Description
These Crock Pot Italian Beef Sandwiches offer a tender, flavorful beef experience slow-cooked to perfection with classic Italian seasonings and tangy pepperoncini peppers. Perfectly shredded and served on buns with provolone cheese and giardiniera, they make a delicious and easy meal ideal for gatherings or family dinners.
Ingredients
Beef and Marinade
- 3 lb chuck roast, trimmed of visible fat and cut into large pieces
- 1 envelope Italian salad dressing mix
- 8 oz pepperoncini pepper slices plus a splash of juice (plus extra peppers for serving)
- 8 oz Chicago-Style Giardiniera, drained (plus extra for serving)
- 14.5 oz can beef broth
For Serving
- Provolone cheese slices
- Buns (regular or gluten free)
Instructions
- Cook beef: Place the chuck roast pieces at the bottom of a 6-quart crock pot. Sprinkle the Italian salad dressing mix evenly over the beef. Add in the pepperoncini pepper slices with a splash of their juice, drained giardiniera, and pour the beef broth over everything. Lift the beef pieces slightly to allow the broth to get underneath them for even cooking.
- Slow cook: Cover with the crock pot lid and cook on low heat for 9 hours, or until the meat is tender enough to shred easily with a fork.
- Shred and simmer: Using two forks, shred the beef directly inside the crock pot. Stir the shredded meat into the cooking juices, cover again, and cook on low for an additional 1 hour to soak up more flavor.
- Assemble sandwiches: Split the buns in half. If using gluten free buns, toast or broil them first for better texture. Pile the shredded beef mixture generously on the buns. Top with provolone cheese slices and add extra pepperoncini peppers and giardiniera if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- Using a good quality Italian salad dressing mix is key to achieving authentic flavor.
- Extra pepperoncini and giardiniera add tang and texture to these sandwiches and can be adjusted to taste.
- Gluten free buns should be toasted or broiled to prevent becoming soggy from the moist beef.
- Make sure to shred the beef well to mix it thoroughly with the juices for maximum flavor.
- This recipe is perfect for preparing ahead and letting the flavors meld overnight in the crock pot.
