Name: Irresistible Slow Cooker Italian Beef
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h 10 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 3 to 4 pounds beef roast (chuck or rump); 1 packet dry Italian dressing mix; 1 jar (16 oz) pepperoncini peppers, including juice; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 cup beef broth; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon dried basil; Salt and pepper to taste

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If you're in the mood for a hearty, flavorful meal, this Irresistible Slow Cooker Italian Beef is exactly what you need. Tender beef, seasoned to perfection with Italian herbs and a touch of tangy pepperoncini, slowly cooks in the slow cooker, making it perfect for sandwiches or just enjoying as a delicious meal on its own.

Irresistible Slow Cooker Italian Beef

Ingredients

3 to 4 pounds beef roast (chuck or rump)

1 packet dry Italian dressing mix

1 jar (16 oz) pepperoncini peppers, including juice

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 cup beef broth

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

½ teaspoon dried oregano

½ teaspoon dried basil

Salt and pepper to taste

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

First, I heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, I sear the beef roast on all sides until it’s nicely browned, which takes about 3-4 minutes per side.

Next, I transfer the beef to the slow cooker. I add the Italian dressing mix, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, basil, and the pepperoncini peppers with their juice.

After that, I pour in the beef broth and stir to make sure the seasoning mixture is well combined around the roast.

I cover the slow cooker and let it cook on low for 7-8 hours, or until the beef is tender and shreds easily with a fork.

Once the beef is ready, I remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Then, I return the shredded beef to the slow cooker and stir it to coat in all the delicious sauce.

Finally, I serve the Italian beef on sandwich rolls and garnish with extra pepperoncini, if desired.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6 servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 8 hours

Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes

Variations

Spicy Italian Beef: If I like a little heat, I add extra pepperoncini or a dash of red pepper flakes to the slow cooker.

Low-Sodium: To make this recipe a bit lighter, I opt for a low-sodium beef broth and skip adding extra salt.

Vegetarian Option: Although it’s a beef-based recipe, I can swap the beef with a plant-based protein like mushrooms or seitan for a vegetarian twist.

Storage/Reheating

I love that this recipe keeps well for a few days. If I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, I simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until it’s heated through. The flavor often improves the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or lunch the following day.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

Yes, you can! A chuck roast or rump roast works best for tenderness, but you can also try using brisket or round roast if that’s what you have on hand.

Is it necessary to sear the beef before slow cooking?

Searing the beef adds a rich, deep flavor, but if I’m in a rush, I can skip this step. The slow cooking process will still make the beef tender and flavorful.

Can I cook this on high in the slow cooker to save time?

Yes, if I need to speed things up, I can cook the beef on high for about 4-5 hours instead of 7-8 hours on low. However, cooking on low gives the best results for tender, shreddable beef.

Can I freeze the Italian beef?

Absolutely! I can freeze the leftover shredded beef in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before freezing. To reheat, I can thaw it overnight in the fridge and then warm it up on the stove or in the microwave.

What should I serve with this Italian beef?

While I love serving this on sandwich rolls, it’s also great with mashed potatoes, over rice, or even in a bowl with some crusty bread on the side. The flavorful sauce pairs perfectly with almost anything!

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Italian Beef is one of those meals that will quickly become a family favorite. With minimal effort and a handful of ingredients, I can create a tender, flavorful dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or even a weekend gathering. Whether I serve it as a sandwich or alongside mashed potatoes, it’s sure to be a hit every time!

Recipe:

Irresistible Slow Cooker Italian Beef

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Tender beef seasoned with Italian herbs and tangy pepperoncini, slow-cooked to perfection for a flavorful meal that’s great on sandwiches or served with mashed potatoes.

Instructions

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef roast on all sides until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side.
Transfer the beef to the slow cooker. Add the Italian dressing mix, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, basil, and the pepperoncini peppers with their juice.
Pour in the beef broth and stir to combine the seasoning mixture around the roast.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 7-8 hours, or until the beef is tender and shreds easily with a fork.
Remove the beef from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker and stir to coat in the sauce.
Serve the Italian beef on sandwich rolls and garnish with extra pepperoncini if desired.