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Home » Recipes » Dinner » Slow Cooker Italian Beef

Slow Cooker Italian Beef

By: Rebecca  |  Published: December 3, 2018  |  Updated: January 20, 2021  |   View Our Affiliate Disclosure Policy

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This Slow Cooker Italian Beef is an easy dinner recipe inspired by the Chicago staple that has so much flavor it will literally melt in your mouth! via @sugarandsoulco

This Slow Cooker Italian Beef is an easy dinner recipe inspired by the Chicago staple that has so much flavor it will literally melt in your mouth!

If you love easy slow cooker recipes, you might also enjoy my Slow Cooker Mexican Chicken, Barbacoa Beef, and Apple Cider Chicken!

This Slow Cooker Italian Beef is an easy dinner recipe inspired by the Chicago staple that has so much flavor it will literally melt in your mouth!

If you hate spending a lot of time in the kitchen, you’re going to want to keep this Slow Cooker Italian Beef Recipe handy! This isn’t your average Roast Beef Recipe, it’s PACKED with flavor!

Now, this isn’t exactly a meal you can make in a pinch; it takes several hours to cook. However, the majority of this meal is made in the crockpot, meaning lots of hands-off time for you!

Italian Beef being scooped out of crock pot

It only takes a few minutes to prep this Italian Beef, and your slow cooker will do the rest. And as it roasts during the day, your house will smell like some good home-cooking’!

What Is Italian Beef?

Italian beef is traditionally a sandwich. It originated in Chicago and is made with thin slices of seasoned roast beef that’s been simmered and served au jus on a long Italian-style roll.

In this recipe, the roast was slow-cooked and shredded, but you’ll still find a similar flavor profile that everyone has come to love!

While it looks like there are lots of ingredients in this recipe, don’t be intimidated. Most are seasoning like sea salt, oregano, basil, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Plus some beef broth that makes it extra mouthwatering.

This Slow Cooker Italian Beef is an easy dinner recipe inspired by the Chicago staple that has so much flavor it will literally melt in your mouth!

There’s also a secret ingredient that may surprise you: brown sugar! That’s right, the sweetness balances out the savory flavors for a truly delicious dish.

And let me tell you, all that (minimal) work is totally worth it. The result is tender, juicy shredded beef full of melt-in-your-mouth goodness.

How To Make Italian Beef

This is a really easy recipe to make – a little sear time and a slow cook result in a deliciously tender roast that melts in your mouth!

Step 1: Begin by rubbing the chuck roast with about a teaspoon each of salt and pepper and sear on all sides. Transfer the roast to a slow cooker.

Step 2: Whisk together the remaining ingredients in a large bowl, then pour them over the roast and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours or high for 4 to 5 hours.

Step 3: With an hour left in the cooking process, remove the bay leaf and shred the meat, let cook for the remaining hour.

Step 4: Enjoy as a Chicago style sandwich on a hoagie roll with pepperoncini, provolone, and au jus or over rice or mashed potatoes. You could also add marinated bell peppers for an additional pop of flavor!

Italian Beef Sandwich on white plate

This meat is the perfect filling for a hearty Italian Beef Sandwich. Put it on a sub roll, add pepperoncini peppers and provolone cheese, and serve it au jus for a scrumptious lunch.

Or, you can turn this crock pot recipe into a simple dinner. Serve some spiced shredded beef over rice with a side of veggies or mashed potatoes.

Again, pour those flavorful juices on top, and you won’t regret it!

Italian Beef in white bowl with wooden spoon

How Long Is Italian Beef Good For?

Once cooked, most roasts will last for 3 to 4 days stored in an air-tight container in the refrigerator.

Can You Freeze Italian Beef?

You certainly can freeze Italian Beef. Simply package it up in freezer bags, making sure to squeeze as much air as possible out of them and freeze for up to 2 months. To thaw, simply transfer to the refrigerator.

Italian beef Sandwich being dipped in au jou

This Italian Beef is a great recipe for serving at intimate gatherings and game days alike! Plus, all that hands-off time means more mingling and less time in the kitchen!

