Get ready to fall in love with Italian beef. The slow-cooked meat is the perfect filling for a sandwich and will quickly become something that you will want to eat day after day. It is seriously that mouthwatering. 

close up image of italian beef sandwiches served on a white round plate

If you are new to Italian beef, get ready for it to quickly become your favorite. The beef is similar to a roast beef sandwich and kind of like a Philly cheesesteak. It is basically the cousin to both. The seasoning mixture is what takes Italian beef into a class of its own. The seasoning mixture develops over time while it cooks in the slow cooker creating an irresistible flavor.

bowl of italian beef

MOUTHWATERING ITALIAN BEEF SANDWICHES 

The slow cooker is essential when it comes to making perfectly tender Italian beef. However, the process before it gets placed in the slow-cooker is pretty important too. Before the beef gets cooked, it is pat dried and heavily seasoned with loads of Italian spices. Once the beef is seasoned, it is then cooked for six hours. I know, it seems like a long time to wait for some meat, but trust me on this one. It will easily be worth the wait. 

To make the Italian sandwich complete, the beef gets sandwiched between a toasted hoagie roll. The final addition to the sandwich comes in the form of your favorite white cheese. Provolone is a favorite, but any will do to complete the sandwich. If spice is your thing, don’t hesitate to add a few pepperoncini to the sandwich, too. It adds the perfect amount of spice and flavor.

ingredients to make italian beef sandwiches

INGREDIENTS 

  • 3-4 pounds of chuck roast – Rinse and dry the meat before cooking. 
  • Zesty Italian seasoning – feel free to use fresh, but the packets will be just as good. 
  • Water 
  • Hoagie roll 
  • White cheese of choice
steps 1-4 to make italian beef in a slow cooker
Italian Beef Roast
steps 5-8 to assemble italian beef sandwiches

HOW TO MAKE ITALIAN BEEF SANDWICHES

1. PREP BEEF 

Rinse and dry your cut of chuck roast. This isn’t necessary but will be helpful for the cooking process. Season the beef with the zesty Italian seasoning, making sure to get both sides of the beef.

2. COOK IN A SLOW COOKER 

Add the piece of meat to the slow cooker along with ½ cup of water. Let the meat cook in the slow cooker on high for 6 hours or on low for 12 hours.

3. SHRED MEAT 

When the cooking time has finished, shred the meat using a fork. It should easily come apart and look ropey or stringy. That is the texture you are aiming for.

4. ASSEMBLE SANDWICH 

Toast the hoagie and add the beef and slices of cheese. Serve while the beef is warm so the cheese will get nice and melty. 

two italian beef sandwiches served on a white round plate with more in the background

FAQ

WHAT DO YOU SERVE WITH AN ITALIAN BEEF SANDWICH?

You can really serve anything you want alongside your Italian beef sandwich. The sandwich is great next to pasta salads, French fries, everyday salads, potato salads, and more. Basically, anything you would eat with a typical sandwich would fit in fine here. 

two italian beef sandwiches served on a white round plate

WHAT CUT OF MEAT IS ITALIAN BEEF MADE FROM?

Italian beef is usually made from a chuck roast. It can also be made with top sirloin, top round, or bottom round if needed. 

WHAT KIND OF BREAD IS BEST FOR AN ITALIAN BEEF SANDWICH?

Toasted hoagie bread is traditional when it comes to an Italian beef sandwich. The toasted bread helps keep all of the tasty juices inside the sandwich instead of on the plate. 

DO I NEED TO COOK MY BEEF FOR SIX HOURS?

Yes, you really do. As long as it may seem, it will truly be worth it. The slow cook time allows the flavors from the seasoning to get inside the meat and make a melt-in-your-mouth sandwich. Try and resist the urge to peek in on the meat too. Every time you open the lid, it is recommended to add about 20 minutes to the cooking time because of the hot air that is escaping from the slow cooker.

MORE HOT SANDWICHES

Italian Beef Sandwich

Get ready to fall in love with Italian beef. The slow-cooked meat is the perfect filling for a sandwich and will become your new favorite.
No ratings yet
Course: Main Course
Servings: 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours

Ingredients  

  • 3-4 lb chuck roast
  • 2 packets zesty Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 cup water
  • hoagie Rolls
  • cheese of choice

Instructions 

  • Prep the piece of meat by rinsing and drying it.
  • Add the seasoning mixture to the meat, making sure to fully cover it on both sides.
  • Add the meat to the slow cooker and cook on high for 6 hours or on low for 12 hours.
  • When the meat is done, use a fork to pull it apart.
  • Add the meat to a toasted roll with the cheese of your choice and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 408kcal | Protein: 44g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 13g | Trans Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 156mg | Sodium: 185mg | Potassium: 753mg | Vitamin A: 29IU | Calcium: 39mg | Iron: 5mg
Did you make this recipe?Mention @kasey_allthingsmamma or tag #allthingsmamma!

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About Kasey Schwartz

For over 15 years, Kasey Schwartz, the mastermind behind All Things Mamma, has been the ultimate go-to for mouthwatering family recipes. Her work has been featured on Today.com, Buzz Feed, Better Homes and Gardens, and more, making her your go-to mom next door for all things delicious and family-friendly.

Comments

  1. Perfect, thank you! Putting this together for a house full of hungry baseball boys this evening!

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