Savory Italian Beef Sandwiches Recipe: A Homemade Classic

Weeknight dinners demand something extraordinary, and these hearty chicago-style Italian beef sandwiches strike the perfect balance between comfort and flavor.

Tender, slow-cooked beef becomes the star of this classic Midwestern dish.

Juicy meat slices nestle between soft, crusty rolls, promising a mouthwatering experience with every bite.

The combination of savory beef, zesty peppers, and rich au jus creates a symphony of taste that satisfies deep hunger.

Packed with robust seasonings and simple ingredients, this sandwich elevates a basic meal into something memorable.

Each serving brings a touch of Chicago street food magic right to your kitchen.

You’ll want to savor every delicious moment of this incredible sandwich.

Italian Beef Sandwiches: Savory Standouts

• Conquer Meal Prep: Slow cooker magic transforms tough meat into tender, flavorful perfection with minimal hands-on effort, making dinner a breeze.
• Customize Your Feast: Easily adapt the sandwich with different cheeses, add extra peppers, or adjust spice levels to suit every family member's taste buds.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: This hearty sandwich delivers restaurant-quality flavor right in your kitchen, perfect for game days, family gatherings, or casual weekend meals.
• Maximize Leftovers: The shredded beef keeps well in the refrigerator, allowing you to enjoy delicious sandwiches for multiple meals without additional cooking.

Ingredient List for Italian Beef Sandwiches

• Beef Round Roast: A tender cut perfect for slow cooking and shredding for a juicy sandwich filling.

• Au Jus Seasoning Packet, Italian Seasoning Packet: Provide rich flavor and classic Italian herb notes to enhance the meat's taste.

• Bell Peppers: Add sweetness and color to the beef mixture, creating a vibrant and flavorful filling.
• Pepperoncini: Offer a tangy and slightly spicy accent to brighten the sandwich.

• Sub Rolls: Serve as the base for holding the delicious beef and vegetable mixture.
• Cheese: Adds a creamy and melty layer to complement the savory beef.

• Broth: Creates a flavorful cooking environment for the meat and helps keep the beef moist during slow cooking.

Steps to Make Italian Beef Sandwiches

Step 1: Craft Flavor Base

In your slow cooker, whisk together broth and au jus seasoning.

Gently place the round roast into the liquid and scatter sliced bell peppers around the meat.

Generously sprinkle the entire mixture with Italian seasoning for a robust flavor profile.

Step 2: Slow Simmer

Cover the slow cooker and allow the meat to cook on high for 4 to 5 hours or on low for 8 to 10 hours until the beef becomes incredibly tender and easily falls apart.

Step 3: Transform Meat

Carefully transfer the roast to a cutting board.

Using two forks, pull and tear the meat into succulent, bite-sized pieces.

Return the shredded beef back to the aromatic cooking liquid.

Step 4: Build Mouthwatering Sandwiches

• Cheese slice on bottom
• Tender shredded beef
• Sautéed bell peppers
• Tangy pepperoncini

Optional: Drizzle additional cooking liquid over the sandwich or serve broth on the side for dipping.

Enjoy your hearty Italian beef creation!

Tips for Juicy, Flavorful Beef Sandwiches

• Choose a well-marbled round roast for maximum tenderness and rich flavor that will melt in your mouth during slow cooking.
• Slice bell peppers thinly to ensure they cook evenly and distribute their sweet, smoky flavor throughout the beef.
• Use both au jus and Italian seasoning packets to create layers of robust, authentic Italian-inspired taste in your sandwich.
• Serve extra cooking liquid on the side for authentic French dip-style sandwiches that let guests control their moisture level.
• Use provolone or mozzarella for authentic Italian-style melting that complements the tender, juicy beef perfectly.

Italian Beef Variations for Sandwich Fans

• Vegetarian Beef Alternative: Replace beef with jackfruit or seitan, using vegetable broth and matching seasonings for a plant-based version.
• Spicy Mexican Remix: Swap Italian seasoning with taco or chili powder, add jalapeños instead of bell peppers for a zesty southwestern flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free rolls or lettuce wraps, ensure all seasoning packets are certified gluten-free, and choose corn-based rolls for sandwich base.
• Low-Carb Keto Version: Skip bread entirely, serve meat and peppers over cauliflower rice or as a protein-packed salad topping with additional cheese and pepperoncini.

