Crock Pot Italian Beef

This Crock Pot Italian Beef is a juicy and tangy recipe, which includes chuck roast and pepperoncini peppers. It’s a classic, foolproof recipe, ready in about 10 hours and 15 minutes.

Crock Pot Italian Beef Ingredients

• 4 pounds chuck roast or rump roast
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 yellow onion, sliced
• 1 packet Italian dressing mix (0.7 ounces)
• 16 ounces sliced pepperoncini peppers with juice
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 12 hoagie rolls or 24 slider rolls
• Spicy giardiniera or pickled vegetables, for serving

How To Make Crock Pot Italian Beef

1. Sear the beef: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the roast on both sides, 3–4 minutes per side.
2. Layer ingredients in slow cooker: Place sliced onion in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker. Place the browned roast on top.
3. Add seasonings and liquids: Sprinkle Italian dressing mix and Italian seasoning over the roast. Add beef broth, pepperoncini peppers, and ½ cup of the pepper juice.
4. Slow cook until tender: Cover and cook on high for 5–6 hours or low for 9–10 hours, until beef is fork-tender.
5. Shred and simmer: Shred the beef with forks, return it to the juices, and cook for an additional 20 minutes to soak up flavor.
6. Serve: Spoon onto hoagie rolls and top with giardiniera or pickled vegetables.

Recipe Tips

• How to make Italian beef spicy:
  Use hot pepperoncini or add crushed red pepper flakes to the slow cooker.
• Can I use a different cut of beef?
  Yes, rump roast or brisket also works well for this recipe.
• Do I need to sear the beef first?
  Searing adds flavor, but you can skip it to save time.
• What toppings go best with Italian beef?
  Spicy giardiniera, sautéed bell peppers, or provolone cheese are all great options.
• Can I make this ahead of time?
  Yes, Italian beef reheats beautifully and tastes even better the next day.

What To Serve With Italian Beef Sandwiches

These hearty sandwiches pair well with simple sides:

• Crinkle-cut fries or potato wedges
• Coleslaw or creamy pasta salad
• Roasted vegetables
• Pickle spears
• A cold beer or soda

How To Store Italian Beef

Refrigerate: Store beef and juices in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Cool completely, then freeze in portioned bags for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat in the slow cooker or on the stovetop.

Italian Beef Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 563
• Protein: 42g
• Fat: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 439mg

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

What kind of rolls should I use for Italian beef?
Hoagie rolls, French rolls, or slider buns all work well.

Can I make this without pepperoncini?
The peppers add flavor, but you can substitute banana peppers or omit if needed.

Why is my Italian beef dry?
It likely cooked too long without enough liquid. Keep it submerged in broth while cooking.

Can I make this in advance for a party?
Yes, keep it warm in the slow cooker and let guests build their own sandwiches.

Is Italian beef the same as a French dip?
Not exactly—Italian beef is seasoned with tangy, spicy flavors and served with pickled veggies, while French dip is served with au jus.

Try More Recipes:

• Crock Pot Hawaiian Beef Stew
• Crock Pot Guinness Beef Roast
• Crock Pot Ground Beef Taco Meat