Italian Beef Sandwich

Italian beef is a flavorful, tender dish packed with savory spices and juicy peppers, perfect for sandwiches or family dinners. This easy-to-make recipe creates a hearty meal everyone will love, ideal for any occasion or season.

Jump to Recipe

Our Italian beef sandwich recipe is the ultimate savory dish, bursting with tender meat, flavorful spices, and juicy peppers. It’s ideal for family dinners, game days, or meal prepping. You’ll love how easily it comes together with simple ingredients and rich flavors. Serve it warm and watch everyone come back for seconds!

This recipe is so easy to make, and you can follow the step-by-step guide below. We’ve included detailed photos and directions, along with pro tips and tricks to ensure your success. Don’t miss the most frequently asked questions and answers for all the best advice!

Italian beef takes only minutes to prepare and delivers melt-in-your-mouth flavor, perfect for any meal or special gathering. Slow-cooked with tender beef, savory spices, and tangy peppers, this dish stands out as a crowd-pleaser. Whether serving it for game day, a cozy dinner, or a potluck, everyone will love its bold flavors. Try it at home for a simple recipe that feels fancy but tastes amazing!

What you'll need to make this Italian Beef Sandwich recipe:

• 3 to 4 pounds of boneless beef roast (such as chuck or rump)
• 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning blend
• 1 (0.7-ounce) packet of dry Italian dressing mix
• 1 (1-ounce) packet of au jus mix
• 1 cup of beef broth
• 1 cup of jarred pepperoncini peppers, plus more for serving
• 4 hoagie rolls
• 8 Provolone cheese slices

Simple changes can make this recipe uniquely yours. Personalize your Italian beef sandwiches by swapping out ingredients and adding tasty extras! Here are some top substitutions and additions:

• Substitute Beef Roast: Use pork shoulder or chicken thighs for a fun twist while keeping the dish tender and flavorful.
• Substitute Peppers: Swap mild pepperoncini with spicy jalapeños for extra heat or banana peppers for a tangy kick.
• Add Cheese: Top your Italian beef sandwiches with provolone or mozzarella for a gooey, cheesy finish.
• Add Vegetables: Include sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions for added texture and flavor in your Italian beef.
• Use a Different Broth: Replace beef broth with chicken or vegetable broth for a lighter, yet still savory, variation.

These swaps and additions let you make Italian beef that suits your taste perfectly!

Follow along with our pictures, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips and tricks to make delicious Italian beef sandwiches. You’ll love how easy it is to prepare and how amazing it tastes. Let’s get started!

FIRST STEP: Place the roast in the slow cooker.

SECOND STEP: Sprinkle the Italian dressing mix, au jus mix, and beef broth. Pour the mixture over the roast into the crock pot.

THIRD STEP: Add the pepperoncini peppers to the crock pot, including the liquid from the jar.

FOURTH STEP: Cook on low heat for 8 to 10 hours, or until the beef is tender and falling apart. This recipe can also be cooked on high for 6 hours. 

FIFTH STEP: Using two forks, shred the beef in the crock pot, mixing it well with the cooking liquid.

SIXTH STEP: Toast the hoagie rolls and top each one with a generous scoop of the shredded beef mixture. I used about 1 cup of beef for each hoagie bun sandwich.

SEVENTH STEP: If desired, top each sandwich with 2 slices of provolone cheese and place it under a broiler for 30 seconds or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

EIGHTH: Serve tender beef with additional pepperoncini peppers and the beefy jus on the side for dipping.

Italian beef is versatile, making it perfect for different occasions, seasons, and family gatherings. Whether it’s a cozy dinner or a party, this dish fits right in.

• Family Dinners: Serve Italian beef for a comforting meal everyone will enjoy. Pair it with fried potatoes and onions or a fresh green salad for a complete dinner. Kids will love the juicy, flavorful beef piled high on soft rolls!
• Game Day Parties: Italian beef sandwiches are a crowd-pleaser at game day gatherings. Set up a sandwich bar with toppings like pickles and sliced onions. Serve alongside cheesy nachos or broccoli and cheddar potato skins for the ultimate party spread.
• Seasonal Celebrations: This recipe works year-round but shines in fall and winter for warm, hearty meals. Pair it with creamy butternut squash soup or roasted brussels sprouts to complement the rich, savory flavors. Guests will leave impressed and satisfied!

