Slow Cooker Italian Beef Sandwiches Recipe – Tender, Juicy, and Easy

Slow Cooker Italian Beef Sandwiches are the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. With tender, juicy beef cooked low and slow, these sandwiches are packed with flavor and practically melt in your mouth.

Using your slow cooker makes this recipe incredibly hands-off. Simply season the beef, add a few aromatics and broth, and let the slow cooker do the work while you go about your day. By dinner time, you’ll have perfectly cooked meat that’s ready to shred or slice and pile high on soft rolls.

This recipe isn’t just easy, it’s versatile. You can adjust the seasoning to make it mild or spicy, add your favorite toppings, or even serve the beef over rice or pasta if you’re not in a sandwich mood.

Whether you’re serving a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, these slow cooker Italian beef sandwiches are a delicious, satisfying choice. For more hearty, homemade recipes, explore our Comfort Foods page.

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Quick Summary Steps

• Step 1: Add roast to the crock pot.
• Step 2: Pour the broth onto the roast, and top with seasonings, peppers, and juice.
• Step 3: Put the lid on and slow cook on low for 7-8 hours.
• Step 4: Pull the meat apart and serve on hoagies with cheese.

Ingredients and Supplies for Italian Beef

• 1 (3–4 lb) Chuck Roast – The star of the dish! Chuck roast becomes fall-apart tender after slow cooking, making it the best cut for Italian beef.
• 2 cups Beef Broth – Adds rich depth of flavor and keeps the meat juicy while it cooks. Learn to make your own beef broth here.
• 1 packet Dry Italian Dressing Mix (0.7 oz) – A simple shortcut that infuses the beef with tangy, herby flavor. I’m looking forward to making my own version of this from scratch soon.
• 2 tsp Italian Seasoning – Enhances the flavors of the roast with a balanced mix of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme.
• 1 jar Sliced Pepperoncini with Juice (16 oz) – The secret ingredient that gives authentic Italian beef its zesty kick and tenderizes the roast.
• Hoagie Rolls – The classic way to serve Italian beef; sturdy enough to soak up all those flavorful juices.
• Mozzarella Cheese – Melts beautifully on top of your sandwich for a gooey, creamy finish.
• Slow Cooker – Makes this recipe effortless! Just set it and let the slow cooker do all the work.

Instructions for Crockpot Italian Beef

This slow cooker/crockpot Italian beef is so easy, and it is so good. You’ll want to add it to your regular weekly meals. Grab your slow cooker and let’s go. Put the chuck roast into the slow cooker. Add the beef broth, pepperoncinis, and juice. Sprinkle the seasonings over the roast.

Put the lid on the slow cooker and set it to high for 4-5 hours or low for 8 hours.

When the roast is done, it will begin to fall apart easily. Move the roast to a plate to pull or cut it apart. Discard the fatty parts, and add the beef back to the juice.

Serve dry or with the juices on a hoagie roll or Italian bread. Top with shredded cheese and/or giardinares.

Tips for the Best Italian Beef Sandwiches

Choosing the right cut of beef

For tender, flavorful Italian beef, a well-marbled chuck roast is your best choice. It slowly breaks down in the slow cooker, soaking up all the broth and seasonings to become melt-in-your-mouth tender. Avoid lean cuts, which can dry out during long cooking times.

How to adjust seasoning and spice:

If you like a little heat, use the full jar of pepperoncini with juice, or add extra sliced peppers for a spicier kick. For a milder version, drain off some of the juice or use fewer peppers. You can also taste and adjust salt, garlic, or herbs during cooking for a perfectly balanced flavor.

Optional toppings and bread choices

Pile your shredded beef high on toasted hoagie rolls, then top with melted mozzarella, provolone, or even a handful of sautéed bell peppers and onions. For extra texture, dip your sandwich briefly in the cooking juices or serve it “wet,” Chicago-style!

Explore More Comfort Food Recipes

If you love this hearty Italian Beef Sandwich, you’ll enjoy more comfort food recipes on the blog! Try our cozy favorites.

• Chicken Pot Pie – Classic comfort food with creamy chicken and veggies under a flaky crust.
• Minestrone Soup – A hearty mix of pasta, beans, and vegetables in a rich tomato broth.
• Traditional U.P. Pasty – Savory beef, potatoes, and rutabaga baked in a golden hand pie.
• Baked Penne Pasta – Cheesy, saucy pasta baked to bubbly perfection.

FAQs for Making Slow Cooker Italian Beef Sandwiches

Add this to this Week’s Menu

We hope you’ll try this delicious recipe and comment below once you do. Head over to the Comfort Foods and Classic Recipes page to find more easy, home-cooked meals that fill your kitchen with warmth and your table with smiles.