Go Back

EASIEST Slow Cooker Italian Beef Sandwiches

Ridiculously easy and incredibly delicious slow cooker Italian beef sandwiches that are perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers. The beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender and flavorful, nestled in crusty rolls with melted provolone cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Servings 10

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker
  • Cutting board
  • Two forks for shredding beef
  • Small bowl
  • Saucepan for reheating leftovers
  • Broiler or toaster oven for toasting rolls

Ingredients
  

Main ingredients

  • 4 pounds boneless beef chuck pot roast This is your star! Chuck roast is perfect because it gets super tender and flavorful when slow-cooked.
  • 2 teaspoons fine sea salt Just enough to bring out all the delicious beefy flavors.
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper A little kick to balance the richness.
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder Because garlic makes everything better, right?
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning This magical blend gives it that unmistakable Italian flair.
  • 15 ounces tomato sauce This adds moisture and a touch of tangy sweetness to the braising liquid.
  • 2 green bell peppers thinly sliced. They add a lovely mild sweetness and a pop of color.
  • 2 yellow onions thinly sliced. Onions soften and caramelize in the slow cooker, adding another layer of deliciousness.
  • 12 ounces jar sliced pepperoncini plus more for serving. Don't skip these! They bring a fantastic tangy, slightly spicy element that cuts through the richness of the beef.
  • 10 crusty sandwich rolls split and toasted. Think hoagie rolls, ciabatta, or any crusty bread that can hold up to the juicy beef. Toasting them is key for texture!
  • 20 slices Provolone cheese The classic choice for Italian beef! It melts beautifully and has a mild, slightly nutty flavor that’s just perfect.

Instructions
 

  • Place the beef chuck roast into your slow cooker.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Sprinkle this savory mixture all over the beef roast, making sure it’s coated nicely.
  • Pour the tomato sauce right over the seasoned roast.
  • Nestle in the thinly sliced green bell peppers, the yellow onions, and the sliced pepperoncini.
  • Cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours, until the beef is very tender.
  • Carefully remove the beef from the slow cooker and shred it into bite-sized pieces using two forks.
  • Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker and stir to combine with the vegetables and liquid.
  • Assemble the sandwiches by piling the beef mixture onto split and toasted sandwich rolls.
  • Top each sandwich with a couple of slices of Provolone cheese.
  • Serve with extra pepperoncini for serving.

Notes

Toast the sandwich rolls for crucial texture and to prevent sogginess. For an extra decadent sandwich, you can simmer some beef broth with a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce in the slow cooker after shredding the beef to create an "au jus" for dipping.