Italian Beef

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Italian Beef is the ultimate sandwich for meat lovers. It’s deeply savory, incredibly tender, and packed with aromatic Italian herbs. The slow-simmered beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth soft, making every bite satisfying. It’s great for game day, family gatherings, or easy weeknight dinners. Plus, it’s customizable—pile it with giardiniera, provolone, or keep it simple.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Chuck roast or top round beef
• Beef broth
• Garlic cloves
• Onion
• Italian seasoning
• Dried oregano
• Dried basil
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• Salt and pepper
• Bay leaves
• Worcestershire sauce
• Olive oil
• Italian rolls or hoagie buns
• Giardiniera or sliced pepperoncini (optional)
• Provolone cheese (optional)

Directions

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the beef roast on all sides until browned. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same pot, sauté chopped onion and garlic until softened.
3. Add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, basil, oregano, bay leaves, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine.
4. Return the beef to the pot. Cover and simmer on low for 3–4 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender. Alternatively, cook in a slow cooker on low for 8 hours.
5. Once cooked, remove the beef, shred it with two forks, and return it to the pot to soak in the juices for at least 15 more minutes.
6. Toast Italian rolls if desired.
7. Load rolls with shredded beef, top with giardiniera, pepperoncini, or provolone cheese if using.
8. Serve sandwiches dry, dipped (quickly dunked in jus), or wet (soaked in jus).

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 6–8 sandwiches.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 3.5 to 4 hours (or 8 hours in a slow cooker)
Total time: about 4 hours

Variations

• Use sliced roast beef for a quick version, simmering it briefly in seasoned broth.
• Add bell peppers or mushrooms to the broth for extra flavor.
• Use the broth as a dipping jus for a French dip-style experience.
• Make it spicy with hot giardiniera or extra red pepper flakes.
• Try it with melted mozzarella or Swiss cheese for a different twist.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover beef in its juices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, warm the beef gently in a saucepan with the broth over low heat until heated through.
You can also microwave individual portions, covered, for 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway.
Italian Beef freezes well. Freeze shredded meat with some broth in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

What cut of beef is best for Italian Beef?

Chuck roast or top round are best, as they become tender and flavorful when slow-cooked.

Can I make Italian Beef in a slow cooker?

Yes, cook the beef on low for 8 hours or until tender, then shred and return to the juices.

Is Italian Beef spicy?

It’s not inherently spicy, but you can add heat with red pepper flakes or hot giardiniera.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Absolutely. The flavor improves as it sits in the broth. It’s great for make-ahead meals or parties.

How do I serve Italian Beef sandwiches?

On crusty rolls, either dry, dipped, or soaked in jus, often with giardiniera or cheese.

Can I use store-bought roast beef?

Yes, but simmer it briefly in seasoned broth to absorb the flavors before serving.

What’s the difference between Italian Beef and French Dip?

Italian Beef is heavily seasoned with Italian herbs and often includes spicy toppings, while French Dip is simpler and served with plain au jus.

What toppings go well with Italian Beef?

Giardiniera, pepperoncini, sautéed peppers, onions, provolone, or mozzarella are all great options.

How can I make this in an Instant Pot?

Use the sauté function to brown the beef and cook aromatics, then pressure cook on high for about 60 minutes and natural release.

Can I use the leftover broth for anything else?

Yes, it’s perfect as a dipping jus, or you can use it as a base for beef soups or stews.

Conclusion

Italian Beef is a beloved sandwich that’s as satisfying as it is simple to make. With tender, juicy meat infused with Italian herbs and spices, it’s perfect for piling onto crusty rolls with your favorite toppings. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or prepping meals ahead, this hearty dish is sure to become a go-to favorite for its unbeatable flavor and versatility.

Italian Beef

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Italian Beef is a Chicago-style sandwich featuring tender shredded beef slow-simmered in a herb-infused broth, served on crusty rolls and often topped with giardiniera or melted cheese. It’s bold, savory, and perfect for hearty meals.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 3.5 to 4 hours
• Total Time: 4 hours
• Yield: 6 to 8 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop or Slow Cooker
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

• 3–4 lbs chuck roast or top round beef
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 2 bay leaves
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• 6–8 Italian rolls or hoagie buns
• Giardiniera or sliced pepperoncini (optional)
• 6–8 slices provolone cheese (optional)

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear beef on all sides until browned. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same pot, sauté onion and garlic until softened, about 3–4 minutes.
3. Add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, basil, oregano, bay leaves, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
4. Return the beef to the pot. Cover and simmer on low for 3.5 to 4 hours, or until beef is fork-tender. Alternatively, cook in a slow cooker on low for 8 hours.
5. Remove the beef and shred it with two forks. Return shredded beef to the pot and simmer in the juices for at least 15 minutes.
6. Toast Italian rolls if desired. Load with shredded beef and top with giardiniera, pepperoncini, or provolone cheese.
7. Serve sandwiches dry, dipped, or wet, depending on your preference.

Notes

• Use sliced deli roast beef simmered briefly in the broth for a shortcut version.
• Make it spicy with extra red pepper flakes or hot giardiniera.
• Add sautéed bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor.
• Broil the sandwiches briefly to melt provolone cheese for a toasty finish.
• Great for meal prep—flavor improves after resting in the broth overnight.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 sandwich
• Calories: 540
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 960mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 38g
• Cholesterol: 110mg