• Incredible Flavor and Tenderness: This recipe delivers melt-in-your-mouth beef with rich spices and juicy peppers that create an irresistible taste. Each bite bursts with savory perfection, making it a go-to for anyone craving bold, satisfying flavors.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a quiet dinner, Italian beef fits right in. Its comforting, hearty nature makes it a crowd favorite that elevates everyday meals into something special.
• Effortless to Make: With simple ingredients and easy steps, this recipe saves time without sacrificing taste. You’ll love how quickly it comes together while still impressing everyone at the table.

How do I get the beef tender for Italian beef?
Slow-cook the beef on low heat for several hours to break down the fibers and create a melt-in-your-mouth texture.

What type of peppers should I use in Italian beef?
Pepperoncini peppers are the classic choice for Italian beef, adding tangy flavor and just the right amount of heat.

How can I make the Italian beef broth more flavorful?
Add beef bouillon, garlic, and a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the broth for an even deeper, richer taste.

How long should I cook Italian beef for the best flavor?
Cook Italian beef for six to eight hours on low in a slow cooker, or until the meat easily shreds with a fork.

How should I serve slow cooker Italian beef for a crowd?
Serve Italian beef in a large dish with rolls and toppings, letting everyone build their perfect sandwich.

What is the best way to serve Italian beef sandwiches?
Toast the rolls slightly for added crunch and pile the beef high with its flavorful juices for an irresistible sandwich.

Can I adjust the spice level when serving Italian beef?
Yes, offer extra pepperoncini or hot sauce on the side for those who enjoy a spicier kick to their meal.

How do I keep Italian beef warm while serving?
Keep the beef in a slow cooker on the "warm" setting to maintain its ideal temperature throughout the meal.

Follow the directions below to store your Italian beef properly and enjoy it later. From making ahead to reheating, we’ve got you covered with the best tips for keeping it fresh and delicious.

Can I prepare Italian beef ahead of time?
Yes, cook the beef fully and store it with its juices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

What’s the best way to store leftover Italian beef?
Place leftover beef and its juices in an airtight container. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to three days for the best flavor.

Can I freeze Italian beef?
Yes, freeze the beef and its juices in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

How do I reheat Italian beef when ready to serve?
Reheat the beef in a skillet over medium heat or in a slow cooker on low until warmed through.

Can I reheat Italian beef in the microwave?
Yes, reheat in the microwave in short increments, stirring often, to avoid drying out the beef.

Italian Beef Sandwich

Italian beef is a flavorful, tender dish packed with savory spices and juicy peppers, perfect for sandwiches or family dinners. This easy-to-make recipe creates a hearty meal everyone will love, ideal for any occasion or season.

Did you try this recipe?Let our readers know how it turned out by Leaving a Review!

5 from 1 vote

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 8 hours hrs

Total Time 8 hours hrs 5 minutes mins

Course Beef, Crockpot, Sandwich, Slow Cooker

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 947 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 3 to 4 pounds boneless beef roast (such as chuck or rump)
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning blend
• 0.7 ounce dry Italian dressing mix
• 1 ounce au jus mix
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup jarred pepperoncini peppers (plus more for serving)
• 4 hoagie rolls
• 8 Provolone cheese slices

DIRECTIONS

 

• Place the roast in the slow cooker.
• Sprinkle the Italian dressing mix, au jus mix, and beef broth. Pour the mixture over the roast in the crockpot.
• Add the pepperoncini peppers to the crockpot, including the liquid from the jar.
• Cook on low heat for 8 to 10 hours or until the beef is tender and falling apart. This recipe can also be cooked on high for 6 hours.
• Using two forks, shred the beef in the crockpot, mixing it well with the cooking liquid.
• Toast the hoagie rolls and top each one with a generous scoop of the beef mixture. I used about 1 cup of beef for each sandwich.
• If desired, top each sandwich with 2 slices of provolone cheese and place it under a broiler for 30 seconds or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Serve with additional pepperoncini peppers and the jus on the side for dipping.

Notes

• Using slow cooker liners to line your insert makes clean-up a snap once dinner is finished.
• If you’re not ready to eat, you can leave the crockpot on warm for an additional hour or so if needed.
• Keep a close eye on the cheese while under the broiler, as it can quickly turn from golden brown to burnt.

Nutrition

Calories: 947kcal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 82g | Fat: 52g | Saturated Fat: 24g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 23g | Trans Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 261mg | Sodium: 1619mg | Potassium: 1309mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 505IU | Vitamin C: 26mg | Calcium: 379mg | Iron: 19mg

HAVE YOU TRIED THIS RECIPE?Follow me on Pinterest @bestblogrecipes

Get the BEST Recipes on Pinterest

Follow Us