Ah, the slow cooker—my trusty companion during busy weeks and lazy weekends alike. It’s like a magic cauldron, transforming humble ingredients into something that warms both the belly and the soul.
Picture this: tender shreds of seasoned beef, cooked to perfection in a luxurious bath of Italian flavors.
It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel like you’re wandering through a quaint Italian street market, the aroma wrapping around you like a soft scarf. And let’s be honest, who can resist a good hoagie?
Steps
- Pat the beef roast dry using a paper towel. Mix together onion powder, black pepper, and salt, and rub this mixture all over the roast. Place the seasoned roast into the slow cooker.
- Add Italian salad dressing mix, beef broth, minced garlic, and a bay leaf to the slow cooker. Cover and cook on high for 5 to 6 hours or on low for 10 to 12 hours, until the beef is very tender and can be easily shredded with two forks.
- Once cooked, remove the bay leaf and shred the beef. Add 1 cup of pepperoncinis and sliced red bell peppers to the slow cooker. Cover and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes or on low for 1 hour.
- To assemble, place approximately 3 oz of the beef mixture onto each piece of bread. Top with a slice of provolone cheese and some of the remaining pepperoncinis.
- If desired, broil the sandwiches for 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts. Serve with the remaining cooking liquid as a dip for the sandwiches, if desired.
Ingredients
- 3 pounds beef top round roast, trimmed of fat
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 teaspoons Italian salad dressing mix (or homemade alternative)
- 3 cups low sodium beef broth
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 bay leaf
- 16-ounce jar pepperoncini
- 2 red bell peppers, sliced into thin strips
- 8 pieces of 2-ounce whole wheat Italian or French bread (or gluten-free option)
- 8 slices of Sargento Provolone Ultra Thin cheese
Nutritional Values
Calories: 3536 kcal | Carbohydrates: 296 g | Protein: 392 g | Fat: 92 g | Cholesterol: 928 mg | Sodium: 6984 mg | Fiber: 32 g | Sugar: 28 g
FAQ
- What type of meat is used for the Italian Beef Hoagies?
- The recipe calls for 3 pounds of beef top round roast, which should be trimmed of fat before cooking.
- How long does it take to cook the Italian Beef Hoagies in a slow cooker?
- When using a slow cooker, the beef can be cooked on high for 5 to 6 hours or on low for 10 to 12 hours until it is very tender and easy to shred.
- Can I use a different type of bread for this recipe?
- Yes, you can use whole wheat Italian or French bread, or even opt for gluten-free bread if preferred.
- What additional ingredients are added to the slow cooker with the beef?
- In addition to the beef, onion powder, black pepper, salt, Italian salad dressing mix, low sodium beef broth, minced garlic, a bay leaf, pepperoncini, and red bell peppers are added for flavor.
- How can I enhance the presentation of the hoagies?
- To enhance the presentation, you can place the bread under the broiler for 2-3 minutes to melt the cheese before serving.
Tips
- For a richer flavor, consider browning the beef roast in a skillet before placing it in the slow cooker. This step can help enhance the depth of flavor in the final dish.
- If you prefer a spicier sandwich, add more pepperoncini or include some of the pepperoncini juice when adding the peppers to the slow cooker.
- To ensure the cheese melts perfectly, place the assembled sandwiches under the broiler for 2-3 minutes before serving. This will give them a nice, gooey finish.
- Serve any leftover cooking liquid as a dipping sauce for the sandwiches. This adds an extra layer of flavor and keeps the hoagies moist and delicious.
Equipment
- Slow Cooker: Specifically, a 6 Quart Hamilton Beach Set ‘n Forget Programmable Slow Cooker is mentioned in the recipe.
- Meat Thermometer Probe: If not included with your slow cooker, this can be useful to ensure the meat is cooked to the desired temperature.
