Crock Pot Italian Beef Sandwiches

Cooked low and slow, this well-known Crock Pot Italian Beef made into sandwiches is the perfect dinnertime meal. You will not be able to resist them.

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Growing up in Chicago and going there a couple of times a year I’m obsessed with Italian Beef Sandwiches. I’ve come to make my own version with this Crock Pot Italian Beef.

Everyone knows Chicago for its deep-dish pizza but only a true Chicagoin knows a juicy Italian Beef is where it’s at. (Though anything Chicago style is amazing, haha!)

We love to dip our hoagie roll in the juice from cooking the beef then pile it high with the shaved beef. Most of the time it is served with sweet peppers (roasted green bell peppers) and spicy giardiniera. 

This is a home-cooked version with shredded beef and topped with sliced mozzarella because who doesn’t love cheese?! 

I personally always like to have more of the “juice” on the side to dip each bite. It’s messy, hearty, pure comfort food. And trust me this is comfort right here!

These Slow Cooker Italian Beef Sandwiches are super easy to whip up, I promise. Once you try this main dish you wont want to stop eating them. That slow cooker beef is seriously addictive. 

That is what made me come to love them so much. I mean being formerly from Chicago helped but when you can make a good sandwich at home, nothing compares. You have to try my Crock Pot Italian Beef version.

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1. With easy-to-find ingredients mainly containing spices, this is a breeze to make.
2. Cooking the slow and slow makes the beef super tender and easy to shred.
3. You can use any leftover meat for other things, topped on potatoes or rice, etc.

• Beef broth
• Salt
• Ground pepper
• Italian seasoning
• Dried onion
• Dried parsley
• Garlic powder
• Bay leaf
• Dry Italian dressing mix (package of dried salad dressing mix, such as Good Seasons)
• Chuck roast
• Giardiniera
• Pepperoncinis (more or less to taste)
• Pepperoncini juice

1. Combine beef broth, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, dried onion, parsley, garlic powder, Bay leaf, and Italian salad dressing mix.
2. Put the roast in the slow cooker.
3. Pour mixture over top of the roast.
4. Add giardiniera, pepperoncini’s, and liquid over roast
5. Cover and cook on low for approximately 10 hours or until pull=apart tender.
6. When done take out the Bay leaf.
7. Shred beef with two forks
8. Serve on a hoagie roll topped with sliced mozzarella cheese and extra peppers and giardiniera if desired.

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WHAT IS GIARDINIERA?

Chicago-style giardiniera is a mixture of chopped vegetables, most commonly, cauliflower, carrots, bell peppers, celery, and Chile peppers that is then marinated in vinegar or oil. 

This is something I absolutely love to add to my Italian Beef Sandwiches, but is completely option if you would like to add them. 

You can easily locate it at your local supermarket a lot of the times or deli if you have one near you!

IS THIS LIKE THE ORIGINAL ITALIAN BEEF SANDWICHES IN CHICAGO?

No, the original Italian Beef sandwiches in Chicago are not made with shredded meat or prepared in a slow cooker.

Those sandwiches feature thinly sliced beef, often soaked in its own juices and served on an Italian roll, quite distinct from the slow cooker method which results in a different texture and flavor profile.

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ANY ADDITIONS?

Looking to add more flavor or texture to your Italian beef sandwich recipe? Try these simple ingredients to customize this family favorite and make it even better:

• Red peppers or green peppers – Toss in thin slices for a little sweetness and crunch.
• Pinch of red pepper flakes – Adds a nice kick for spice lovers.
• Worcestershire sauce – A splash adds depth and extra umami to the cups of beef broth.
• Sautéed onions – Sweet, tender onions bring out the best in the tender beef.
• Garlic cloves – For bold flavor, place a few smashed cloves in with the beef roast.
• Melted provolone cheese – Swap out or layer with mozzarella for gooey goodness.
• Mashed potatoes – Serve on the side or make a delicious open-faced sandwich.
• Fresh Italian rolls or hoagie buns – Toast them for extra crunch and structure.
• Au jus – Serve a small bowl on the side for dipping with a slotted spoon — just like a Chicago classic.
• Leftover Italian beef – Use the next day in tacos, nachos, or wraps for delicious meals with great flavor.

ANY SUBSTITUTIONS?

Need to make a few changes? Here are some smart swaps that still deliver fork tender and juicy results, even if it’s your first time making this crock pot recipe:

• Beef chuck roast – You can also use rump roast or another well-marbled cut of beef with lots of connective tissue.
• Dry Italian dressing mix – No packet? Make your own with onion powder, Italian herbs, salt, and black pepper.
• Giardiniera – Try using green olives, pickled red peppers, or a mixture of pepperoncini peppers if giardiniera isn’t available at your grocery store.
• Pepperoncini juice – Don’t have it? Use vinegar or pickle juice for a similar tangy bite.
• Mozzarella cheese – Swap with melted provolone cheese, cheddar, or even Swiss depending on what you love.
• Slow cooker – In a hurry? Use your Instant Pot on low heat or the slow cooking setting, but don’t pressure cook — the cook time needs to stay low and slow for the best pieces of beef.
• Hoagie rolls – Sub with Italian rolls, hamburger buns, or even lettuce wraps for a low-carb version.

REFRIGERATOR: If you have leftover beef from your crock pot italian beef sandwiches you can easily store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container such as a ziptop bag or Tupperware container, I like to store with some of the juices.

This will stay good properly stored in your refrigerator for up to 5 days.

FREEZER: This can also be frozen. The best way is to store with some juices in a freezer bag with the air pushed out. This should keep for up to 5 months.

Let defrost in the refrigerator and heat up in a pan on the stove or in your microwave, either will work just fine.

I mean just look at these sandwiches, are they calling your name? Because they are certainly calling mine. Now I miss the originals I had from Chicago, but this is the next best thing.

I love trying to get as authentic to the original as I can and I think this recipe pretty much hits the nail on the head!

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Looking for the perfect sandwich? Look no further.

This Crock Pot Italian Beef is easy, irresistible, and the perfect dinner recipe.

If you’ve tried this CROCK POT ITALIAN BEEF, let me know in the comments how it turned out! You can follow me over on PINTEREST, INSTAGRAM OR FACEBOOK to find some more of our mouthwatering recipes!