Slow Cooker Italian Beef Sandwiches

Irresistible Slow Cooker Italian Beef Sandwiches are quick and easy to make! Juicy, tender, flavorful Italian Beef made right in your slow cooker with just a handful of ingredients. Great for game day or an easy weeknight dinner!

Make beef recipes to try: Ground Beef Casserole, Chili Mac and Cheese and Salisbury Steak!

Italian Beef

This simple Italian Beef recipe is serious comfort food and you are going to love how easy it is to make! This easy slow-cooker dish brings together tender beef, tangy peppers and Provolone cheese, all piled high on a crusty roll. It’s hearty, comforting, and packed with bold Italian flavors that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Slow-cooked to perfection, these Italian Beef sandwiches are as delicious as they are versatile. The prep is so quick and easy. The beef gets seasoned and then popped in the slow cooker and topped with tomato sauce. Next comes the sliced bell peppers, onions and pepperoncinis. The pepperoncinis have a little bit of spice but even if you’re not a fan of spicy recipes, you don’t really want to leave them out as they add a lot of flavor. Then it’s the slow cookers turn to turn that beef into melt in your mouth tender and flavor Italian Beef.

I like to toast up some crusty sandwich rolls, load it up with the Italian beef, add some more pepperoncinis – if you like it spicy – and then top with some Provolone cheese. I throw it all in a warm oven until the cheese is perfectly melted and gooey – so good! Heaven you guys. This Italian Beef is just ridiculously good and so perfect for weeknights, game day gatherings, or cozy family dinners

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hands-Off Cooking: With just a bit of prep (really less than 10 minutes), you can let the slow cooker handle all the hard work. No need to stand over the stove or worry about timing – simply set it and forget it. This makes it ideal for busy days when you want a flavorful dinner without constant supervision.
• Perfect for Crowds: Italian Beef sandwiches are a fantastic choice for feeding a crowd. Whether it’s game day, a casual get-together, or a family meal, these sandwiches are guaranteed to be a hit.
• Flavor Bomb: The combination of slow-cooked beef, tangy pepperoncini, sweet bell peppers, onions and creamy Provolone cheese creates an explosion of flavors in every bite.

How To Make Italian Beef

Craving a hearty, flavorful sandwich? This Italian Beef sandwich is loaded with tender, juicy beef, tangy peppers and gooey Provolone cheese, all piled high on a toasted roll. Perfect for busy weeknights or any time you want a simple, crowd-pleasing meal!

Let’s take a quick look at how to make this Italian Beef recipe and, as always, you can find the full, printable recipe in the recipe card at the end of this post.

Slow Cooker Italian Beef

1. Mix together the salt, black pepper, garlic powder and Italian seasoning. Trim excess fat from the roast and season each side with about one-third of the seasoning mixture.
2. Place the seasoned roast in the slow cooker.
3. Pour the tomato sauce over the top.
4. Add the sliced green bell peppers and onions.
5. Add pepperoncinis and sprinkle the remaining third of the seasoning over the vegetables and drizzle with the reserved 3 tablespoons of pepperoncini liquid.
6. Cover and cook on low for 10-12 hours, or on high for 5-6 hours, until the beef is tender and shreds easily.
7. Using two forks, shred the beef in the slow cooker—it should be very tender and fall apart easily.
8. Mix well with the peppers and onions.

Assemble Italian Beef Sandwiches

1. Using tongs or a slotted spoon, scoop the beef mixture onto the bottom half of each sandwich roll,
2. Top each sandwich with additional pepperoncini if desired.
3. Top with slices of Provolone cheese.
4. Place the sandwiches in the oven for a few minutes, just until the cheese melts and the roll is toasted.

Storage Information

• Freezing: Italian Beef freezes beautifully. Freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat on the stovetop before serving.
• Make Ahead: This Italian Beef is even better the next day! The flavors really meld together and intensify. Prep and cook in advance, then reheat for easy serving. I like to serve this straight out of the slow cooker. Set to warm and serve the toppings and rolls on the side.
• Storing Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Variations to Try

• Add a few extra pepperoncini or red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
• Swap Provolone for mozzarella or any other Italian cheese for a twist on flavor.
• Add fresh basil or oregano at the end for an extra layer of Italian flavor.

Instant Pot Italian Beef

You can make this recipe in an Instant Pot! Use the sauté setting to brown the beef first for extra flavor. Then add the remaining ingredients and cook on high pressure for about 60-70 minutes. Once done, quick release, shred the beef and assemble the sandwiches as directed.

How long should I cook my Italian Beef?

You basically want to cook the beef until it is fall-apart tender. Now, you can go low and slow for 10+ hours or put this on high for 5+ hours. Your call.

What type of roll works best for Italian Beef sandwiches?

Crusty rolls like Italian sandwich rolls, ciabatta, or French baguettes work best. These sturdier breads hold up to the juicy beef mixture and won’t get soggy as quickly as softer rolls.

What other toppings can I add to the Italian Beef sandwiches?

Some people enjoy adding giardiniera, sliced olives or sautéed mushrooms. Customize the sandwiches with your favorite toppings!

Serve With These Sides

These sandwiches are amazing on their own but even better with a tasty side:

• Oven Fries
• Coleslaw
• Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad
• Italian Pasta Salad
• Italian Wedding Soup

Trish’s Tips

• We had leftovers since I made this just for us and we’re a family of four. If you’re in the same situation, the Italian Beef is excellent on top of a baked potato or served with rice. Makes for an even easier dinner later on in the week.
• The recipe calls for a 4 pound chuck roast but really, anywhere from 3 to 5 pounds will work great.
• I used Provolone cheese but a shredded Italian blend would also be delicious.
• This recipe is great for meal planning! Make a batch ahead of time and store in the fridge or freezer for quick meals later. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat and assemble for an easy, delicious dinner that’s as good as fresh.
• A sturdy, crusty roll helps absorb the delicious juices without getting soggy.
• Use a slotted spoon or tongs to transfer the beef mixture to prevent sogginess in the sandwich.
• Take time to shred the beef thoroughly well for even bites packed with flavor.
• For a Chicago-style Italian Beef experience, serve the sandwiches “wet” by dipping each roll into the leftover cooking juices (au jus) before adding the beef. This makes each bite extra juicy and flavorful. You can serve a small bowl of au jus on the side for dipping instead if you prefer.

More Slow Cooker Recipes

1. Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore
2. Crockpot Chili
3. Slow Cooker Kielbasa Bites
4. Crockpot Ham and Bean Soup
5. Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans

Originally published August 20, 2017.