Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Crockpot Italian Beef Sandwiches are perfect for busy nights when you crave a delicious, comforting meal with minimal effort. Simply throw your ingredients into the crockpot in the morning, and by dinner time, you’ll have a savory, tender beef filling for your sandwich. The combination of bell peppers, provolone, and pepperoncini makes every bite flavorful, and the broth adds a deliciously juicy touch.
Ingredients
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 packet au jus gravy mix
- 2.5 lbs top round roast
- 3 bell peppers, cut into strips
- 1.7 oz pack Italian salad dressing mix
- 8 hoagie rolls
- 8 slices provolone cheese
- 16 jar-sliced pepperoncini
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Mix the beef broth and au jus seasoning in your crockpot. Add the round roast and sliced bell peppers, then sprinkle the Italian seasoning on top.
- Cover and cook on high for 4 to 5 hours or low for 8 to 10 hours.
- Once cooked, remove the roast from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded meat to the crockpot and mix it with the juices.
- Assemble the sandwiches by placing a slice of provolone on the bottom of each hoagie roll. Top with the shredded beef, bell peppers, and a few slices of pepperoncini. Optionally, drizzle some of the cooking broth over the sandwich or serve the broth on the side for dipping.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8 sandwiches
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 4 to 5 hours on high or 8 to 10 hours on low
Variations
- Giardiniera: If you prefer, swap the bell peppers for 8 oz of giardiniera for a more traditional flavor.
- Cheese: While provolone is the ideal cheese for this sandwich, you can also try mozzarella or Swiss if preferred.
- Meat: While top round roast is recommended for less fat, you can use chuck roast if you don’t mind a richer, fattier broth.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover beef and broth in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the beef and broth in a pot on the stove or use a microwave. For the sandwich, reassemble and heat in the oven to melt the cheese or simply microwave the filling.
FAQs
What is the best cut of meat for Italian beef sandwiches?
The top round roast is ideal due to its leaner profile, but chuck roast works as well. Just be sure to trim excess fat from the chuck roast if you choose it.
Can I use frozen beef?
Yes, you can use frozen beef, but make sure to extend the cooking time by an hour or so to ensure it’s fully cooked and tender.
Can I make Italian Beef Sandwiches in the oven instead of the crockpot?
While this recipe is designed for a crockpot, you can roast the beef in the oven at a low temperature (around 300°F) for 3-4 hours, basting it occasionally with the broth mixture.
How do I make my sandwich extra juicy?
For a juicier sandwich, spoon some of the cooking broth onto the top bun before assembling, or serve the broth on the side for dipping.
Is this recipe spicy?
The pepperoncini adds a tangy kick, but it’s not too spicy. You can adjust the amount of pepperoncini or even use milder peppers if preferred.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Provolone works best due to its mild and melty texture, but mozzarella or Swiss can also work if you prefer.
How do I make the sandwich crustier?
Toast the hoagie rolls lightly before adding the filling to give them some extra crunch and structural support.
Can I use a different roast cut for this recipe?
Yes, other cuts like brisket or flank steak can be used, but top round and chuck roast are the most commonly recommended.
Can I freeze leftover sandwiches?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked beef filling and the broth for up to 2-3 months. Reheat the beef in the broth and assemble fresh sandwiches.
How do I avoid soggy sandwiches?
To prevent sogginess, assemble the sandwich with the cheese on the bottom, which helps shield the bread from the broth.
Conclusion
These Crockpot Italian Beef Sandwiches are a delicious and easy meal to make when you want a comforting, flavorful sandwich with minimal preparation. Whether you’re serving a crowd or enjoying a quiet dinner at home, this recipe will surely be a hit! With its tender beef, melted cheese, and zesty toppings, it’s the perfect sandwich to satisfy your cravings.
Crockpot Italian Beef Sandwiches Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 to 5 hours on high or 8 to 10 hours on low
- Total Time: 4 to 5 hours (high) or 8 to 10 hours (low)
- Yield: 8 sandwiches
- Category: Sandwiches
- Method: Crockpot
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
These Crockpot Italian Beef Sandwiches are the ultimate comfort food, combining tender beef, flavorful bell peppers, tangy pepperoncini, and gooey provolone. Perfect for a busy night or a crowd-pleasing meal, this easy slow-cooked recipe delivers a savory, juicy sandwich every time.
Ingredients
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 packet au jus gravy mix
- 2.5 lbs top round roast
- 3 bell peppers, cut into strips
- 1.7 oz pack Italian salad dressing mix
- 8 hoagie rolls
- 8 slices provolone cheese
- 16 jar-sliced pepperoncini
Instructions
- In your crockpot, combine the beef broth and au jus seasoning mix. Add the top round roast and sliced bell peppers. Sprinkle the Italian seasoning on top.
- Cover and cook on high for 4 to 5 hours or low for 8 to 10 hours.
- Once cooked, remove the roast from the crockpot and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded beef to the crockpot and stir it into the juices.
- Assemble each sandwich by placing a slice of provolone cheese at the bottom of each hoagie roll. Top with shredded beef, bell peppers, and a few slices of pepperoncini. Optionally, drizzle some of the cooking broth over the sandwich or serve it on the side for dipping.
Notes
- For a more traditional flavor, swap bell peppers for 8 oz of giardiniera.
- If desired, substitute provolone with mozzarella or Swiss cheese.
- You can also use chuck roast for a richer broth, but trim excess fat if you choose this cut.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
