Slow Cooker Italian Beef Hoagies
Slow Cooker Italian Beef Hoagies
Slow Cooker Italian Beef Hoagies are a delicious and hearty meal that you can easily make at home. This recipe combines tender, flavorful beef with bell peppers and zesty pepperoncini, all served on warm bread with melted provolone cheese. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in, this easy dish will become a favorite in your household.
Why Make This Recipe
There are many reasons to make Slow Cooker Italian Beef Hoagies. First, using a slow cooker means you can set it and forget it, allowing you to focus on other tasks. The flavors in this dish get better as they cook, making the beef tender and packed with taste. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleasing meal that’s great for parties, game days, or casual dinners. You can also customize it to suit your family’s preferences!
How to Make Slow Cooker Italian Beef Hoagies
Ingredients
- 3 lbs beef top round roast, trimmed of fat
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 teaspoons Italian salad dressing mix
- 3 cups low sodium beef broth
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 bay leaf
- 16 oz jar pepperoncini
- 2 red bell peppers, cut into thin strips
- 8 pieces whole wheat Italian or French bread or gluten-free bread
- 8 slices Sargento Provolone Ultra Thin
- 4 teaspoons homemade Italian seasoning (optional)
- 1 1/2 tbsp garlic powder (optional)
- 1 1/2 tbsp onion powder (optional)
- 1 tbsp sugar or stevia (optional)
- 2 tbsp dried parsley (optional)
- 1 tbsp dried oregano (optional)
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme (optional)
- 1 tsp dried basil (optional)
- 1 tbsp salt (optional)
- 2 tsp black pepper (optional)
Directions
- Pat the roast dry with a paper towel. Combine the onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Rub this mixture all over the roast. Then place it into the slow cooker.
- Add the Italian salad dressing mix, beef broth, minced garlic, and bay leaf. Cover and cook on high for 5 to 6 hours or low for 10 to 12 hours until the beef is very tender and can be shredded easily with two forks.
- Once done, remove the bay leaf and shred the beef in the slow cooker. Add 1 cup of the pepperoncini and the thinly sliced bell peppers. Cover and cook on high for another 30 minutes or low for 1 hour.
- To serve, take each piece of bread and add about 3 oz of the meat mixture. Top with 1 slice of cheese and some of the remaining pepperoncini. You can serve the leftover liquid as a dip for the sandwich if you like. If you want melted cheese, place the bread under the broiler for 2-3 minutes.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Italian Beef Hoagies
Serve your Slow Cooker Italian Beef Hoagies hot with a side of chips or a salad. They are perfect for a casual meal or a hearty snack at parties. You can also set up a buffet-style feast, letting everyone build their own hoagie with their favorite toppings!
How to Store Slow Cooker Italian Beef Hoagies
Store any leftover beef mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can warm it up in the microwave when you want to enjoy it again. For longer storage, you can freeze the beef mixture in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Tips to Make Slow Cooker Italian Beef Hoagies
- Always trim excess fat from the roast to avoid greasy sandwiches.
- For added flavor, try marinating the beef overnight with the Italian salad dressing mix.
- Don’t skip the bay leaf; it adds great flavor to the broth.
- Adjust the amount of pepperoncini based on your spice preference.
Variation
You can customize this recipe by adding different vegetables like mushrooms or carrots. Also, try using other types of cheese, such as mozzarella or cheddar, if you want to change things up!
FAQs
1. Can I use a different cut of meat?
Yes, you can use cuts like chuck roast or brisket, but the cooking time may vary.
2. Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free bread and ensure that the Italian salad dressing mix does not contain gluten.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the beef in advance and store it in the fridge or freezer. Just heat it up before serving!
Enjoy your Slow Cooker Italian Beef Hoagies! They are sure to be a hit whether it’s for a family dinner or a gathering with friends.
Slow Cooker Italian Beef Hoagies
Ingredients
For the Beef
- 3 lbs beef top round roast, trimmed of fat Use a good quality cut for the best flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 teaspoons Italian salad dressing mix
- 3 cups low sodium beef broth
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
For the Vegetables and Bread
- 16 oz jar pepperoncini Adjust amount based on spice preference.
- 2 red bell peppers , cut into thin strips
- 8 pieces whole wheat Italian or French bread or gluten-free bread
For the Cheese and Optional Seasonings
- 8 slices Sargento Provolone Ultra Thin
- 4 teaspoons homemade Italian seasoning (optional)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons garlic powder (optional)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons onion powder (optional)
- 1 tablespoon sugar or stevia (optional)
- 2 tablespoons dried parsley (optional)
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried basil (optional)
- 1 tablespoon salt (optional)
- 2 teaspoons black pepper (optional)
Instructions
Preparation
- Pat the roast dry with a paper towel.
- Combine the onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Rub this mixture all over the roast.
- Place the roast into the slow cooker.
- Add the Italian salad dressing mix, beef broth, minced garlic, and bay leaf.
Cooking
- Cover and cook on high for 5 to 6 hours or low for 10 to 12 hours until the beef is very tender and can be shredded easily with two forks.
- Once done, remove the bay leaf and shred the beef in the slow cooker.
- Add 1 cup of the pepperoncini and the thinly sliced bell peppers. Cover and cook on high for another 30 minutes or low for 1 hour.
Serving
- To serve, take each piece of bread and add about 3 oz of the meat mixture.
- Top with 1 slice of cheese and some of the remaining pepperoncini.
- For melted cheese, place the bread under the broiler for 2-3 minutes.
