I’m always looking for dinners that feel hearty and comforting but don’t require me to hover over the stove all afternoon.
Between work, errands, and everything else going on at home, dinner needs to basically cook itself.
That’s exactly why this slow cooker Italian beef has become one of my most-used recipes.
It’s rich, juicy, and full of flavor, yet takes just a few minutes to throw together.
If you’ve ever wanted a dinner that makes the house smell amazing and guarantees everyone asks for seconds, this is it.
In this post, you’ll get the full ingredient list, simple step by step instructions, and easy tips to make this Italian beef perfect for sandwiches, bowls, or leftovers the next day.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Italian Beef
Gather your main ingredients for bold flavor:
- 3 to 4 pounds beef roast (chuck, blade, or round recommended)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 packet Italian dressing mix or garlic herb seasoning
- 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
- 1 jar pepperoncini peppers with juice
Have these ready for serving
- Sub or hoagie buns
- Provolone, havarti, or mozzarella cheese
How to Make Italian Beef in the Slow Cooker
Start by seasoning the beef right in the slow cooker
Place the beef roast into a 4 to 6 quart slow cooker.
Sprinkle it generously on all sides with the Italian dressing mix or garlic herb seasoning, plus a pinch of salt and black pepper.
This is where all that cozy Italian flavor starts.
Pour in the broth and pepperoncini brine for juicy results
Pour the low-sodium beef broth into the bottom of the slow cooker.
Add about half a cup of the brine from the pepperoncini jar to boost flavor and tenderness.
Then scatter half a cup of sliced pepperoncini peppers right on top of the roast.
If you’re cooking for kids or prefer it mild, you can skip the peppers and just use the brine.
Let the slow cooker work its magic all day
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 10 to 11 hours, until the beef is fall-apart tender and shreds easily with a fork.
If you need it done a bit sooner, cut the roast into 3 or 4 smaller pieces and cook for about 8 hours instead.
Shred, soak, and serve it your way
Shred the beef directly in the juices so it stays extra flavorful and moist.
Pile it onto crispy sub or hoagie buns, add provolone, havarti, or mozzarella, and top with extra pepperoncini if you like.
You can also serve it as a bowl or keep it simple with just the meat and juices.
And try it with my delicious sheet pan roasted potatoes and green beans or my Italian pasta salad for hot days.
Easy Slow Cooker Dinner for Busy Nights
This slow cooker Italian beef is one of those recipes that saves dinner without feeling boring. It’s rich, comforting, and perfect for feeding a crowd or stretching across a few meals during the week.
I love knowing I can toss everything in earlier in the day and come back to a meal that feels like I actually tried.
If you need a dependable slow cooker recipe that works for weeknights, weekends, and leftovers, this one deserves a spot in your rotation.
For more ideas, check out my Italian chicken crockpot recipe and my Italian sausage and peppers dinner idea.
