Italian Beef Sandwich
January 31, 2025 • 0 comments
This classic Italian Beef recipe features tender, slow-cooked shredded beef, flavored with garlic, oregano, black pepper, and sweet peppers. Cook the beef in a crockpot with soup bones or chuck roast for 4-8 hours until it falls apart. Shred the meat, simmer it with the reserved broth and seasonings, and serve it on toasted French bread. Top with provolone or mozzarella cheese, sweet peppers, and optional giardiniera for a flavorful sandwich. Perfect for dipping in the rich beef broth!
- Prep Time:
- Cook Time:
- Servings: 4-4
Ingredients
- (4) Beef Soup Bones
- (1) Beef Chuck Roast
Directions
Ingredients
- Beef: 4-5 packages of beef soup bones or 1 chuck roast (about 3-4 lbs).
- Garlic: 3-30 cloves (adjust to taste).
- Onion: 1 medium onion, chopped.
- Seasonings:
- 2 tbsp granulated garlic (optional).
- 2 tbsp sea salt or kosher salt.
- 3 tbsp black pepper.
- 4 tbsp oregano.
- Broth: 2-3 cups beef broth (from cooking the beef).
- Peppers: 1-2 large green or sweet peppers, sliced.
- Bread: 1 loaf of French bread, homemade or store-bought.
- Cheese (optional): 2-6 slices of provolone or mozzarella.
- Giardiniera (optional): 4 tbsp hot or mild, for added spice and flavor.
Instructions
- Cook the Beef:
- Place soup bones or chuck roast in a large crockpot. Add enough water to cover the meat.
- Cook on high for 4-8 hours until the meat easily shreds and falls off the bones.
- Prepare the Beef:
- Remove the meat and bones from the pot and let them cool enough to handle.
- Separate the meat from the bones, fat, and connective tissue. Shred the meat into thin pieces.
- Set aside the bones for broth or discard them.
- Skim the Broth (Optional):
- Pour the leftover broth into a container and refrigerate for 2-3 hours to skim off excess fat. Alternatively, leave the broth as is for richer flavor.
- Combine Meat and Broth:
- Return the shredded beef to the crockpot. Add 2-3 cups of the reserved broth.
- Add Peppers and Seasonings:
- Slice the peppers and add them to the pot.
- Mix in salt, black pepper, granulated garlic, and oregano. Stir well.
- Cook on low or medium for 1 more hour to tenderize the peppers and allow the flavors to meld.
- Prepare the Bread:
- Slice the French bread lengthwise and lightly toast.
- Optional: Spread a little butter and sprinkle with granulated garlic for added flavor.
- Assemble the Sandwich:
- Pile the shredded beef onto the toasted bread.
- Top with sliced cheese, sweet peppers, and giardiniera (if desired).
- Serve:
- Serve hot with a side of the leftover broth for dipping, if desired.
Tips for the Best Italian Beef
- For a richer flavor, roast the beef or brown it in a pan before adding it to the crockpot.
- Use high-quality beef broth or add a splash of red wine for an extra depth of flavor.
- Customize the heat by adjusting the amount of giardiniera.
Enjoy your delicious, hearty Italian Beef sandwiches!
