Easy Slow Cooker Italian Beef Sandwiches

There’s nothing quite like biting into a warm, juicy Italian beef sandwich packed with tender, shredded meat, flavorful au jus, and the zesty kick of pepperoncini. This classic sandwich is a staple in Chicago, but now you can bring that authentic taste right to your kitchen with minimal effort. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, making an easy weeknight meal, or simply indulging in a comfort food favorite, this slow cooker recipe is guaranteed to impress.

What makes this dish so special is the slow cooking process that transforms a tough chuck roast into melt-in-your-mouth beef, infused with bold Italian flavors. The combination of Italian dressing seasoning, au jus mix, and a blend of herbs creates an irresistible depth of flavor. The addition of pepperoncini and their tangy juice adds just the right amount of heat and acidity, balancing the richness of the beef and making every bite burst with flavor.

The best part? This recipe requires very little hands-on time. Just set it in the slow cooker and let it do all the work while you go about your day. When it’s ready, all you need to do is shred the beef, pile it high onto a crusty roll, and enjoy it as is or topped with melted cheese. Serve it alongside a small bowl of au jus for dipping, and you have a meal that’s comforting, satisfying, and downright delicious.

Recipe Details:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 hours
• Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
• Servings: 6-8 sandwiches

Ingredients

For the Beef:

• 3-4 lbs chuck roast
• 1 packet Italian dressing seasoning mix
• 1 packet au jus gravy mix
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup sliced pepperoncini peppers + extra for topping
• 1/4 cup juice from pepperoncini jar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

For the Sandwiches:

• 6-8 hoagie rolls or Italian sandwich rolls
• 6-8 slices provolone or mozzarella cheese (optional)
• Butter for toasting rolls (optional)

How to Make It

1. Prep the Beef: Place the chuck roast in the slow cooker. Sprinkle the Italian dressing mix, au jus mix, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, basil, and black pepper over the roast.
2. Add the Flavor: Pour the beef broth, pepperoncini slices, pepperoncini juice, and Worcestershire sauce over the meat.
3. Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours (or high for 4-5 hours) until the beef is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
4. Shred the Beef: Remove the roast from the slow cooker and shred with two forks. Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker and mix it with the juices to soak up all the delicious flavors.
5. Toast the Rolls (Optional): For extra crunch, spread butter on the hoagie rolls and toast them in a skillet until golden.
6. Assemble the Sandwiches: Pile the shredded beef onto the rolls, top with extra pepperoncini slices, and add cheese if desired. If using cheese, place the assembled sandwiches under the broiler for 1-2 minutes until melted and bubbly.
7. Serve & Enjoy! Dunk your sandwich in the leftover au jus for the ultimate Italian beef experience!

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add more pepperoncini or a dash of red pepper flakes.
• Make it extra juicy by reserving some of the au jus for dipping.
• Use the right bread! A sturdy roll holds up best to all the juicy goodness.
• Leftovers? Store the beef in its juices in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Variations

• Cheesy Goodness: Swap provolone for Swiss or even cheddar for a fun twist.
• Keto-Friendly: Serve the shredded beef over cauliflower rice or in lettuce wraps.
• Slow Cooker vs. Instant Pot: Short on time? Cook in the Instant Pot on high pressure for 50 minutes with a 15-minute natural release.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔️ Effortless – The slow cooker does all the work!
✔️ Flavor-Packed – The beef is infused with rich Italian flavors.
✔️ Crowd-Pleaser – Perfect for game days, parties, or weeknight dinners.
✔️ Great for Leftovers – Even better the next day!

Pinterest Pro Tip

Save this recipe for your next family dinner or game-day feast! Nothing beats a slow-cooked, savory sandwich loaded with Italian beef. #SlowCookerRecipes #ItalianBeef #EasyDinnerIdeas