Slow Cooker Italian Beef Sandwiches
Slow Cooker Italian Beef Sandwiches feature tender, juicy beef infused with Italian herbs and spices, slow-cooked to perfection and served on warm, sturdy rolls with optional melted provolone cheese. This effortless recipe delivers rich flavors and melt-in-your-mouth texture, perfect for weeknight dinners, gatherings, or game days.
- Author: Nina
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 to 10 hours (low) or 4 to 6 hours (high)
- Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes to 10 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 8 sandwiches 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Not Gluten Free (contains bread; can be adapted)
Beef and Seasonings
- 3–4 lb chuck roast or sirloin tip
- 2 tbsp Italian seasoning (blend of basil, oregano, thyme)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Liquids and Vegetables
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 large onion, sliced
Serving
- French rolls or hoagie buns (6-8 rolls)
- Provolone cheese slices (optional, 6-8 slices)
- Prepare the Beef: Trim any excess fat from the chuck roast and pat it dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick better to the meat.
- Season Thoroughly: Rub the beef generously with Italian seasoning, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Coat all sides evenly to create a flavorful crust.
- Sear the Roast (Optional but Recommended): Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the seasoned beef on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side, to lock in flavor and add richness.
- Add to Slow Cooker: Place the seared roast into your slow cooker. Pour in the beef broth and scatter the sliced green bell pepper and onions around the roast. Add any remaining seasoning juices from the skillet.
- Slow Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours or on high for 4 to 6 hours. The beef is done when it’s tender and shreds easily with a fork.
- Shred and Simmer: Remove the beef from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker juices to soak up more flavor before serving.
- Prepare Sandwiches: Pile the shredded beef onto French rolls or hoagie buns. Add provolone cheese slices on top if desired, then place under a broiler briefly to melt the cheese. Serve sandwiches with plenty of the flavorful cooking jus for dipping.
Notes
- Choose chuck roast for ideal marbling and tenderness after slow cooking.
- Searing the beef is optional but adds deeper flavor and richer color.
- Use fresh garlic cloves for a vibrant and authentic flavor.
- Keep and serve the cooking juices as a dipping sauce to enhance juiciness.
- Let the shredded beef soak in the juices off heat to absorb more flavor before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 550 (with bun and cheese)
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: slow cooker beef sandwich, Italian beef sandwich, chuck roast sandwich, slow cooked beef, easy beef sandwich recipe, comfort food, game day recipe