Slow Cooker Italian Beef

Craving a delicious, home-cooked meal but short on time and energy? Look no further than Slow Cooker Italian Beef! This recipe is the ultimate answer to busy weeknights. Dump everything in your slow cooker, and hours later, you’ll have tender, flavorful beef ready to be served on sandwiches, over pasta, or even on its own. It’s quick, it’s healthy(ish!), and the flavor is absolutely incredible. Trust me, as a mom always juggling a million things, this recipe has saved dinner more times than I can count.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

My family lived in Chicago for a few years, and Italian beef became a staple. We explored every corner of the city searching for the perfect sandwich, and now I bring that taste of Chicago into my own kitchen. This Slow Cooker Italian Beef recipe isn’t just a meal; it’s a taste of those happy memories, made easy and accessible for any home cook. It just may turn into a family favorite!

Ingredients

For the Beef:

• 3-4 lb chuck roast
• 1 packet (1 oz) Italian dressing mix
• 1 packet (1 oz) au jus gravy mix
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1/2 cup jarred peperoncini peppers, with juice

For Serving:

• Hoagie rolls
• Giardiniera (hot or mild), optional

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making the Recipe

1. Place chuck roast in your slow cooker.
2. In a bowl, mix together Italian dressing mix, au jus gravy mix, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
3. Sprinkle the dry mix evenly over the chuck roast.
4. Pour beef broth and peperoncini peppers (with juice) over the roast.
5. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-6 hours.
6. Once cooked, shred the beef with two forks directly in the slow cooker.
7. Serve hot on hoagie rolls, topped with giardiniera (optional).

Slow Cooker Italian Beef

Craving a delicious, home-cooked meal but short on time and energy? Look no further than Slow Cooker Italian Beef! This recipe is the ultimate answer to busy weeknights. Dump everything in your slow cooker for tender, flavorful beef.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 8 hours hrs

Total Time 8 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 3-4 lb chuck roast
• 1 packet Italian dressing mix (1 oz)
• 1 packet au jus gravy mix (1 oz)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1/2 cup jarred peperoncini peppers with juice

For Serving

• Hoagie rolls
• Giardiniera (hot or mild), optional

Equipment

• Slow Cooker
• Bowl
• Large Skillet
• Forks

Method

 

1. Place chuck roast in your slow cooker.
2. In a bowl, mix together Italian dressing mix, au jus gravy mix, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
3. Sprinkle the dry mix evenly over the chuck roast.
4. Pour beef broth and peperoncini peppers (with juice) over the roast.
5. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-6 hours.
6. Once cooked, shred the beef with two forks directly in the slow cooker.
7. Serve hot on hoagie rolls, topped with giardiniera (optional).

Notes

For the most flavorful Slow Cooker Italian Beef, consider searing the roast before adding it to the slow cooker. Simply heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the roast on all sides until browned. This step locks in the juices and intensifies the beefy taste. Also, use a chuck roast with good marbling. The fat will render during the long cooking process, resulting in incredibly tender and juicy beef. If you don’t have peperoncini peppers on hand, banana peppers can be substituted, although the flavor will be slightly different. And lastly, don’t discard the cooking liquid; this is liquid gold! Use it to dip your sandwiches or drizzle over the beef for extra flavor.

Expert Tips for Best Results

For the most flavorful Slow Cooker Italian Beef, don’t skip the searing process! While not required, searing the roast before adding it to the slow cooker creates a beautiful crust and adds depth of flavor. Simply heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the roast on all sides until browned. This step locks in the juices and intensifies the beefy taste. Also, use a chuck roast with good marbling. The fat will render during the long cooking process, resulting in incredibly tender and juicy beef. If you don’t have peperoncini peppers on hand, banana peppers can be substituted, although the flavor will be slightly different. And lastly, don’t discard the cooking liquid; this is liquid gold! Use it to dip your sandwiches or drizzle over the beef for extra flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Slow Cooker Italian Beef is incredibly versatile! While classic Italian beef sandwiches are always a hit, don’t be afraid to get creative. Serve the shredded beef over creamy polenta or mashed potatoes for a comforting and satisfying meal. Use it as a topping for baked potatoes or in tacos for a fun twist. For a lighter option, serve the beef in lettuce wraps with fresh vegetables and a drizzle of the cooking liquid. You can also add provolone or mozzarella cheese to your sandwiches for an extra layer of richness. Serve with a side of coleslaw or a simple green salad for a complete and balanced meal. And consider offering both hot and mild giardiniera to cater to different spice preferences. The possibilities are endless!

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Italian Beef is more than just a recipe; it’s a gateway to effortless deliciousness. It’s the answer to busy weeknights, the star of casual gatherings, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Its versatility extends beyond the traditional sandwich, offering endless opportunities to create memorable meals. From the rich aroma that fills your kitchen as it cooks to the satisfied smiles around the table, this dish delivers on flavor and convenience. So, embrace the ease of the Slow Cooker Italian Beef, and let it become a staple in your own kitchen, a testament to the fact that incredible food doesn’t always require hours of slaving over a stove. It’s a flavor journey waiting to happen, one slow-cooked bite at a time.