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Slow Cooker Italian Beef Sandwiches

Unbelievably easy Slow Cooker Italian Beef Sandwiches that are perfect for busy weeknights or game day gatherings. Minimal fuss, maximum flavor!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Servings 10 sandwiches

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker
  • Cutting board
  • Forks for shredding beef

Ingredients
  

Beef and Seasonings

  • 4 pound boneless beef chuck pot roast This is the star of the show! Chuck roast is fantastic because it gets super tender when cooked low and slow.
  • 2 teaspoons fine sea salt To bring out all those yummy beefy flavors.
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper A little zing to balance the richness.
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder Because garlic makes everything better, right?
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning This pre-made blend is a flavor powerhouse with herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme.

Sauce and Vegetables

  • 15 ounces tomato sauce This creates a luscious, savory base for our beef.
  • 2 green bell peppers, thinly sliced They add a touch of sweetness and a lovely vibrant color.
  • 2 yellow onions, thinly sliced Onions caramelize beautifully in the slow cooker, adding depth of flavor.
  • 12 ounces jar sliced pepperoncini These are key for that signature Italian beef tang! Don't be afraid to add a few extra if you like a little zip.

For Serving

  • 10 crusty sandwich rolls, split and toasted Think ciabatta, French rolls, or your favorite hoagie rolls. Toasting them adds a delightful crunch.
  • 20 slices Provolone cheese Because what’s an Italian beef sandwich without melty, gooey cheese?

Instructions
 

  • First things first, take your gorgeous beef roast and give it a good rub-down. Sprinkle it generously all over with the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Get into all the nooks and crannies!
    4 pound boneless beef chuck pot roast
  • Carefully place the seasoned roast right into your slow cooker. It might seem big, but trust me, it’s going to shrink down and become incredibly tender.
    4 pound boneless beef chuck pot roast
  • Pour that can of tomato sauce right over the top of the roast.
    4 pound boneless beef chuck pot roast
  • Now, scatter those thinly sliced green bell peppers, yellow onions, and the star ingredient – the pepperoncini! Make sure they get nestled around the roast.
    4 pound boneless beef chuck pot roast
  • Pop the lid on tight, and let the magic begin. You can cook this on LOW for about 8-10 hours, or if you’re in a bit of a rush (though I always say slow cooker meals are worth the wait!), you can cook it on HIGH for 4-5 hours. You’re looking for the beef to be super tender, so tender that it practically falls apart when you touch it with a fork.
  • Once that beef is cooked to perfection, carefully lift it out of the slow cooker onto a cutting board or a large plate. Using two forks, shred the beef into bite-sized pieces. This is the fun part!
    4 pound boneless beef chuck pot roast
  • Return the shredded beef back into the slow cooker. Give it a good stir to coat it in all those delicious juices, vegetables, and that savory sauce.
  • Grab your toasted sandwich rolls. Spoon generous heaps of that amazing Italian beef mixture onto the bottom half of each roll.
    4 pound boneless beef chuck pot roast
  • Top each sandwich with two slices of that glorious Provolone cheese. If you’re feeling extra, sprinkle on a few more of those zesty pepperoncini slices.
    4 pound boneless beef chuck pot roast

Notes

Feel free to add red pepper flakes for spice, try different cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar, or add sliced mushrooms for extra flavor. You can also add beef broth for a richer sauce.