Slow Cooker Chicago Italian Beef Sandwiches

These Slow Cooker Chicago Italian Beef Sandwiches are loaded with shredded beef, melted provolone cheese, and plenty of bold flavor tucked inside toasted hoagie rolls. Whether you’re feeding the family on busy weeknights, serving a crowd on game day, or looking for an easy meal that practically cooks itself, this Italian beef recipe is always a huge hit.

Slow Cooker Chicago Italian Beef in a crockpot
What to Serve with Italian Beef Sandwiches

French fries or Potato Wedges
Potato chips
Coleslaw
Pasta salad
Salad
Roasted vegetables

Can I freeze leftover Italian beef?

Absolutely. Store cooled beef and cooking liquid in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

What’s the best cut of beef to use?

Boneless beef chuck roast is the most popular choice because it becomes incredibly tender during slow cooking. Rump roast is another great choice.

Can I serve the meat without bread?

Yes. The rich beef is delicious served over rice, mashed potatoes, or even cauliflower rice.

Slow Cooker Chicago Italian Beef Sandwiches on a plate

Ingredient Notes

ingredients for Slow Cooker Chicago Italian Beef Sandwiches
  • Boneless Chuck Roast: Becomes incredibly tender during slow cooking and shreds easily.
  • Salt & Black Pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance the beef.
  • Vegetable Oil: Used for searing the roast before it goes into the crock pot.
  • Italian Salad Dressing Mix: Adds classic Italian beef flavor.
  • Onion: Brings sweetness and depth to the cooking liquid.
  • Garlic: Adds rich savory flavor.
  • Beef Broth: Creates a flavorful base and helps keep the beef moist.
  • Pepperoncini Peppers: Give the beef its signature tangy flavor.
  • Pepperoncini Juice: Adds even more zesty flavor to the broth.
  • Giardiniera: Traditional Chicago-style pickled vegetables that add texture and heat.
  • Hoagie Rolls or Italian Rolls: Perfect for holding all that juicy shredded beef.
  • Provolone Cheese: Melts beautifully over the warm beef.
  • Parsley: Optional garnish for serving.

Slow Cooker Chicago Italian Beef Sandwiches

  1. Season the roast on both sides with salt and pepper.seasoned beef on a plate
  2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, sear the meat for 3-4 minutes on both sides until browned. beef browning in a pan
  3. Transfer seared meat into the crock pot.browned beef in the slow cooker
  4. Add seasoning packet, onion, garlic, beef broth, peperoncini peppers, and giardiniera.seasoning packet, onion, garlic, beef broth, peperoncini peppers, and giardiniera added to slow cooker
  5. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-5 hours, until beef is tender and easily falls apart.Slow Cooker Chicago Italian Beef in a crockpot
  6. During the last 30 minutes, remove the beef and shred using two forks. shredded beef on a cutting board
  7. Return the shredded beef into the Crock pot and stir into the liquid. Cover and continue to cook for 30 minutes, to allow the shredded beef to absorb more flavor.shredded beef placed back into slow cooker
  8. Add beef, slice of cheese to a hoagie roll and enjoy! Slow Cooker Chicago Italian Beef Sandwiches on a plate
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Slow Cooker Chicago Italian Beef Sandwiches

These Slow Cooker Chicago Italian Beef Sandwiches are loaded with shredded beef, melted provolone cheese, and plenty of bold flavor tucked inside toasted hoagie rolls.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 15 minutes

Equipment

Ingredients
 

  • 4 lb boneless chuck roast (can also use rump roast)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil for searing meat
  • 0.7 oz packet Italian salad dressing mix
  • 1 onion chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 3 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup peperoncini peppers sliced or whole, plus
  • ¼ cup of the juice from peperoncini peppers jar
  • 1 cup Italian mix giardiniera mild or spicy, drained
  • Chopped parsley for topping (optional)

For Sandwiches

  • 6 hoagie rolls
  • 6 slices provolone

Instructions

  • Season the roast on both sides with salt and pepper.
    seasoned beef on a plate
  • Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, sear the meat for 3-4 minutes on both sides until browned.
    beef browning in a pan
  • Transfer seared meat into the Crockpot.
    browned beef in the slow cooker
  • Add seasoning packet, onion, garlic, beef broth, peperoncini peppers, and giardiniera.
    seasoning packet, onion, garlic, beef broth, peperoncini peppers, and giardiniera added to slow cooker
  • Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-5 hours, until beef is tender and easily falls apart.
    Slow Cooker Chicago Italian Beef in a crockpot
  • During the last 30 minutes, remove the beef and shred using two forks.
    shredded beef on a cutting board
  • Return the shredded beef into the Crockpot and stir into the liquid. Cover and continue to cook for 30 minutes, to allow the shredded beef to absorb more flavor. Top with chopped parsley if desired.
    shredded beef placed back into slow cooker
  • Add beef, slice of cheese to a hoagie roll and enjoy!
    Slow Cooker Chicago Italian Beef Sandwiches on a plate

Nutrition

Calories: 714kcal | Carbohydrates: 54g | Protein: 42g | Fat: 37g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 21g | Trans Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 222mg | Sodium: 2718mg | Potassium: 1237mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 279IU | Vitamin C: 23mg | Calcium: 275mg | Iron: 8mg

Nutritional Disclaimer: Family Fresh Meals is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is only an estimate. We recommend running the ingredients through an online nutritional calculator if you need to verify any information.

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