Before I moved to Illinois, I had never heard of Italian Beef. We had Roast Beef sandwiches – but this Italian Beef that everyone talked about and seeing it on every American Restaurant menu had me intrigued. So, I tried it out and I loved it!
Italian Beef is cooked slowly in a Crock Pot and seasoned perfectly with Italian seasoning and served on a toasted Hoagie Bun with Melted Cheese – it is delicious and simple to make!
Here’s some simple step by step instructions to get you on your way to the perfect Italian Beef Sandwich….
Start with a 3-4lb Chuck Roast. I like to rinse and pat dry my meat – but that’s just me.
Use two ZESTY Italian seasoning packets and rub over entire Roast and place in Crock Pot with 1/2 cup of water.
Place lid on Crock Pot and cook on HIGH for 6 hours or low for 12 hours. DO NOT open the lid – let the roast cook and do it’s thing. For each time you open the lid to peek, you increase your cooking time by 20 minutes by letting out the heat. So, just let it be. Trust me.
At the end of the cooking time, open the lid and check to see if the meat falls apart easily by tearing with a fork. It should. That means it’s done! Take 2 forks and pull apart the meat. Let it stay on warm in the Crock Pot until you’re ready to serve.
To make the perfect Italian Beef Sandwich, toast Hoagie Buns in the oven on the top and bottom of the roll. It helps keep it from getting too soggy when you add your beef. Then melt your favorite white cheese ( I like to use Provolone) on the top and bottom halves of your bun – add Italian beef and peperoncinis (if you like a little heat like I do) and cut in half.
Done! You now have the perfect instructions for the most perfect Italian Beef Sandwich!
Serve with my favorite Pasta Salad and you have an amazing meal!
Enjoy!!
steff says
atPerfect, thank you! Putting this together for a house full of hungry baseball boys this evening!