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Savory Bear Italian Beef Sandwich Recipe Easy Homemade Melted Provolone Delight

Italian beef sandwich - featured image

A slow-cooked Italian beef sandwich with tender, juicy beef chuck roast, bold Italian herbs, and melted provolone cheese, perfect for family gatherings or casual dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 lbs beef chuck roast (preferably well-marbled for tenderness)
  • 1 cup beef broth (homemade or low-sodium store-bought)
  • 1 cup giardiniera (Italian pickled vegetable mix, chopped)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1 tablespoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust for spice preference)
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for searing)
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
  • 8 Italian sandwich rolls
  • 8 slices provolone cheese
  • Extra giardiniera for topping
  • Butter or olive oil (for toasting the rolls)

Instructions

  1. Trim any excess fat from the chuck roast but leave some marbling. Pat dry with paper towels. (About 10 minutes)
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the beef on all sides until browned, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside. (15 minutes)
  3. Lower heat to medium. Add minced garlic to the pot and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  4. Pour in beef broth, white wine (if using), oregano, basil, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and scrape up browned bits from the bottom.
  5. Return the seared roast to the pot. Cover with a lid, reduce heat to low, and simmer gently for about 2 hours, turning the beef every 30 minutes.
  6. After 2 hours, shred the beef finely with forks. Return shredded beef to the pot and stir in chopped giardiniera. Simmer uncovered for 15 minutes to meld flavors and reduce liquid.
  7. Split the Italian rolls and lightly butter or brush with olive oil. Toast in a skillet or oven until golden and crisp, about 3-4 minutes.
  8. Pile generous amounts of shredded beef onto each roll. Top with a slice of provolone cheese.
  9. Place sandwiches on a baking sheet and broil in the oven for 3-5 minutes until the provolone is bubbly and melted.
  10. Add a spoonful of extra giardiniera on top before serving.

Notes

Use a trusted brand of giardiniera for authentic flavor. Adjust crushed red pepper flakes for spice preference. For gluten-free, substitute rolls with gluten-free bread or lettuce wraps. Watch the broiler carefully to avoid burning the cheese. Slow-cooking low and slow is key for tender beef. Leftovers taste better after marinating overnight.

Nutrition

Keywords: Italian beef sandwich, provolone cheese, slow-cooked beef, giardiniera, comfort food, easy sandwich recipe