Serving Italian Beef Sandwiches Hot

• Cozy Game Day Delight: Serve these hearty sandwiches during football watch parties with cold beer and crispy chips.
• Picnic Perfect Platter: Create a build-your-own sandwich station with extra toppings like sliced onions, jalapeños, and different cheese varieties for outdoor gatherings.
• Italian Beef Feast Companion: Pair with tangy coleslaw, crisp potato salad, or quick pickle spears to balance the rich, savory meat and add refreshing crunch to your meal.
• Leftover Magic Makeover: Transform remaining beef into quick nachos, stuffed peppers, or a zesty beef salad for an easy next-day lunch option.

Storage for Italian Beef Sandwiches

• Store leftover Italian beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The meat will stay juicy and flavorful when sealed properly.
• Pack cooled beef in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing as much air as possible. Frozen beef maintains excellent quality for 2 to 3 months.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed beef gently in the microwave or slow cooker. Add a splash of broth to prevent drying out and maintain the meat's tenderness.
• Keep the cooking liquid and meat in different containers to maintain the best texture. Strain and store broth separately, which can be used later for dipping or adding moisture when reheating.

FAQs

• Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

Yes, chuck roast or bottom round roast work great as alternatives to round roast. They’ll provide similar tenderness and flavor when slow-cooked.

• Is the Italian seasoning packet necessary?

While the packet adds traditional flavor, you can make your own blend using dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary if you prefer homemade seasoning.

• How spicy are the pepperoncini?

Pepperoncini are mild with a tangy, slightly sweet heat. They add zesty flavor without overwhelming spiciness, making them perfect for most taste preferences.

• Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?

Absolutely! Use the pressure cook function on high for about 45-50 minutes, then quick release the pressure and shred the beef as you would in a slow cooker.

Italian Beef Sandwiches Recipe

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4.9 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Succulent Italian Beef Sandwiches transport carnivores to Chicago’s culinary heart, delivering robust flavors between pillowy rolls. Slow-cooked tender beef, drenched in spicy pepperoncini juice, creates a messy, mouth-watering experience you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2.5 pounds (1.13 kilograms) top round roast
• 8 hoagie rolls
• 3 bell peppers, cut into strips
• 8 slices provolone cheese
• 16 sliced pepperoncini

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 2 cups (473 milliliters) low sodium beef broth
• 1 packet au jus gravy mix
• 1 (0.7-ounce / 19.8-gram) packet Italian salad dressing mix

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Instructions

1. Pour beef broth and au jus seasoning into the slow cooker, creating a flavorful base liquid.
2. Place round roast and sliced bell peppers into the seasoned broth, then generously sprinkle with Italian seasoning.
3. Set slow cooker to high for 4-5 hours or low for 8-10 hours, allowing meat to become tender and infused with rich flavors.
4. Once cooking is complete, carefully transfer roast to a cutting board and use two forks to shred the meat into delicate, succulent strands.
5. Return shredded meat back to the slow cooker, ensuring it remains moist and warm in the seasoned broth.
6. Select sturdy sub rolls and layer a slice of cheese on the bottom half as a protective barrier against moisture.
7. Generously pile the shredded meat and bell peppers onto the cheese-lined roll, creating a hearty sandwich foundation.
8. Garnish the top with tangy pepperoncini for an extra zesty kick.
9. Optional: Lightly dampen the top half of the roll with cooking liquid for added moisture, or serve the broth separately as a dipping sauce.

Notes

• Choose chuck roast or bottom round for more tender, flavorful meat that shreds easily and absorbs seasoning better.
• Trim excess fat before cooking to reduce greasiness while maintaining juicy texture.
• Swap traditional rolls with gluten-free options for celiac or wheat-sensitive diners.
• quickly broil assembled sandwiches for melted cheese and crispy roll edges.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours (on High) or 8 hours (on Low)
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 460
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg