Italian Beef Sandwiches Recipe
Introduction
Italian Beef Sandwiches are a flavorful and hearty meal perfect for any occasion. Tender, slow-cooked beef combines with bell peppers, provolone cheese, and spicy pepperoncini to create a deliciously satisfying sandwich. This recipe is simple to prepare using a crock-pot and makes for an easy, comforting dinner.

Ingredients
- 2 cups low sodium beef broth
- 1 packet au jus gravy mix
- 2.5 lbs top round roast
- 3 bell peppers, cut into strips
- 1 0.7-oz pack Italian salad dressing mix
- 8 hoagie rolls
- 8 slices provolone cheese
- 16 jar sliced pepperoncini
Instructions
- Step 1: Mix the beef broth and au jus gravy mix together in your crock-pot. Add the top round roast and sliced bell peppers, then sprinkle the Italian salad dressing mix over the top.
- Step 2: Cover and cook on high for 4 to 5 hours or on low for 8 to 10 hours until the beef is tender.
- Step 3: Remove the roast from the crock-pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded meat to the crock-pot to soak up the juices.
- Step 4: To assemble the sandwiches, lay a slice of provolone cheese on the bottom half of each hoagie roll, top with the shredded beef and peppers, then add two pepperoncini slices on top.
- Step 5: Optionally, drizzle some of the cooking liquid over the top half of the sub roll or serve the broth on the side for dipping.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, caramelize the bell peppers before adding them to the crock-pot.
- Use sandwich rolls of your choice if hoagie rolls are unavailable, such as ciabatta or French rolls.
- Add sliced onions with the peppers for added sweetness and texture.
- Serve with a side of pickled vegetables or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
Storage
Store leftover shredded beef and peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the sandwich rolls and cheeses separate until ready to serve. Reheat the beef mixture gently in the microwave or on the stove with a little broth to keep it moist. Assemble sandwiches fresh for best taste.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Yes, other cuts like chuck roast or brisket can be used, but cooking times may vary depending on the cut and size.
Is it okay to skip the pepperoncini if I don’t like spicy foods?
Absolutely. You can omit the pepperoncini or substitute with mild pickled peppers or sautéed sweet peppers for a milder flavor.
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Italian Beef Sandwiches Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes to 10 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 sandwiches 1x
Description
Delicious and hearty Italian Beef Sandwiches made with tender slow-cooked top round roast, savory au jus gravy, bell peppers, and pepperoncini, all layered on hoagie rolls with melted provolone cheese. Perfect for a satisfying meal with a flavorful Italian twist.
Ingredients
Broth and Seasoning
- 2 cups low sodium beef broth
- 1 packet au jus gravy mix
- 1 (0.7 oz) pack Italian salad dressing mix
Meat and Vegetables
- 2.5 lbs top round roast
- 3 bell peppers, cut into strips
Sandwich Assembly
- 8 hoagie rolls
- 8 slices provolone cheese
- 16 jar sliced pepperoncini
Instructions
- Prepare the Broth and Seasoning: In your crock-pot, mix together 2 cups of low sodium beef broth and 1 packet of au jus gravy mix until well combined. This will serve as the flavorful cooking liquid for the beef.
- Add the Roast and Peppers: Place the 2.5 lb top round roast into the crock-pot along with the sliced bell peppers. Sprinkle the entire roast and peppers evenly with the Italian salad dressing mix to infuse Italian flavors.
- Slow Cook the Roast: Cover the crock-pot and cook on high for 4 to 5 hours or on low for 8 to 10 hours. This slow cooking process will tenderize the beef perfectly and allow the flavors to meld.
- Shred the Beef: Once cooked, carefully remove the roast from the crock-pot and shred the meat thoroughly using two forks. Return the shredded beef back into the crock-pot to soak up some of the juices.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Slice the hoagie rolls and lay a slice of provolone cheese on the bottom half of each roll. Top with a generous portion of the shredded beef and cooked bell peppers, then add two slices of pepperoncini on top of each sandwich.
- Serve: Optionally, drizzle a little of the flavorful cooking liquid onto the top half of the rolls or serve the au jus broth in small bowls on the side for dipping. Enjoy your Italian Beef Sandwiches warm!
Notes
- For extra flavor, soak the sandwich rolls in the au jus broth before assembling.
- You can substitute the top round roast with a chuck roast if preferred for a richer taste.
- Adjust the amount of pepperoncini according to your spice tolerance.
- These sandwiches are best served fresh but leftovers can be reheated gently with the broth to maintain moisture.
- Use low sodium broth to better control the saltiness of the dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 to 5 hours (high) or 8 to 10 hours (low)
- Category: Sandwiches
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: Italian beef sandwiches, slow cooker beef, au jus sandwiches, hoagie sandwiches, Italian beef, provolone cheese sandwich

