Chicago-Style Slow Cooker Italian Beef Sandwiches

Okay, let's get this show on the road! I am just loving how this Italian Beef recipe is coming together.

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever wonder how they make those amazing hot beef sandwiches in chicago? this italian beef recipe will transport you straight to the windy city.

It boasts a flavour profile that is tangy, savoury, and unbelievably tender!

Brief Overview

Originally from chicago, italian beef sandwiches are a hearty and flavorful dish. they are normally enjoyed as a quick lunch, this italian beef recipe is easy peasy to make.

The preparation takes just 15 minutes and it needs 4 hours on high or 8 hours on low. this makes about 6-8 sandwiches.

Main Benefits

This recipe is packed with protein. it is an awesome way to enjoy a hearty meal while keeping within your macros.

. it's the perfect meal for a casual get-together or game day. this italian beef crockpot recipe is truly special because it captures the authentic taste of chicago without the fuss.

Ready to find out how to make one of the best Italian Beef Recipes you have ever tasted?

Gathering Your Bits: Ingredients For Amazing Italian Beef

Honestly, the ingredient list for this slow cooker Italian beef is so simple. You probably have most of it already.

You need around 3-4 lb (1.3-1.8 kg) of chuck roast . a yellow onion, some garlic (because garlic makes everything better, innit?), and a jar of giardiniera.

Plus tomato sauce, beef broth, an italian dressing mix (good seasons does the job!). of course, dried oregano, dried basil, and maybe a cheeky pinch of red pepper flakes if you're feeling brave.

Do not forget salt and pepper.

Making Magic: Steps To Follow

First, you can sear the beef for extra flavor, but its optional. i always do. throw in the onions and half the giardiniera at the bottom of your crockpot.

Chuck in the beef, liquids, and seasonings. slow cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4. fork shred, return to the sauce, and serve on crusty rolls with the rest of the giardiniera.

Bosh!

Get Creative: Italian Dinner Recipe Variations

Fancy something with a kick? add more chilli flakes. want it sweeter? a spoon of brown sugar works wonders. no beef broth? chicken broth can work, but beef is better.

Don't have italian dressing mix? use equal parts dried oregano, basil, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder and paprika. this italian pot roast can be adapted to what you have in your cupboard!

Serving Suggestions

Think proper Chicago style. A bit of coleslaw is an excellent choice! Alternatively, some roasted potatoes or a crisp green salad. All perfect accompaniments to these Italian Beef Sandwiches

Making Crockpot Dishes has never been more rewarding!

Hope you give this Italian Beef masterpiece a go, give me a shout, yeah?

Alright, let's dive into what you'll need to make this italian beef recipe sing! trust me, even if you're kitchen challenged, this is doable.

This italian beef crockpot recipe is so easy. we are talking proper hot beef sandwiches without the fuss.

Ingredients & Equipment

Main Players

Okay, let's talk beef. you'll need 3-4 lbs (1.3-1.8 kg) of chuck roast. don't cheap out here! look for good marbling those little flecks of fat.

That's where the flavour lives. this will make some seriously good italian beef sandwiches. it melts in your mouth. oh my gosh! it's a classic crockpot recipes beef .

Next, grab 1 tbsp (15 ml) of olive oil. you know, the good stuff. then, 1 large yellow onion, sliced.

We are also talking about 4 cloves of garlic, minced. i love me some garlic! and don’t forget 1 (16 oz / 450g) jar of giardiniera, drained and divided.

You use half for cooking, and half for topping. make sure you have 1 (15 oz / 425g) can of tomato sauce, and 1 (14 oz / 400g) can of beef broth.

For seasoning we need 1 packet (1 oz / 28g) of italian dressing mix. you know, like good seasons. also, 1 tbsp (15 ml) of dried oregano, 1 tsp (5 ml) of dried basil, and 1/2 tsp (2.

5 ml) of red pepper flakes (if you like a kick!). and, of course, salt and pepper to taste. the quality indicator is freshness.

For serving, you need 6-8 crusty italian rolls, au jus, reserved giardiniera, and optional provolone cheese.

Seasoning Notes

Honestly, the italian dressing mix does a lot of the heavy lifting here. but don’t be afraid to tweak it.

A pinch of fennel seed can add a nice anise flavour. did you know fennel is super underrated. you can use italian pot roast seasoning.

If you don’t have italian dressing mix, a mix of dried oregano, basil, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika works.

For substitutions, dried herbs are fine. just remember dried herbs are more potent than fresh.

Equipment Needed

For this slow cooker italian beef adventure, you'll need a slow cooker. any crock pot slow cooker that's 6-quart or larger will do the trick.

If you're bougie like me and want to sear the beef first, you'll need a large skillet. don't skip this step.

Tongs are a must. two forks or meat claws for shredding. a soup ladle to serve the glorious au jus.

