Description
Italian Beef Sandwiches are a hearty, savory meal made with tender slow-cooked beef, seasoned with Italian herbs and spices, and served on a hoagie roll. Often topped with giardiniera or sautéed peppers, this sandwich is a Chicago staple that’s perfect for game day, family dinners, or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 pounds beef chuck roast
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 packet Italian dressing mix (about 1 oz)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1/2 cup pepperoncini peppers with juice
- 6 hoagie rolls or sandwich buns
- 1 cup giardiniera (optional, for topping)
- 6 slices provolone or mozzarella cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season beef roast with salt and pepper, then sear on all sides until browned.
- Transfer the beef to a slow cooker. Add oregano, basil, onion powder, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, Italian dressing mix, beef broth, and pepperoncini (with juice).
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, or until the beef is tender and shreds easily.
- Shred the beef using two forks and mix it back into the juices in the slow cooker. Let it soak for 15–30 more minutes on warm.
- Toast the hoagie rolls if desired. Fill each roll with shredded beef and top with giardiniera or cheese if using.
- Serve hot, with extra juice (au jus) for dipping if desired.
Notes
- For extra flavor, toast your rolls with a bit of butter and garlic before adding the beef.
- Use hot giardiniera for a spicy kick, or mild if preferred.
- Leftovers can be stored in the juices and reheated for even better flavor the next day.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 510 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 870mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 37g
- Cholesterol: 105mg