Slow Cooker Chicago-style Italian Beef Sandwiches
Indulge in the authentic flavors of Chicago with these Slow Cooker Italian Beef Sandwiches. Perfectly seasoned and slow-cooked to perfection, this dish boasts tender, flavorful beef that melts in your mouth, all drenched in a rich, savory broth. Serve it on crusty Italian bread or toasted hoagies for a delightful lunch or snack. A tip for maximum flavor: don't drain the delicious cooking liquid before piling the beef high on your rolls! As the locals say, 'the wetter, the better' — and this recipe delivers exactly that. Perfect for feeding a crowd, it's an ideal choice for game days or gatherings. Enjoy the taste of Chicago in your home!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
salt
1 teaspoon (none)
black pepper, ground
1 teaspoon (none)
oregano
1 teaspoon (none)
basil
1 teaspoon (none)
onion salt
1 teaspoon (none)
water or broth
2-3 cups (none)
parsley
1 teaspoon (none)
garlic powder
1 teaspoon (none)
bay leaf
1 (none)
Italian salad dressing mix
1 (2/3 ounce) package (none)
rump roast or chuck roast
5 lbs (none)
beef bouillon cubes
3, optional (none)
green pepper, sliced
1, optional (sliced)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the salt, black pepper, oregano, basil, onion salt, water (or broth), parsley, garlic powder, and bay leaf. Stir the mixture well and bring it just to a boil.
2
Place the roast in your slow cooker and pour the seasoned liquid mixture over the meat, ensuring it is well coated.
3
Cover the slow cooker and cook on the low setting for 10-12 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until the meat is thoroughly cooked and tender.
4
Once cooked, remove the bay leaf and shred the beef using two forks. Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker, allowing it to soak in the savory juices for an additional hour.
5
For an extra burst of flavor, add the bouillon cubes and sliced green pepper during the last 45 minutes of cooking (omit bouillon if using broth).
6
Serve the shredded beef on Italian bread or toasted hoagies, making sure to include plenty of the delicious broth for the ultimate flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of beef is best for this recipe?
You can use either a 5 lb rump roast or a chuck roast for these sandwiches.
How long should I cook the beef on the low setting?
The beef should be cooked on the low setting for 10-12 hours until it is thoroughly cooked and tender.
What is the cooking time if I use the high setting on my slow cooker?
If you are short on time, you can cook the beef on high for 4-5 hours.
Should I drain the cooking liquid before serving?
No, do not drain the liquid. For maximum flavor, pile the beef high on rolls with plenty of the delicious broth, following the 'wetter, the better' tip.
What kind of bread is recommended for these sandwiches?
It is best served on crusty Italian bread or toasted hoagies.
When should I add the bouillon cubes?
Add the bouillon cubes during the last 45 minutes of cooking, but only if you used water instead of broth initially.
How do I shred the beef?
Once the meat is cooked and the bay leaf is removed, use two forks to shred the beef directly.
Is it necessary to soak the shredded beef after cooking?
Yes, after shredding, return the beef to the slow cooker to soak in the savory juices for an additional hour.
Can I add vegetables to this Italian beef?
Yes, you can add one sliced green pepper during the last 45 minutes of cooking for an extra burst of flavor.
What spices are included in the seasoning mix?
The mix consists of salt, black pepper, oregano, basil, onion salt, parsley, and garlic powder.
How much water or broth is required for the recipe?
You will need 2-3 cups of water or broth to create the cooking liquid.
Do I need to boil the seasoning mixture before adding it to the slow cooker?
Yes, combine the seasonings and liquid in a saucepan and bring it just to a boil before pouring it over the meat.
What size package of Italian salad dressing mix is needed?
The recipe calls for one 2/3 ounce package of Italian salad dressing mix.
How much salt is used in this recipe?
The recipe requires 1 teaspoon of salt.
How much black pepper should I add?
You should add 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper.
Is oregano part of the ingredient list?
Yes, the recipe uses 1 teaspoon of oregano.
How much basil is included?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of basil.
What amount of onion salt is required?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of onion salt.
Does the recipe call for parsley?
Yes, it includes 1 teaspoon of parsley.
How much garlic powder is used for the seasoning?
The recipe requires 1 teaspoon of garlic powder.
Do I leave the bay leaf in the beef while serving?
No, you should remove the bay leaf after cooking and before shredding the meat.
What is the total weight of the meat used?
The recipe uses 5 lbs of rump roast or chuck roast.
Is this recipe good for large gatherings?
Yes, it is perfect for feeding a crowd and is an ideal choice for game days or large gatherings.
Can this be eaten as a snack?
Yes, these sandwiches are suitable for a delightful lunch or a hearty snack.
How should I ensure the meat is well coated in the slow cooker?
Pour the seasoned liquid mixture directly over the roast in the slow cooker to ensure it is well coated.
What is the secret to an authentic Chicago-style sandwich?
The secret is keeping the beef very wet with the cooking broth, as locals say 'the wetter, the better'.
How many bouillon cubes are recommended if using them?
The recipe suggests 3 optional beef bouillon cubes.
Are the green peppers mandatory?
No, the sliced green peppers are optional for those who want an extra burst of flavor.
What should the texture of the beef be like?
The beef should be tender and flavorful, to the point where it melts in your mouth.
Should the hoagies be prepared in any special way?
The instructions recommend using toasted hoagies for the best experience.