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Italian Beef Sandwiches

This Italian Beef Sandwich recipe delivers a savory and juicy sandwich that’s packed with flavor. The beef is slow-cooked until tender and then served on a crusty roll with a generous portion of the cooking juices. Perfect for a hearty meal, this sandwich is a Chicago classic that’s sure to satisfy.

Appliances and Special Utensils

Ingredients

  • 3-4 lb beef chuck roast
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large onion, sliced
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 tbsp dried oregano
  • 1 tbsp dried basil
  • 1 tbsp dried thyme
  • 1 tbsp dried rosemary
  • 1 tbsp onion powder
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
  • 1 jar (16 oz) pepperoncini peppers, with juice
  • 6-8 crusty Italian rolls
  • Provolone cheese slices (optional)
  • Giardiniera (optional for serving)

Instructions

  1. Sear Beef: Heat the olive oil in a sauté pan over medium-high heat. Sear the beef chuck roast on all sides until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer the beef to the slow cooker.

  2. Cook Aromatics: In the same pan, add the sliced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Transfer the onions and garlic to the slow cooker.

  3. Prepare Broth: In a bowl, combine the beef broth, water, oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary, onion powder, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using). Pour the mixture over the beef in the slow cooker.

  4. Add Pepperoncini: Add the entire jar of pepperoncini peppers, including the juice, to the slow cooker.

  5. Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or until the beef is tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.

  6. Shred Beef: Remove the beef from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Use tongs or two forks to shred the beef into bite-sized pieces.

  7. Combine: Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker, mixing it with the cooking juices and allowing it to sit for a few minutes to absorb the flavors.

  8. Assemble Sandwiches: Slice the Italian rolls and, if desired, toast them lightly. Fill each roll with a generous portion of the shredded beef and top with provolone cheese slices and giardiniera if using.

  9. Serve: Serve the Italian beef sandwiches hot, with a small bowl of the cooking juices for dipping. Enjoy your delicious, homemade Italian Beef Sandwiches!