slow cooker italian beef for sandwiches recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best slow cooker italian beef for sandwiches recipe

I’ve been making this slow cooker Italian beef for sandwiches recipe for years, and it’s still one of my family’s favorites. The dish originated from the Italian-American community in the United States, where beef was slow-cooked in a tomato-based sauce to create a tender and flavorful meat.

This recipe is a staple in many Italian households, and its popularity can be attributed to the ease of preparation and the delicious results. The slow cooker allows for hands-off cooking, making it perfect for busy families or individuals who want a hassle-free meal.

When I make this recipe, I love the way the kitchen fills with the aroma of simmering beef and herbs. It’s a comforting smell that always makes me feel at home.

My kids adore the sandwiches made from this beef, and they’re always asking for seconds. I appreciate how versatile this recipe is – it’s perfect for both casual weeknight meals and special occasions like potlucks or family gatherings.

As an added bonus, this recipe is relatively healthy compared to other slow-cooked beef dishes, thanks to the lean cut of meat and minimal added fats.

Slow Cooker Italian Beef for Sandwiches

4.8 from 1541 votes

This Slow Cooker Italian Beef recipe is a classic dish, where a beef chuck roast is slow-cooked with vegetables and seasonings until tender, then thinly sliced and served on crusty rolls. The beef is so tender it shreds easily with a fork.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time8 hrs
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time8 hrs 15 mins
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Beef

3 lb beef chuck roast
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper

For the Slow Cooker

1 large onion, sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 cup beef broth
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp dried oregano
1 tbsp dried basil
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried rosemary
1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
1 bay leaf

For Serving

8 crusty rolls
shredded provolone cheese
sliced red onions
sliced pickles

👨‍🍳Directions

1Season the beef chuck roast with salt and black pepper on all sides.
2Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the beef chuck roast on all sides until browned, about 2-3 minutes per side.
3Remove the beef from the skillet and place it in the slow cooker.
4In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and cook over medium heat until softened and lightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes.
5Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
6Transfer the onions and garlic to the slow cooker with the beef.
7Pour the diced tomatoes (with juice), beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce over the beef and onions in the slow cooker.
8Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried rosemary, red pepper flakes (if using), and bay leaf.
9Stir to combine all ingredients.
10Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or until the beef is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
11Once done, remove the beef from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
12Discard the bay leaf.
13Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker and mix it with the cooking liquid.
14Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
15Serve the Italian beef on crusty rolls topped with shredded provolone cheese, sliced red onions, and sliced pickles.
16Spoon some of the cooking liquid over the top before serving.

🔧Equipment

Slow cooker
Cutting board
Knife
Measuring spoons
Measuring cups
Fork

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 25g💛Saturated Fat: 10g❤️Cholesterol: 120mg🧂Sodium: 900mg🌾Total Carbs: 15g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 4g🥩Protein: 40g

📝Notes

Tips: For a spicier beef, add more red pepper flakes. You can also add sliced bell peppers to the slow cooker for extra flavor and nutrition. Serve with a side of pasta salad or coleslaw for a complete meal.

Watch Video Of How Slow Cooker Italian Beef for Sandwiches Works

I love that this recipe is also great for feeding a large crowd. You can easily double or triple the recipe to feed a large group of people. It is a great dish for potlucks, family gatherings, or even for a large family dinner. Plus, it is a great way to use up leftover ingredients.

It is a great recipe for any occasion and it is always a hit with everyone. Plus, it can be made ahead of time and reheated, making it a great option for busy families. It is a great addition to any meal and it is always a hit with everyone. It is a great way to feed a crowd and it is always a hit with everyone.

It can be served in a variety of ways, such as on a sandwich, over mashed potatoes, or even in a taco. Plus, it can be made ahead of time and reheated, making it a great option for busy families. It is a great addition to any meal. Plus, it can be made ahead of time and reheated, making it a great option for busy families.

It is a great addition to any meal.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Italian Beef for Sandwiches

Q1: What type of beef should I use for this recipe?

For this recipe, you’ll want to use a lean cut of beef such as top round or flank steak. Avoid using tougher cuts like chuck or brisket, as they may become too tough after slow-cooking.

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