If you’re craving a hearty, flavor-packed sandwich that practically cooks itself, these Crock Pot Italian Beef Sandwiches are the ultimate easy dinner solution. Tender chuck roast slow cooks for 10 hours with Italian seasoning, pepperoncini, giardiniera, and savory beef broth until it’s melt-in-your-mouth delicious. This 5-ingredient slow cooker recipe is perfect for busy weekdays, game day gatherings, or feeding a crowd with minimal effort. Just shred, pile onto buns, add provolone, and enjoy a bold, juicy sandwich that tastes like it came straight from a Chicago deli.
table of contents
Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 hours
- Total Time: 10 hours 20 minutes
- Servings: 8 sandwiches
Ingredients List
- 3 lb chuck roast, trimmed and cut into large pieces
- 1 envelope Italian salad dressing mix
- 8 oz pepperoncini pepper slices + splash of juice (plus extra for serving)
- 8 oz Chicago-style giardiniera, drained (plus extra for serving)
- 14.5 oz can beef broth
- 8 provolone cheese slices
- 8 sandwich buns or hoagie rolls
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.
- 6-quart Crock Pot (slow cooker)
- Tongs
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring spoon
- Forks (for shredding)
- Serving spoon
Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions
1️⃣ Layer the Ingredients
Place trimmed chuck roast pieces into the bottom of your 6-quart Crock Pot.
Sprinkle the Italian dressing mix evenly over the beef.
Add pepperoncini slices with a splash of juice, drained giardiniera, and pour beef broth around the meat.
Lift roast pieces slightly to allow broth underneath.
2️⃣ Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover with lid and cook on LOW for 9 hours.
The beef is ready when it shreds easily with a fork and feels fall-apart tender. 🥩
Shred directly in the crock pot using two forks.
Return shredded meat to the juices and cook on LOW for 1 additional hour to soak up flavor.
3️⃣ Assemble the Sandwiches 🥖
Split buns in half.
Scoop generous portions of shredded beef onto each bun.
Top with provolone cheese slices.
If desired, place under broiler for 1–2 minutes until cheese melts (watch carefully!).
Top with extra pepperoncini and giardiniera for bold flavor and serve warm.
Pro Tips
- Make Ahead: Cook beef a day ahead. Refrigerate in juices and reheat before serving.
- Freezer Friendly: Freeze shredded beef (without buns) up to 3 months.
- Extra Juicy Option: Dip buns lightly into cooking juices before adding meat.
- Spice Level: Add extra pepperoncini juice for more heat.
Nutrition Table
| Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 sandwich | 532 | 48g | 28g | 37g | 1g | 1g |
Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.
Crock Pot Italian Beef Sandwiches
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Place the chuck roast in the crock pot and sprinkle evenly with the Italian dressing mix.
- Add pepperoncini peppers, giardiniera, and beef broth around the roast.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 9 hours until the beef is fork-tender.
- Shred the beef directly in the crock pot and cook for 1 additional hour to absorb flavors.
- Serve the shredded beef on sandwich buns topped with provolone cheese.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Conclusion
These Crock Pot Italian Beef Sandwiches prove that simple ingredients can create bold, unforgettable flavor. With minimal prep and hands-off cooking, this slow cooker dinner is perfect for busy families, gatherings, or meal prep. Tender, juicy, and packed with classic Italian flavors, this sandwich recipe is guaranteed to become a repeat favorite.