But let’s face it, there’s no wrong time to have tasty, tender beef. No matter how you eat it or serve it, I promise, you’ll definitely enjoy this wonderful recipe!

Slow Cooker Italian Beef

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This Slow Cooker Italian Beef is an easy dinner recipe inspired by the Chicago staple that has so much flavor it will literally melt in your mouth!

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This Slow Cooker Italian Beef is an easy dinner recipe inspired by the Chicago staple that has so much flavor it will literally melt in your mouth!

Slow Cooker Italian Beef

Rebecca Hubbell
This Slow Cooker Italian Beef is an easy dinner recipe inspired by the Chicago staple that has so much flavor it will literally melt in your mouth!
5 from 18 votes
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Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 6 hrs
Total Time 6 hrs 10 mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 10 people
Calories 441

Ingredients
  

  • 5 pound chuck roast
  • 2 teaspoons sea salt
  • 2 teaspoons ground pepper
  • 3 cups beef broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1/4 cup light brown sugar
  • 1 package Italian-style salad dressing mix, dry
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 cup pepperoncini juice, from jar
  • pepperoncinis, optional for topping
  • sub rolls, optional for serving
  • provolone, optional for serving

Instructions
 

  • Rub the roast with about a teaspoon each of salt and pepper and sear on all sides. Transfer the roast to a slow cooker.
  • Whisk together the remaining ingredients in a large bowl, then pour over the roast and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours or high for 4 to 5 hours.
  • With an hour left in the cooking process, remove the bay leaf and shred the meat, let cook for the remaining hour.
  • Enjoy as a sandwich with pepperoncini, provolone, and au jus or over rice or mashed potatoes.

Video

Notes

  • The Italian Seasoning package has about 1 tablespoon of spices in it. If you are using another brand or a homemade version, I would recommend using that amount.

Nutrition

Calories: 441kcalCarbohydrates: 7gProtein: 44gFat: 26gSaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 156mgSodium: 1117mgPotassium: 808mgSugar: 5gVitamin A: 45IUCalcium: 55mgIron: 5.1mg
Tried this Recipe? Tag me now!Mention @sugarandsoulco or tag #sugarandsoulco!
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About Rebecca Hubbell

I love sharing mouthwatering and fun recipes with all of you! My recipes are inspired by classic comfort food, the places I travel, and pop culture! I have a serious sweet tooth and love a good cocktail and pancakes and bacon are definitely my weakness! So stick around a discover something delicious!

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kate says

    February 8, 2021 at 7:24 pm

    5 stars
    My family loved it! Will be a repeat meal for us for sure!!

    Reply
  2. Sharon Klenner says

    June 14, 2020 at 9:49 am

    5 stars
    Excellent recipe. Used two chuck roasts to equal five pounds w high worked out well. Served the day after I made it which allowed flavors to marinate. Did niy add peporicini to meat …served it on the side.

    Reply
  3. Tina says

    December 8, 2019 at 9:22 pm

    5 stars
    I used the full 2Tbsp salt and pepper for the rub. High for 2 hours then had to leave so switched to low for the remaining 4 hours and it turned out super tender and easy to shred. For the au jus, do I just strain the spices and serve that liquid?
    Thanks

    Reply
    • Rebecca Hubbell says

      December 9, 2019 at 11:01 am

      Hi Tina, We don’t usually strain it, but you can!

      Reply
  4. Barbara says

    May 20, 2019 at 5:26 pm

    5 stars
    Great recipe! It has so much flavor and a lil spice. I served it my son’s grad party and it was a huge hit. Thanks!

    Reply
    • Rebecca Hubbell says

      May 20, 2019 at 7:02 pm

      So glad everyone enjoyed it!

      Reply
  5. Kay says

    April 7, 2019 at 4:06 pm

    Should the meat be easy to shred? Mine seems slightly tough with just about two hours remaining on low.

    Reply
    • Rebecca Hubbell says

      April 7, 2019 at 9:04 pm

      Hi Kay, yes, it should be very easy to shred, it’s possible it will just need longer.

