Imagine a sandwich so tender, so juicy, and so packed with flavor that it'll make your taste buds dance the tarantella! This Italian Beef on Rolls recipe is not just another sandwich - it's a culinary journey straight from the heart of Italian-American comfort food. With melt-in-your-mouth beef, zesty pepperoncini, and an irresistible slow-cooked perfection, this recipe transforms an ordinary meal into an extraordinary dining experience that will have your family and friends begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 8 hrs
Total Time: 8 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 3-4 lbs beef chuck roast
- 1 packet Italian dressing mix
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 jar pepperoncini peppers
- 4-6 hoagie rolls
- Provolone cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Remove the beef chuck roast from refrigerator and pat dry with paper towels to ensure even seasoning.
- Sprinkle the entire packet of Italian dressing mix evenly over the entire surface of the roast, massaging the seasoning into the meat.
- Place the seasoned roast into a slow cooker or large crockpot.
- Pour the beef broth around the roast, ensuring it doesn't wash off the seasoning.
- Drain the jar of pepperoncini peppers and add them whole to the slow cooker, surrounding the meat.
- Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat, allowing the roast to cook slowly for 7-8 hours until the meat is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
- Once cooking is complete, carefully remove the roast and shred the meat using two forks, discarding any large fatty pieces.
- Return the shredded meat to the cooking liquid and pepperoncini to keep moist and flavorful.
- Split hoagie rolls and optional toast them lightly for added texture.
- Pile the shredded beef generously onto each roll, spooning extra cooking liquid over the meat.
- If desired, top with slices of provolone cheese and briefly broil until cheese melts.
- Serve immediately while hot, with extra pepperoncini on the side for additional zest.
Tips
- Choose the right cut: A chuck roast is ideal for this recipe due to its marbling and ability to become incredibly tender when slow-cooked.
- Don't rush the cooking process: The 7-8 hour slow cooking is crucial for developing deep, rich flavors and ensuring the meat is fall-apart tender.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine or a few cloves of garlic to the cooking liquid.
- Save the cooking liquid (au jus) - it's liquid gold! Use it for dipping or spooning over the sandwich for maximum moisture.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, reserve some of the pepperoncini juice and drizzle it over the meat.
- For a crispy texture, lightly toast the hoagie rolls before adding the beef.
- The dish tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance for meal prep.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 604kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 105mg
