Slow Cooker Italian Beef

Introduction

If you’re a fan of tender, juicy beef packed with Italian flavors, then Slow Cooker Italian Beef is the perfect recipe for you! With minimal prep, this savory beef dish is a crowd-pleaser, whether served on sandwiches, over pasta, or on its own. The combination of Italian seasonings, tangy peppers, and slow-cooked beef creates an incredibly flavorful meal. Best of all, the slow cooker does all the work, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings. Let’s dive into this easy and delicious recipe!

Ingredients

3-4 lbs beef chuck roast
1 packet (1 oz) dry Italian salad dressing mix
1 packet (1 oz) dry ranch dressing mix (optional for extra flavor)
1 cup beef broth or water
1 jar (16 oz) pepperoncini peppers, with liquid
1/2 cup sliced roasted red peppers (optional)
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
6-8 sandwich rolls or hoagie buns
Provolone or mozzarella cheese (optional, for serving)

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

Trim any excess fat from the beef chuck roast.
In a small bowl, mix together the Italian dressing mix, ranch dressing mix (if using), Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.

Step 2: Set Up the Slow Cooker

Place the beef roast in the bottom of your slow cooker.
Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over the beef.
Pour the beef broth or water around the beef (not directly on top, to keep the seasoning intact).
Add the entire jar of pepperoncini peppers, including the liquid. You can slice the peppers or leave them whole based on your preference.
Add the roasted red peppers, if using, for an extra layer of flavor.

Step 3: Cook the Beef

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 8-10 hours or on high heat for 4-5 hours, until the beef is tender and easily shreds with a fork.

Step 4: Shred the Beef

Once the beef is done cooking, remove it from the slow cooker and use two forks to shred the meat.
Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker, allowing it to soak up the flavorful juices for an additional 20-30 minutes on low.

Step 5: Serve the Italian Beef

Serve the shredded Italian beef on sandwich rolls or hoagie buns.
For an extra treat, top the sandwiches with provolone or mozzarella cheese and place under the broiler for a minute to melt the cheese.
Serve with extra pepperoncini on the side or a drizzle of the cooking juices for added flavor.

Tips for Making the Best Slow Cooker Italian Beef

Choose the Right Cut of Beef

Chuck roast works best for this recipe as it becomes tender and flavorful when slow-cooked. It’s also budget-friendly!

Let the Beef Rest

After shredding the beef, let it sit in the slow cooker juices for a little longer. This allows the flavors to meld together, making every bite juicy and delicious.

Customize the Heat

For a spicier kick, add more red pepper flakes or hot pepperoncini. For a milder version, reduce or omit these ingredients.

Serve It Different Ways

While serving this Italian beef as a sandwich is classic, you can also serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta for a hearty dinner.

Variations

Cheesy Italian Beef Sandwiches

Add a layer of your favorite cheese like provolone or mozzarella on top of the beef in the sandwich. Place under a broiler for a couple of minutes to melt the cheese.

Italian Beef with Giardiniera

For an authentic Chicago-style Italian beef, serve the sandwiches with a scoop of spicy giardiniera, a pickled vegetable relish.