Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with the ultimate comfort food: Slow Cooker Italian Sandwiches! This mouthwatering recipe combines tender, shredded Italian beef with zesty pepperoncini peppers, all nestled in a warm hoagie roll and topped with gooey Provolone cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights or game day gatherings, this dish requires just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time. With a slow cooker doing all the hard work, you’ll have a hearty meal ready to impress your family and friends. Dive into this delicious Italian delight that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 8 hrs
Total Time: 8 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs Italian beef roast
- 1 jar (16 oz) pepperoncini peppers
- 1 packet Italian dressing mix
- 6 hoagie rolls
- Provolone cheese for topping
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your slow cooker. Ensure it is clean and ready for use.
- Take the 2 lbs of Italian beef roast and place it in the slow cooker. Make sure to position it so that it lays flat at the bottom.
- Open the jar of pepperoncini peppers and pour the entire contents, including the liquid, over the beef roast in the slow cooker. This will add flavor and moisture during cooking.
- Next, sprinkle the packet of Italian dressing mix evenly over the top of the beef and peppers. This will enhance the Italian flavor profile of the dish.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid securely. Set the cooker to low heat and allow it to cook for 8 hours. This slow cooking process will tenderize the beef and infuse it with the flavors of the peppers and dressing.
- After 8 hours, carefully remove the lid from the slow cooker. Use tongs to take the beef roast out and place it on a cutting board. Shred the beef using two forks, pulling it apart into bite-sized pieces.
- Return the shredded beef back into the slow cooker, mixing it with the juices and peppers to ensure the meat is well-coated.
- While the beef is still warm, prepare the hoagie rolls. Slice each roll lengthwise, but do not cut all the way through, creating a pocket for the filling.
- Using a slotted spoon, fill each hoagie roll with the shredded beef and pepper mixture, ensuring each sandwich is generously filled.
- Top each filled hoagie roll with a slice of Provolone cheese. If desired, you can place the sandwiches under a broiler for a few minutes to melt the cheese and lightly toast the rolls.
- Once the cheese is melted and the rolls are toasted to your liking, remove them from the broiler and serve immediately. Enjoy your Slow Cooker Italian Sandwiches!
Tips
- Choose the Right Cut: For the best results, opt for a well-marbled beef roast, such as chuck roast. This cut becomes incredibly tender when cooked low and slow.
- Don’t Skip the Juices: When adding the pepperoncini peppers, make sure to include the liquid from the jar. This will enhance the flavor and keep the beef moist throughout the cooking process.
- Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a bit of heat, consider adding a few extra pepperoncini or even some sliced jalapeños to the slow cooker for an extra kick.
- Shred with Ease: To easily shred the beef after cooking, let it rest for a few minutes before using two forks. This helps to retain the juices and flavor.
- Broil for Perfection: For an elevated sandwich experience, place the assembled sandwiches under the broiler for a few minutes after adding the cheese. This creates a deliciously melted topping and a lightly toasted roll.
- Serve with Sides: Pair your sandwiches with a side of chips, a fresh salad, or some garlic bread for a complete meal that everyone will love!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 580kcal
Carbohydrates: 48g
Protein: 44g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 110mg
