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Hot & Juicy Italian Sammies

Part two of my Summer Slow Cooker Series is bringing the heat—without heating up your kitchen. These Hot & Juicy Italian Sammies are low-effort, high-flavor, and perfect for lazy summer dinners.
Print Recipe
Hot & Juicy Italian Sammies
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:8 hours
Total Time:8 hours 10 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 Roast I usually do a 2.5-3 LB Chuck Roast
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 medium onion roughly chopped
  • 1 can 14-1/2 ounces diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 jar 16 ounces sliced pepperoncini, undrained
  • 2 packages Italian salad dressing mix
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 12 Hoagie rolls split

Instructions

  • In a medium bowl, stir together the tomatoes, pepperoncini (plus about half the juice!), onion, water or broth, Italian dressing mix, oregano, and garlic powder.
  • Place the roast in a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker and pour that flavorful mixture right over the top. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours, until the meat is super tender and falls apart with a fork. (You can also do on high for 4-5 hours)
  • Once it’s done, take the roast out and let it cool slightly. Skim any fat off the top of the juices. Shred the beef with two forks, then pop it back into the slow cooker with all those juicy flavors. Let it warm through for a bit.
  • Serve piled high on toasted rolls with melty cheese, if you’re feelin’ it.

Notes

Make it a freezer meal:

Mix everything (except the rolls) in a large freezer-safe container or bag—yes, even the roast. Seal it up and freeze. When you’re ready to cook, thaw it in the fridge for 48 hours, then dump it all into the slow cooker and cook as usual. Easy peasy.

Can I Instant Pot it?

Yes ma’am. Sear your roast on sauté, add all the goodies, then cook on high pressure for 60 minutes with a 15-minute natural release. Boom. Sandwich heaven in a fraction of the time.
Servings: 6