Imagine coming home after a long day to the irresistible aroma of Italian beef wafting through your kitchen—it's the ultimate comfort food that practically cooks itself! Our Freezer Meal Italian Beef recipe is not only a deliciously satisfying dish, but it also simplifies your meal prep for those busy weeknights. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a hearty meal that serves six, perfect for family gatherings or meal planning. Ready to impress your taste buds and your loved ones? Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your home!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 3 lbs beef chuck roast
- 1 packet Italian dressing mix
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 jar pepperoncini peppers
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 6 hoagie rolls
- Provolone cheese, optional
Instructions
- Remove beef chuck roast from refrigerator and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Season the entire roast generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder, ensuring even coverage on all sides.
- Place the seasoned roast into a large slow cooker or crockpot.
- Sprinkle the entire packet of Italian dressing mix evenly over the roast.
- Pour beef broth around the sides of the roast, being careful not to wash off the seasonings.
- Add the entire jar of pepperoncini peppers, including the liquid, around and over the roast.
- Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat for 6 hours, allowing the beef to become tender and easily shreddable.
- After 6 hours, use two forks to shred the beef directly in the cooking liquid, ensuring it remains moist and flavorful.
- Toast hoagie rolls lightly if desired, then pile the shredded beef onto each roll.
- Optional: Top with provolone cheese and place under the broiler for 1-2 minutes until cheese is melted and slightly golden.
- Serve hot, spooning extra cooking liquid over the beef for added moisture and flavor.
Tips
- Choose the Right Cut: For the best flavor and tenderness, opt for a well-marbled beef chuck roast. The fat will render down during cooking, resulting in a rich, juicy beef.
- Season Generously: Don’t skimp on the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. These seasonings are key to enhancing the overall flavor of your dish.
- Layer Wisely: When adding the ingredients to your slow cooker, place the seasoned roast at the bottom, followed by the Italian dressing mix, beef broth, and finally the pepperoncini peppers. This layering helps to keep the roast moist while cooking.
- Shred with Care: After cooking, use two forks to shred the beef directly in the cooking liquid. This not only makes shredding easier but also ensures the meat stays juicy and flavorful.
- Toast Those Rolls: For an extra touch of deliciousness, toast your hoagie rolls before piling on the shredded beef. This adds a nice crunch that complements the tender meat.
- Cheese It Up: If you’re a cheese lover, don’t skip the provolone! Melting it over the beef under the broiler takes this dish to the next level of indulgence.
- Extra Flavor: Serve your sandwiches with a spoonful of the cooking liquid over the beef for added moisture and flavor—it’s the secret to making every bite unforgettable!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 110mg
