My easy recipe for Crockpot Italian Beef for sandwiches is simple and delicious. This Slow Cooker Italian beef is family-friendly too!

It’s definitely the time of year when a hot meal made in the slow cooker or crockpot tastes best. That’s where this Italian beef really shines. It takes a while to cook, I’m not gonna lie…but you’re going to adore it, especially on sandwiches. Filling, savory, and maybe even a little unusual if you don’t live somewhere it’s not commonly served (like the southern US) – I honestly can’t get enough of this recipe – especially when it’s cold out.

Italian Beef

This isn’t just any Italian beef recipe…it’s sandwich-worthy Italian beef made in a crockpot or slow-cooker! If my visitors’ previous comments are anything to go by, this is going to be on constant rotation in your house ASAP.

How do I know this crockpot Italian beef recipe is good? Everyone’s told me!

“These are so good! I’ve never made my own, but I love the pulled beef with melted cheese on bread. Yummy! Thanks for the recipe!”

Here’s another one:

“Yum! These sandwiches look delicious! I love coming home to a warm, slow-cooked meal.”

Let’s dig in…

Utensils & Other Items

• A slow cooker, of course!
• A fork

Dietary note:

I’ve noticed that some Italian dressing mixes are not gluten-free, so please don’t assume the recipe is gluten-free just because you found gluten-free hoagie buns! I don’t want anyone getting sick. Always check the nutritional facts and info on the package, y’all!!

Crockpot Italian Beef: Ingredients

Serves: 5-6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 9-10 hours

Ingredients:

• 3-4lb chuck or rump roast
• 1 packet of Italian dressing mix
• ½ jar of pepperoncini juice
• 5-6 whole pepperoncini peppers
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 cups beef broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Additional Ingredients to make sandwiches:

• Provolone cheese slices
• Hoagie buns
• Sliced pepperoncini peppers

How To Make Crockpot Italian Beef

1. Place roast into the slow cooker. Add on top seasonings, peppers, pepperoncini juice, and beef broth.
2. Cover and cook for 8-10 hours or until the roast is fork-tender.
3. Remove roast from slow cooker and shred with a fork.
4. Place shredded roast back into the cooker and let stand for about an extra 30 minutes to allow the meat to absorb more flavor.
5. Slice buns in half and spoon shredded meat on to bottom bun. Top with provolone cheese and sliced peppers.

Italian Beef: Questions & Answers

If you have questions about this Italian Beef recipe, I have answers! Take a look at this section before leaving a comment if you run into trouble.

• What can you do with leftovers? Do they freeze well?

Yes, you can put leftovers of this recipe in the freezer, but that’s assuming that you have any leftovers! It’s just that good! 😉 If you don’t want to freeze it immediately, it will stay in the fridge for a day or two. You can then use any leftovers in rice or burrito bowls or reheat them for sandwiches again if you’re still craving them.

• Can you cook this on high in the crockpot so it’s ready faster?

To maintain that yummy savory tenderness, you’re going to want to cook it on low and let it cook for the 9 to 10 hours listed in the recipe. I know that makes it a slower recipe and not suitable when you need something quick to throw together…but it is very much worth it, I promise you!!

• I’ve heard of using beer instead of beef broth. Is that substitution any good?

Yes, I’ve heard that beer can be a really good substitute for beef broth and bring a whole different kind of flavor to the dish! However, I prefer beef broth as the ‘liquid’ in this recipe. Plus, it’s non-alcoholic if that is something that is important to you. 🙂

• Can you substitute the beef with another meat?

I’ve heard variations on this recipe that involve turkey or chicken. I wouldn’t follow this particular recipe, though, and instead look for one suitable for poultry…that is unless you are an expert cook and know how to change things up!! (You’ll have to adjust cooking times and all that.) I’ve even heard of people using venison if that’s your taste! I’d LOVE to hear your experiences with variations in the comments.

How did you like this recipe for slow cooker Italian Beef?

Are you excited to chow down on the best Italian Beef Sandwiches in the world? There’s seriously nothing better! Leave me a comment with your thoughts on this recipe, and if you have any questions I didn’t answer, I’d love to help you!

Check out more slow cooker recipes on Love Bakes Good Cakes!

If you want more fantastic tried-and-true slow cooker recipes, here’s a couple:

• Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers
• Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice
• Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup
• Slow Cooker Beef & Broccoli

Originally published on February 8, 2013. Updated on April 27, 2020.