This easy Crock Pot Italian Beef Sandwich recipe makes the most amazing savory sandwiches loaded with juicy shredded meat, melted provolone cheese, and pepperoncinis or giardiniera!

If you are a serious sandwich lover, be sure to check out my Blue Bayou Monte Cristo Sandwiches, Slow Cooker Applesauce Pulled Chicken Sandwiches, and Cubanos (a delicious Cuban sandwich)!

An image of an Italian beef sandwich on a hoagie roll.

Crock Pot Italian Beef Sandwich Recipe

I hear these Italian Beef Sandwiches are crazy-popular in Illinois, which is the next state in my trip around the U.S. in my American Eats series. It’s a project where I am making and sharing some of the favorite foods of each state, one state at a time! So even though I haven’t had a chance to visit yet, I decided to make these for dinner for my family and we loved them!

Italian Beef Sandwiches are like a flavorful twist on a French dip, with pepperoncini peppers and mixed seasonings giving so much depth and flavor to this dish you’re going to wish your slow cooker had a faster speed setting, especially when you smell it cooking.

If you have an Instant Pot, you’re in luck because the fast method is included below as well! Perfect for those of us that can’t wait!

Italian beef sandwiches are super easy and hardly take any effort on your part. Who doesn’t love that? Simply throw everything in your slow cooker and let it do its magic. Within 8-10 hours, you’ll have a delicious meaty sandwich in your hands.

An image of roasted beef sandwiches with pepperoncinis and provolone cheese on hoagie buns.

Chicago Italian beef makes great leftovers too. With all of the Italian beef sandwiched between hoagie rolls, you have a very filling meal in your hands, literally.

The leftover meat can be used in other recipes, too, if you don’t want to eat sandwiches all week.

An image showing how to assemble Italian beef sandwiches with pepperoncini and giardiniera.

How to Make Italian Beef

Add the Chuck roast to the bottom of the slow cooker and then sprinkle it with the salt, pepper, garlic powder, oregano, basil, paprika, and red pepper flakes.
Cover the roast with the sliced onions and half of the jar of the sliced pepperoncini peppers, then add in the reserved pepperoncini juice, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce.
Cover and then cook on LOW for 8-10 hours or on HIGH for 5-6 hours.
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Butter and toast the rolls in the oven or in a skillet.
Shred the slow-cooked meat using two forks. It should easily fall apart.
Use tongs or a slotted spoon to transfer the meat from the juices and then place it on one side of each roll. Top the meat with the remaining pepperoncini peppers, if desired, and giardiniera. You can purchase giardiniera at the store, or make your own with this giardiniera recipe that looks really good! Cover with slices of provolone cheese, and then place the sandwiches in the oven just until the cheese has melted. Serve immediately.

How to Make Italian Beef in The Instant Pot

Set the Instant Pot to saute mode. Add in 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Sear the roast on each side for 5 to 6 minutes until browned.
Add in the seasonings, onions, pepperoncini, reserved juice, broth, and Worcestershire sauce, then cover and seal with the lid. Be sure to check that the pressure release valve is set to closed.
Set the Instant Pot to cook at HIGH pressure on manual mode for 55 minutes.
When the Instant Pot is done cooking, do a quick release and remove the lid.
Shred the meat and use to make sandwiches as instructed.

An image of a bowl of shredded Italian beef.

What Cut of Meat is Italian Beef Made From?

You can really use almost any cut of beef since this recipe is cooked for a long time at a low temperature. We typically use a beef chuck roast, but Italian beef can be made from a more tender cut of like a top or bottom cut of sirloin.

Can You Freeze Italian Beef?

If you have leftover Italian beef and don’t think you can use it up fast enough you can place it in an airtight container and keep it in your freezer. Just make sure that the meat has completely cooled before freezing. To use the frozen beef, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight and heat until safety temps have been reached.

What Side Dishes Go With an Italian Beef Sandwich?

These sandwiches would taste great if served alongside some warm homemade fries, or picnic sides such as potato salad. Even baked beans or an Italian pasta salad would be great!

And you can’t go wrong serving up Italian cream sodas to go with your sandwiches!