Italian Beef
Ingredients
- 3 to 4 pound chuck roast or round roast
trimmed of large chunks of excess fat
- Kosher salt
- 14.5 ounce can beef broth
divided
- 8 ounces pepperoncini pepper slices
plus 1/4 cup of juice and additional peppers for serving
- 8 ounces giardiniera
mild or spicy
- Provolone cheese slices
for serving
- Hoagie buns
for serving
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon thyme dried
ground
Directions
- 1
Let the meat rest at room temperature for 15 minutes (this is a good time to measure your other spices and seasonings). Season the beef all over with kosher salt.
- 2
Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high. Once it is hot, sear the meat on all sides until golden brown, moving it as little as possible so that it develops a nice crust (this will take about 10 minutes). Transfer to the slow cooker.
- 3
Turn the heat to medium. Carefully splash in some of the broth and with a wooden spoon, scrape up the brown bits on the bottom of the pan (this is FLAVOR). Pour the liquid and any bits into the slow cooker on top of the beef.
- 4
In a small bowl, stir together the seasoning ingredients: Italian seasoning, granulated sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and thyme. Sprinkle on top of the beef.
- 5
Add the pepperoncini peppers and juice. Add the giardiniera (do not add any giardiniera juice).
- 6
Pour in the remaining broth.
- 7
Cover the crockpot and cook on LOW for 8 to 10 hours, or until meat shreds easily with a fork. Shred the beef, then stir it together with the juices. Cover and cook on low for 30 additional minutes.
- 8
To serve, split the hoagie buns and toast on a baking sheet in the oven at 350 degrees for 5 to 7 minutes (if desired). Fill with the shredded Italian beef (get plenty of that yummy, messy juice!) and top with provolone, pepperoncini, and Giardiniera as desired. Enjoy!
Italian Beef
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About this Recipe
Craving that incredibly juicy, savory Italian Beef sandwich experience right at home? This recipe brings the authentic flavors of tender, slow-cooked beef directly to your kitchen, making it perfect for feeding a hungry crowd or simply enjoying a satisfying meal.
Why This Italian Beef Works
The magic of this Italian Beef lies in its simplicity and the power of low-and-slow cooking. By combining a hearty chuck or round roast with aromatic Italian seasoning, a touch of sugar, garlic, onion, and the bright tang of pepperoncini and giardiniera, you unlock deep, complex flavors. This method ensures the beef becomes fall-apart tender, absorbing every delicious note from the broth and seasonings.
What to Expect
Prepare your taste buds for an explosion of savory, tangy, and subtly spicy flavors. The beef, cooked to absolute perfection, will be incredibly tender and juicy, practically melting in your mouth. Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of rich beefiness, the zesty kick from the pepperoncini and giardiniera, and the warmth of Italian herbs. When piled high on a hoagie bun with melted provolone, it's a comforting, hearty sandwich that’s packed with character and robust taste.
Customization & Variations
This Italian Beef recipe is wonderfully adaptable. You can easily adjust the spice level by choosing mild or spicy giardiniera, or by adding more or fewer pepperoncini slices. While provolone is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with other melting cheeses like mozzarella or a blend. For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the individual sandwiches.
Serving & Context
This Italian Beef is a true crowd-pleaser, making it an ideal choice for game days, family gatherings, or casual get-togethers. Serve it piping hot on sturdy hoagie buns, topped generously with additional pepperoncini and extra giardiniera for a truly authentic experience. A simple side salad or some potato chips are all you need to complete this satisfying meal.