Name: Italian Beef Sandwich
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-489804H41M10S
Total time: PT-489804H41M10S
Cuisine: American (Chicago‑Style)
Ingredients: 3–4 lb chuck roast or bottom round beef; 4 cups beef broth; 4 cloves garlic, minced or whole; 1 onion, sliced; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried basil; ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional); 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 6–8 hoagie rolls or Italian rolls; Giardiniera or roasted bell peppers, for topping; Provolone cheese slices (optional)

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Italian Beef Sandwich is a juicy, savory, and totally satisfying sandwich I love to make when I’m craving bold flavors and tender shredded meat. It’s made with slow-cooked beef, seasoned with Italian herbs and spices, then piled high onto a crusty roll and topped with giardiniera or sweet peppers. Whether I dip it in the cooking juices or serve it “wet,” this sandwich is always a crowd-pleaser in my kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this sandwich because it’s hearty, comforting, and surprisingly easy to make with just a little prep. The beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender after simmering in a flavorful broth, and when I stuff it into a hoagie roll and top it with tangy peppers, it turns into a meal that satisfies every time. It’s perfect for game day, weeknight dinners, or feeding a hungry crowd. Italian Beef Sandwich

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chuck roast or bottom round beef
Beef broth
Garlic (minced or whole)
Onion (sliced)
Dried oregano
Dried basil
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper
Worcestershire sauce
Hoagie or Italian rolls
Giardiniera or roasted bell peppers (for topping)
Provolone cheese (optional, for a cheesy version)

Directions

I season the beef with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil, then sear it in a hot skillet until browned on all sides.
In a slow cooker or Dutch oven, I add the beef, broth, garlic, onion, Worcestershire sauce, and red pepper flakes if using.
I cook the beef on low for 8 hours (or 3–4 hours in the oven at 325°F) until it’s fall-apart tender.
I remove the beef, shred it with forks, and return it to the juices to soak up more flavor.
To serve, I pile the shredded beef onto toasted hoagie rolls, top with giardiniera or sweet peppers, and spoon some of the hot jus over the sandwich.
If I want a cheesy version, I melt provolone over the beef before topping.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6–8 sandwiches, depending on the size of the rolls. It takes 15 minutes to prep and about 8 hours of slow cooking (or around 3–4 hours in the oven), making it ideal for make-ahead meals.

Variations

I sometimes add banana peppers or sautéed onions for more tang or sweetness.
I use a pressure cooker to cut down the cook time to just about 1 hour.
For a spicier version, I stir in hot giardiniera or chopped jalapeños.
I’ve even served it open-faced on garlic bread for a twist.
Adding sliced mushrooms or spinach turns it into a heartier sandwich meal.

Storage/Reheating

I store the shredded beef in its juices in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I warm it gently in a saucepan or slow cooker until hot. The meat also freezes well — I cool it completely, freeze in an airtight container with some of the jus, and thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Italian Beef Sandwich

FAQs

What’s the best cut of meat for Italian beef?

I use chuck roast or bottom round — both are great for slow cooking and shredding.

Can I make this in advance?

Yes — I actually think it tastes better the next day after the flavors have developed more.

Do I have to use giardiniera?

Not at all. I use roasted red peppers, banana peppers, or even pickles when I’m out of giardiniera.

What kind of bread works best?

Crusty hoagie or Italian rolls hold up well to the juicy meat. I lightly toast them so they don’t get soggy too quickly.

Can I add cheese?

Definitely. I use provolone, mozzarella, or even sharp white cheddar when I want something extra indulgent.

Conclusion

Italian Beef Sandwich is one of those hearty, no-fuss recipes that always feels special. It’s rich, flavorful, and the kind of meal I love serving to friends and family — especially when I want something that’s both easy and impressive. Whether dipped, loaded, or topped with cheese, this sandwich is always a hit.