SLOW-COOKER ITALIAN BEEF SANDWICHES

Slow-Cooker Italian Beef Sandwiches image

I have fond memories of my mother in the kitchen preparing her amazing beef dip sandwiches. They always made our house smell like an Old World Italian restaurant. And as good as the aroma was, somehow the taste was even better! Set out a jar of giardiniera for spooning on top. -Kira Vosk, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 16

Ingredients

4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 boneless beef chuck eye or other boneless beef chuck roast (4 to 5 pounds)
2-1/4 teaspoons salt, divided
2-1/4 teaspoons pepper, divided
2 small onions, coarsely chopped
9 garlic cloves, chopped
3/4 cup dry red wine
4 cups beef stock
3 fresh thyme sprigs
4 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1-1/2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes
4 medium green peppers, cut into 1/2-inch strips
1 teaspoon garlic powder
12 crusty submarine buns or hoagie buns, split partway
12 slices provolone or part-skim mozzarella cheese
Giardiniera, optional

Steps:

In a 6-qt. stockpot, heat 3 tablespoons oil over medium-high heat; brown roast on all sides. Sprinkle with 2 teaspoons each salt and pepper. Transfer to a 6-qt. slow cooker., Add onions to stockpot; cook and stir until lightly browned, 2-3 minutes Add garlic; cook 30 seconds longer. Add wine; cook 3-5 minutes, stirring to loosen browned bits from pan. Stir in stock, thyme, Italian seasoning and pepper flakes; transfer to slow cooker. Cook, covered, on low until beef is tender, 7-9 hours., About 1/2 hour before serving, preheat oven to 350°. Place peppers in a 15x10x1-in. baking pan. Drizzle with remaining oil. Sprinkle with garlic powder and the remaining salt and pepper; toss to coat. Roast until softened, 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway., Remove roast; cool slightly. Strain cooking juices into a small saucepan, reserving strained mixture and removing thyme stems. Skim fat from juices; heat through and keep warm. Coarsely shred beef with 2 forks; stir in reserved strained mixture. If desired, moisten beef with some of the cooking juices., To serve, preheat broiler. Arrange buns on baking sheets, cut side up. Broil 3-4 inches from heat until lightly toasted. Remove from oven; top each bun with 2/3 cup beef mixture and 1 slice cheese. Broil until cheese is melted, about 30 seconds., Top with peppers and, if desired, giardiniera. Serve with cooking juices for dipping.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 595 calories, Fat 30g fat (11g saturated fat), Cholesterol 113mg cholesterol, Sodium 1134mg sodium, Carbohydrate 38g carbohydrate (6g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 44g protein.