Tiffany Haney
Italian Beef is a signature beef sandwich of Chicago, and a slow cooker is a great way to make it. It is easy to make, inexpensive, and a crowd-pleaser. The beef is cooked in its own juices with a blend of Italian spices, pepperoncini, and pickled vegetables. It can be served on crusty rolls or buns with cheese and additional toppings. The recipe can be tweaked by adding red wine or beef bouillon cubes to intensify the flavor. It can also be made low-carb by serving it with cauliflower rice.
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right cut of beef
Type of Roast
A chuck roast is the most commonly recommended cut for Italian beef. It comes from the shoulder of the animal and has a good balance of marbling, resulting in juicy and flavourful meat after slow cooking. You can also opt for an arm roast, which comes from the upper arm of the animal and has a similar fat content to the chuck roast.
Marbling and Fat Content
Look for a cut with nice marbling, which means a good distribution of fat throughout the meat. This fat will render and baste the meat during the long cooking process, keeping it moist and adding flavour. Avoid cuts with a large fat cap, as this can be trimmed before cooking to reduce excess fat.
Size and Shape
Italian beef is often shredded after cooking, so choose a cut that can be cut into large chunks. This will allow the meat to hold its shape during the slow cooking process while still becoming tender enough to shred easily.
Quality and Source
Whenever possible, opt for high-quality, locally sourced beef. The specific cut and preparation methods can vary depending on regional preferences, so consider the type of Italian beef you are aiming for. For example, if you are making Chicago-style Italian beef, you may want to choose a cut that is typically used in that region.
Personal Preference
Ultimately, the "right" cut of beef may depend on your personal taste and dietary preferences. If you prefer a leaner dish, you can choose a cut with less fat and adjust your cooking method accordingly. If you are serving a large group, consider the size and availability of the cut to ensure you have enough meat for your guests.
Remember, the beauty of Italian beef is that it is a versatile and forgiving dish. Don't stress too much over the specific cut; with the right cooking techniques and seasonings, you can turn a variety of beef cuts into delicious, mouthwatering Italian beef.
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Preparing the beef
Once the beef is at room temperature, cut it into large chunks. Next, stir your seasonings and a pinch of salt, and sprinkle them over the beef chunks. You can also add other spices such as Italian herbs, white pepper, or garlic powder to taste.
If you're making Italian beef sandwiches, you can add a cup of red wine to the beef broth to help dissolve the connective tissue of the meat, intensifying the flavor. You can also add beef bouillon cubes to the broth for extra flavor. If you're using bottled jars of sauce, simply dump them into the slow cooker with the beef chunks and let it cook.
Finally, add the seasoned beef, pepperoncini peppers, giardiniera, and beef broth to the slow cooker. You can also add chopped garlic and onion for extra flavor. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for at least 10 hours, or until the beef is tender and shreds easily.
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Making the spice mix
To make the spice mix, you will need a variety of dried herbs and spices, including oregano, basil, parsley, onion powder or salt, garlic powder, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. You can also add red pepper flakes or crushed red pepper for an extra kick. These herbs and spices are commonly found in Italian cuisine and will add a depth of flavor to your dish.
Start by measuring out equal amounts of each herb and spice. For example, you might use two teaspoons of each ingredient for a standard-sized batch. Mix the dried herbs and spices together in a small bowl, stirring well to ensure they are evenly combined. You can do this step ahead of time and store your spice mix in an airtight container until you are ready to cook.
When you are ready to use the spice mix, simply sprinkle it over your beef before placing it in the crock pot. You can also add other ingredients like pepperoncini peppers, giardiniera, and beef broth to enhance the flavor. The spice mix will infuse into the meat as it slow cooks, resulting in a juicy and tender Italian beef dish.
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Cooking the beef
To cook Italian beef in a crock pot, start by cutting the beef into large chunks. Let the meat rest at room temperature for about an hour. Stir seasonings and salt together and sprinkle them over the beef. You can also add canned pepperoncini peppers, giardiniera, and beef broth to the crock pot.
Cover the crock pot and cook the beef on low for at least 9-10 hours, or until the beef is tender and shreds easily. If you want to cook it for longer, you can leave it for up to 12 hours. Once the beef is tender, shred it with two forks, discarding any excess fat. Return the shredded beef to the crock pot and turn the slow cooker to warm. Keep the beef warm until you are ready to serve.
You can serve the beef on its own or with Italian bread and pickled jalapenos for some extra spice. It also goes well with rice, eggs, or in Italian beef soup.
If you want to reheat the beef, you can place it in a slow cooker with 1/4 cup of water or beef broth and cook it on low for 8 hours. Alternatively, you can defrost the beef in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it in a large pot on medium-low heat for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
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$21.12
Serving suggestions
Slow-cooked Italian beef is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions to get you started:
Sandwiches
The classic way to serve Italian beef is on a bun or roll with Provolone or mozzarella cheese. Toasted hoagie buns are a popular choice, and you can top the sandwich with pepperoncini peppers, Giardiniera (a type of relish made with pickled vegetables), and the juices from the crockpot. This sandwich is often served with a side of the jus for dipping.
Over Rice or Cauliflower Rice
For a gluten-free option, serve the Italian beef over rice or cauliflower rice. This is a perfect way to accommodate guests with dietary restrictions.
With Potatoes
Italian beef also pairs well with potatoes. Try serving it with crockpot baked potatoes, instant pot mashed potatoes, or sweet potatoes for a delicious and hearty meal.
Italian Appetizer
To enhance the Italian flavours of the dish, serve it with an Italian appetizer such as mozzarella cheese sticks.
Breakfast
Italian beef can also be served for breakfast. Try it with eggs for a savoury start to your day.
Italian Beef Soup
If you're looking for a comforting dish, Italian beef soup is a great option. The slow-cooked beef will add a depth of flavour to your soup.
Sides and Condiments
Pickled jalapeños, homemade canned pepperoncini peppers, and Giardiniera are all great condiments to serve with Italian beef. They add a spicy kick and extra flavour to the dish.
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Frequently asked questions
Italian beef is a slow-cooked roast that is traditionally served as a sandwich. It originated in Chicago and is made with thin slices of seasoned roast beef that have been simmered and served on a long Italian-style roll.
To cook Italian beef in a crock pot, you will need to combine beef broth with salt, ground black pepper, oregano, basil, onion salt, parsley, garlic powder, bay leaf, and salad dressing mix in a saucepan. Stir well and bring to a boil. Place the roast in the slow cooker, pour the mixture over the meat, cover, and cook on low for 10 to 12 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours. Once the meat is cooked, shred it with a fork and put it back into the juices to keep warm.
Leftover Italian beef can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the beef in a Dutch oven on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave. You can also freeze the beef in an airtight freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
