Italian Beef Sandwich (Print Version)

Tender slow-cooked beef with spicy giardiniera and au jus on crisp Italian rolls.

# What You Need:

→ Beef

01 - 3 lbs beef chuck roast
02 - 1 tbsp olive oil
03 - 1 tsp kosher salt
04 - 1/2 tsp black pepper

→ Cooking Liquid

05 - 2 cups beef broth
06 - 1 cup water
07 - 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
08 - 1 tbsp dried Italian seasoning
09 - 1 tsp garlic powder
10 - 1 tsp onion powder
11 - 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
12 - 1 bay leaf

→ For Serving

13 - 6 Italian sandwich rolls or hoagie rolls
14 - 1 1/2 cups hot giardiniera, drained
15 - 1 cup roasted sweet bell peppers (optional)
16 - Extra au jus from pot, for dipping

# How To Make It:

01 - Pat the beef chuck roast dry using paper towels and season evenly with kosher salt and black pepper.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or slow cooker insert over medium-high heat. Sear the beef on all sides until browned, approximately 3 to 4 minutes per side.
03 - Pour in beef broth, water, Worcestershire sauce, dried Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, crushed red pepper flakes if using, and bay leaf into the pot with the beef.
04 - Bring the liquid to a simmer, then cover. For oven braising, transfer to a 325°F oven and cook for 4 hours, turning once halfway through, until the beef is tender. For slow cooking, cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours.
05 - Remove the beef and place it on a cutting board to rest for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, skim excess fat from the cooking liquid.
06 - Using two forks, shred the beef, discarding any large pieces of fat. Return the shredded beef to the pot to soak in the juices.
07 - Split the sandwich rolls and toast lightly if desired.
08 - Pile hot shredded beef onto each split roll, spooning au jus over the meat.
09 - Top sandwiches generously with giardiniera and, if desired, roasted sweet bell peppers.
10 - Serve sandwiches with extra au jus on the side for dipping.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The meat becomes so tender it dissolves on your tongue, and that silky au jus is where all the magic lives.
  • Giardiniera brings a sharp, spicy brightness that cuts through the richness and makes you reach for another bite immediately.
  • It's honestly hard to mess up—the slow cooker does most of the thinking while you go about your day.
02 -
  • The most transformative move is dunking your roll into that au jus for just a second before you pile the meat on—it sounds wild but the bread becomes this savory, juicy carrier that holds everything together.
  • Giardiniera quality varies wildly between brands, so taste it first; some are brutally hot while others are milder, and you want to choose based on what you're serving and who you're serving it to.
03 -
  • Make the beef the day before and refrigerate it in its liquid—the fat will solidify on top and you can skim it off easily, plus the flavors deepen overnight.
  • That leftover au jus is liquid gold; save it and use it for dipping, for making gravy, or even for quickening other braised dishes.
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