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Slow Cooker Italian Beef Sandwiches

Slow Cooker Italian Beef Sandwiches
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Slow Cooker Italian Beef Sandwiches feature tender, juicy beef slowly simmered with savory Italian spices, creating a rich and flavorful meal that is effortless to prepare. Perfect for busy days or casual gatherings, this recipe delivers a satisfying and zesty experience with versatile serving options and minimal hands-on cooking.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 3 to 4 pounds beef roast (chuck roast or bottom round)
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning blend (oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary)
  • 4 cloves garlic, freshly chopped
  • 1 medium onion, freshly chopped
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Hot giardiniera, optional, for serving
  • Italian bread or hoagie rolls (4-6 rolls)

Optional Variations & Toppings

  • Crushed red pepper flakes, optional for extra heat
  • Provolone or mozzarella cheese slices, optional for topping
  • Fresh parsley or basil, chopped, optional for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Beef: Trim any excess fat from your beef roast and pat it dry to ensure better browning later. This helps lock in juices and enhances flavor during slow cooking.
  2. Sear the Roast (Optional): For extra flavor, quickly sear the beef in a hot pan until browned on all sides. This step adds caramelized richness but is not required.
  3. Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker: Place the beef in your slow cooker, then add garlic, onions, Italian seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, and sliced roasted red peppers. Stir gently to combine, ensuring the beef is mostly submerged in the liquid.
  4. Cook Low and Slow: Set your slow cooker to low and cook for 8 to 10 hours, or on high for 4 to 5 hours, until the beef is fork-tender and shreddable.
  5. Shred the Beef: Remove the roast from the slow cooker, shred it with two forks, then return it to the juices to soak up all the delicious flavors before assembling your sandwiches.
  6. Assemble the Sandwiches: Pile the shredded beef onto crusty Italian rolls or hoagie buns, topping with your favorite giardiniera, more roasted red peppers, or melted cheese as desired.

Notes

  • Choose a chuck roast for tender, juicy beef after slow cooking without drying out.
  • Searing the beef before slow cooking builds extra depth of flavor and texture.
  • Taste the cooking liquid before shredding and adjust seasoning with salt or pepper as needed.
  • Use sturdy Italian rolls or hoagie buns to soak up the flavorful juices without falling apart.
  • Spoon some of the cooking juices onto the sandwiches for additional moisture and flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker, Italian beef sandwiches, shredded beef, easy dinner, Italian seasoning, comfort food, slow cooked beef

Find it online: https://juliaglam.com/slow-cooker-italian-beef-sandwiches/