-10 hours (low) or 4-5 hours (high).
- Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes (low) or 4 hours 10 minutes (high).
Variations
- Spicy Italian Beef: Add more crushed red pepper or jalapeños for an extra kick.
- Cheesy Italian Beef: Top the sandwiches with provolone cheese and broil for a few minutes until melted.
- French Dip Style: Serve the sandwiches with small bowls of the cooking juices for dipping.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve the beef over cauliflower rice or on lettuce wraps.
- Vegetable Add-Ins: Add sliced onions or bell peppers to the Crock Pot for more texture and flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the shredded beef with its juices in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat in a saucepan on the stove over medium heat, or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes, chuck roast works best for tenderness, but you can use bottom round or brisket as alternatives.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Absolutely! Add extra pepperoncini, jalapeños, or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the Crock Pot.
Can I use fresh Italian herbs?
Yes, fresh oregano, basil, and parsley can be added for extra flavor. Use them sparingly, as fresh herbs are more potent than dried.
What are pepperoncini peppers?
Pepperoncini are mild, tangy peppers often used in Italian dishes. They add flavor without too much heat.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free Italian dressing mix and serve the beef on gluten-free rolls or over mashed potatoes.
What type of bread works best?
Crusty hoagie rolls or sandwich buns hold up well to the juicy beef and toppings.
Can I add vegetables to the sandwich?
Yes, sautéed onions, bell peppers, or even roasted red peppers make great additions.
Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?
Yes, use the sauté function to sear the beef, then cook on high pressure for 60 minutes. Allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes before shredding.
What cheese pairs well with this sandwich?
Provolone, mozzarella, or even Swiss cheese work beautifully for melty, gooey goodness.
Can I serve this for a crowd?
Absolutely! This recipe is easy to double or triple, making it ideal for parties or potlucks.
Conclusion
Crock Pot Italian beef sandwiches are the ultimate comfort food, combining tender, flavorful beef with zesty peppers and melted cheese. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just craving a hearty, satisfying meal, these sandwiches are guaranteed to hit the spot. Try this recipe and enjoy a taste of Italy, right from your kitchen!
Print
Crock Pot Italian Beef Sandwiches
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 to 10 hours
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes to 10 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 sandwiches 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Description
Tender, shredded Italian beef cooked in a slow cooker with pepperoncini and Italian dressing mix, served on toasted hoagie rolls with melted provolone cheese.
Ingredients
- 3 to 4 pounds boneless beef chuck roast
- 1 packet (0.7 ounces) Italian salad dressing mix
- 1 jar (16 ounces) sliced pepperoncini peppers, with juice
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 12 hoagie rolls
- 12 slices provolone cheese
- Optional: spicy giardiniera or pickled vegetables for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef: Trim any excess fat from the chuck roast and cut it into large chunks.
- Assemble in Slow Cooker: Place the beef chunks into a 6-quart slow cooker. Sprinkle the Italian salad dressing mix and Italian seasoning over the beef. Pour the entire jar of sliced pepperoncini peppers, including the juice, and the beef broth over the meat.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours, or until the beef is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
- Shred the Beef: Once cooked, remove the beef from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker and stir to combine with the juices. Let it cook on low for an additional 30 minutes to absorb more flavor.
- Prepare the Sandwiches: Preheat the oven to broil. Slice the hoagie rolls and place them on a baking sheet. Using tongs, place a generous amount of the shredded beef onto each roll. Top each sandwich with a slice of provolone cheese.
- Melt the Cheese: Place the sandwiches under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Watch closely to prevent burning.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and, if desired, top with spicy giardiniera or pickled vegetables. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Searing the Meat: For added flavor, you can sear the beef chunks in a hot skillet with a bit of oil before placing them in the slow cooker. This step is optional but adds depth to the dish.
- Serving Suggestions: These sandwiches pair well with a side of coleslaw, potato salad, or chips.
- Storage: Leftover Italian beef can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.