Description
Italian Beef Sandwiches are a classic Chicago comfort food made with tender, slow-cooked shredded beef soaked in au jus and served on crusty rolls, often topped with melted cheese and spicy giardiniera.
Ingredients
- 3–4 lb beef chuck roast
- 1 packet dry Italian salad dressing mix
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup pepperoncini peppers with juice
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 8 hoagie rolls or French bread
- 8 slices provolone or mozzarella cheese (optional)
- Giardiniera or sautéed bell peppers (optional)
Instructions
- Place the beef chuck roast in a slow cooker.
- In a bowl, mix Italian salad dressing mix, water, pepperoncini and juice, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the mixture over the beef and cook on low for 8–10 hours until the beef is tender.
- Shred the beef with two forks and return it to the juices in the slow cooker.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice hoagie rolls and fill with beef. Top with cheese if using.
- Bake for 5–10 minutes until bread is toasted and cheese is melted.
- Top with giardiniera or sautéed peppers if desired, and serve with a side of the cooking juices for dipping.
Notes
- Use mild or spicy giardiniera to control heat level.
- To make ahead, store beef in cooking juices and reheat when ready.
- To reduce sogginess, toast rolls before filling or serve au jus on the side.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8–10 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