      Reply
  6. Linda says

    April 1, 2019 at 8:45 am

    This looks delicious!, one question tho…it shows to use 2t of salt and pepper but only rub the roast with 1t of each. Does the other teaspoon of salt and pepper go into the large bowl that gets whisked with the remaining ingredients? Thx so much for yr reply!

    Reply
    • Rebecca Hubbell says

      April 1, 2019 at 9:25 am

      Hi Linda, yes, the remaining salt and pepper gets whisked in with the other ingredients!

      Reply
  7. Deborah says

    March 10, 2019 at 5:29 pm

    5 stars
    I tried this recipe for dinner today and it was ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS! Thank you for sharing it. My family loved it.

    Reply
    • Rebecca Hubbell says

      March 10, 2019 at 6:41 pm

      I’m so glad you loved it, Deborah! It’s definitely one of our favorites too!

      Reply
    • Rebecca says

      November 14, 2019 at 12:15 pm

      Hi! I want to make this but i will have to cook it on high because i dont have 8hrs. Will it still be as tender doing it that way?

      Reply
      • Rebecca Hubbell says

        November 14, 2019 at 4:19 pm

        Hi Rebecca, It will cook through on high in less time but there is a risk that it won’t shred or be as tender as low and slow usually lead to the most tender beef.

  8. Chelsea says

    February 28, 2019 at 1:42 pm

    5 stars
    Love! But SO much leftover! Can you tell me the best way to save this?!

    Reply
    • Rebecca Hubbell says

      March 1, 2019 at 11:27 am

      Hi Chelsea, It will store well in an airtight container in the fridge and is very easy to reheat in the microwave. We use the leftovers on so many things – mashed potatoes, rice, sandwiches, quesadillas, tacos – it’s a super flavorful and versatile meat recipe!

      Reply
  9. Kelly says

    February 10, 2019 at 2:26 pm

    5 stars
    Love the slow cooker Italian beef recipe, looking forward to trying more!!

    Reply
    • Rebecca Hubbell says

      February 10, 2019 at 5:49 pm

      Glad you enjoyed it, Kelly!

      Reply
  10. Karly says

    December 5, 2018 at 11:42 am

    Amazing! Making this for sure!!

    Reply
  11. Julie Brock says

    December 4, 2018 at 2:32 am

    Hi, what could I use instead of the dry salad mix and peperoncini. We don’t hace them in Australia.
    Thanks

    Reply
    • Rebecca Hubbell says

      December 4, 2018 at 8:08 pm

      Hi Julie, Do you have Italian Seasonings mix or banana peppers?

      Reply
      • Julie says

        December 5, 2018 at 5:31 am

        Do you mean the dry Italian seasonings (oregano etc)

      • Rebecca Hubbell says

        December 5, 2018 at 11:51 am

        Yes, something that would have a blend of oregano, basil, garlic, onion, etc. OR you could make the mix at home with this recipe: https://bakeatmidnite.com/copycat-good-seasons-italian/

      • Deanna says

        May 31, 2019 at 1:57 pm

        Pardon me but how much Italian seasoning would we use or the homemade mix link you provided. Thanks.

      • Rebecca Hubbell says

        May 31, 2019 at 2:47 pm

        Hi Deanna, the packages have just under 1 tablespoon of seasoning in them 🙂

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I love sharing sweet and savory recipes that are tested and perfected in my kitchen so they'll be an instant favorite in yours!

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This Slow Cooker Italian Beef is an easy dinner recipe inspired by the Chicago staple that has so much flavor it will literally melt in your mouth!
This Fish Taco Sauce is the ultimate topping for fish tacos. It's a creamy a delicious blend of sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, sriracha, garlic, and cumin.
These Brownie Cookies are made from an adapted brownie box mix and are loaded with chocolate chips! They have a crisp outer edge and chewy fudge center just like a classic brownie!
American Chop Suey is a delicious and easy dinner recipe made with ground beef, tomato, onion, green pepper, macaroni, and spices. Pure comfort food made on the stovetop in just 30 minutes and makes a great weeknight dinner!
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