You can use slotted spoon. if you don’t have meat claws, two forks will do the trick. simple! and a knife and cutting board are a must have! that's it! you probably have all of these already.

My old cooker is still my best friend. it is perfect for any italian dinner recipes . it works great with pot roast recipes as well.

You may find that italian beef recipes are quite rewarding.

This italian dinner is a home run. you might think of this dish as one of your beef recipes easy .

These can be used as amazing roast recipes . there are plenty of beef recipes for dinner but these is an outstanding dish.

Right, let's get down to business and talk about the magic of the italian beef recipe ! honestly, there’s nothing quite like sinking your teeth into a juicy hot beef sandwich piled high with tender beef and spicy giardiniera.

It's a proper comfort food hug. but what's the best method to making it? slow cooking, of course!

Chicago Style Slow Cooker Italian Beef Sandwiches: Prep Like a Pro

Before we get cooking, mise en place is key, my friend. it's french, but just means getting everything ready. chop your yellow onion , mince the garlic , and drain that giardiniera like your life depends on it.

You only need half now, half later, okay? speaking of later, have all your spices lined up too. it just makes life easier, you know? for time saving, pre-slice your onions and mince your garlic the night before.

Honestly, your future self will thank you. and remember: keep raw meat separate from everything else. safe is sexy, innit?

step-by-step: The Slow Cooker Italian Beef Recipe Masterclass

This is where the Crock Pot Slow Cooker earns its keep!

1. Sear the beef in hot olive oil. Don’t skip this bit ! It's optional, but that flavour is amazing.
2. Onions and half the giardiniera go into the slow cooker first. It makes a lovely base.
3. Pop the beef on top. Then tomato sauce, beef broth (or if desperate, chicken broth, but I didn’t tell you that!), Italian dressing mix, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if you like a kick), salt and pepper.
4. Slow cook on low for 8 hours , or high for 4 hours . It needs to be fork tender .
5. Shred the beef with two forks. Like you're Wolverine.
6. Return the shredded beef to the sauce. Let it soak up all that goodness!
7. Assemble your Italian Beef Sandwiches! Pile high on rolls, top with giardiniera, and ladle on the au jus.
8. Optionally, melt provolone under the broiler.

Pro Tips for the Ultimate Italian Beef Crockpot Recipe

Don’t overcook! yes, the slow cooker makes it easy but mushy beef is sad beef. fork tender is your goal. taste the sauce after shredding, and adjust salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.

It's your chance to make it perfect . this slow cooker italian beef is great for making ahead. in fact, it's better the next day.

Flavours get all friendly and meld together nicely. did you know that chicago italian beef sandwiches have been around since the early 1900s? it is a proper part of us cuisine, and is the best out of the beef dinner and italian dinner recipes .

So there you have it! Now you can create your own Italian Beef Crockpot Recipe . Enjoy creating this, and you can also check our other Crockpot Recipes Beef .

Right, let's dive into some extra nuggets about this amazing Italian Beef recipe . I mean, seriously, get ready for sandwich heaven!

Recipe Notes: Nailing That Italian Beef!

This ain't just some italian beef crockpot recipe , you know? it's an experience. we're talking about proper hot beef sandwiches , the kind that make you wanna move to chicago.

Honestly, the best italian dinner ever!

Serving It Up Like a Pro

Listen, presentation matters! plating this slow cooker italian beef is easy. pile that juicy beef high on crusty rolls. think about a side of crisp coleslaw the tang cuts through the richness perfectly.

For drinks, a simple italian soda or even a chilled peroni works a treat. this goes perfectly in a crock pot slow cooker .

It's a crockpot recipe beef that is great for any dinner. it really does become one of your favourite italian beef recipes .

Storing Your Precious Beef

Got leftovers? lucky you! refrigerate the shredded beef in its au jus in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

For longer storage, freezing is your friend. freeze in portions for up to 2 months. reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of beef broth if needed.

The flavors somehow get even better! this also means its a perfect italian dinner recipes for a big group.

Remixing Your Italian Beef

Fancy a twist? for a healthier take, use a leaner cut of beef, like sirloin tip (though it'll be less tender).

Feeling spicy? add more red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne. and for a seasonal swap, use roasted bell peppers instead of giardiniera in the autumn.

Simple! you could call it an italian pot roast even. it is one of the best pot roast recipes ever.

It could also be called roast beef recipes .

Nutrition Nuggets

Alright, let's be real. this isn't a health food, but it's delicious . it has a lot of protein, thanks to the beef, which is great for muscle building.

The giardiniera adds some vitamins, but watch out for the sodium in the broth and dressing mix. make sure to check labels! the beef recipes for dinner are amazing.

It is one of the best beef recipes easy or roast recipes . the beef dinner is amazing for the family!

So, there you have it! all the insider tips to make this italian beef sandwiches the best you've ever had.

Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own. get in the kitchen and have some fun. you got this!