Slow Cooker Italian Beef Recipe

Prepare to embark on a culinary journey to Italy without leaving the comfort of your kitchen with our Slow Cooker Italian Beef recipe. Bursting with robust flavors and tender meat, this dish will tantalize your taste buds and satisfy your cravings for hearty comfort food. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or simply looking to elevate your weeknight meals, this recipe is sure to impress. So, dust off your slow cooker and get ready to savor the essence of Italian cuisine with every delicious bite.

Ingredients

• 5-lb beef round or rump roast
• 2 1-oz packages Italian dressing seasoning
• 2 tsp salt
• 2 tsp ground black pepper
• 2 tsp dried oregano
• 2 tsp dried basil
• 2 tsp powdered onion
• 2 tsp dried parsley
• 2 ½ tsp garlic powder
• 2 bay leaves
• 3 cups water

Instructions

1. Prepare the Beef: Place the beef roast in the slow cooker.
2. Season the Beef: In a small bowl, combine Italian dressing seasoning, salt, pepper, oregano, basil, powdered onion, parsley, and garlic powder. Rub the seasoning mixture all over the beef roast until well coated.
3. Add Liquid and Bay Leaves: Pour water into the slow cooker until the beef roast is partially submerged. Add bay leaves to the liquid.
4. Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours, or until the beef is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
5. Shred the Beef: Once the beef is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Discard any excess fat.
6. Serve: Serve the shredded Italian beef hot, either on its own or as a filling for sandwiches, wraps, or tacos. Enjoy the rich and flavorful meat with your favorite sides and garnishes.

Cook Notes and Variations

• Serving Suggestions: Italian beef is incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways. Enjoy it on crusty Italian bread with melted provolone cheese for a classic Italian beef sandwich. Alternatively, serve it over cooked pasta or rice for a comforting meal.
• Extra Flavor: For an extra burst of flavor, add sliced onions, bell peppers, or hot giardiniera to the slow cooker along with the beef. These additional ingredients will infuse the meat with even more deliciousness.
• Thickening the Sauce: If desired, you can thicken the cooking liquid from the slow cooker to create a flavorful gravy. Simply transfer the liquid to a saucepan and simmer over medium heat until it reaches your desired consistency.

Keto and Low-Carb Versions

• Keto-Friendly Option: To make this recipe keto-friendly, omit the powdered onion and use fresh onion instead to reduce the carb content. Serve the shredded Italian beef over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a low-carb alternative to pasta.
• Low-Carb Variation: If you’re watching your carb intake, skip the bay leaves and use a low-carb Italian dressing seasoning mix. You can also reduce the amount of seasoning used to further decrease the carb count.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe? While round or rump roast is traditionally used for Italian beef, you can also use chuck roast or brisket for equally delicious results.
2. Can I freeze leftovers? Yes, leftover shredded Italian beef can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
3. Can I cook this recipe on the stovetop or in the oven instead of using a slow cooker? Yes, you can adapt this recipe for stovetop or oven cooking. For stovetop, simmer the seasoned beef in a Dutch oven or large pot over low heat for 3-4 hours, adding water as needed to prevent it from drying out. For oven cooking, place the seasoned beef in a roasting pan, cover with foil, and roast at 300°F (150°C) for 4-5 hours, or until tender.
4. What other herbs and spices can I add to enhance the flavor? Feel free to customize the seasoning blend to your taste preferences. Additional herbs and spices such as rosemary, thyme, or red pepper flakes can be added for extra flavor.
5. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, Italian beef is a great make-ahead dish. Cook the beef according to the recipe instructions, then refrigerate it in the cooking liquid until ready to serve. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the oven before serving.

In conclusion, our Slow Cooker Italian Beef recipe is the epitome of comfort food, delivering tender and flavorful meat infused with the aromatic essence of Italian herbs and spices. Whether enjoyed as a hearty sandwich or served over pasta, this versatile dish is sure to delight your taste buds and leave you craving more. With its simple preparation and rich flavors, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely family dinners. So, give this recipe a try and treat yourself to a taste of Italy right in your own home.