How To Cook Italian Beef In Crock Pot

Delicious Italian Beef Made Easy in a Crock Pot

Are you craving the flavors of Italy but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen? Look no further! In this blog post, we will guide you on how to make mouthwatering Italian beef right in your crock pot. With just a few simple ingredients and a bit of patience, you can enjoy a hearty and flavorful meal that will transport your taste buds straight to Italy.

Italian beef is a quintessential dish known for its rich flavors and tender texture. Traditionally, it is made by slowly cooking beef in a flavorful broth until it becomes incredibly tender and falls apart. The crock pot is the perfect appliance for this cooking method, as it allows you to set it and forget it, letting the beef simmer to perfection.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 3 pounds of beef roast (such as chuck or bottom round)
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 cup of beef broth
• 1 cup of Italian dressing
• 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon of dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Start by heating the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef roast on all sides until nicely browned. This will help lock in the flavors and give the meat a beautiful caramelized crust.
2. Place the thinly sliced onion and minced garlic at the bottom of your crock pot. This will create a flavor base for the beef to cook in.
3. Carefully transfer the seared beef roast to the crock pot, on top of the onion and garlic.
4. In a separate bowl, mix together the beef broth, Italian dressing, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Pour this mixture over the beef roast in the crock pot.
5. Cover the crock pot and cook on low heat for 8-10 hours or on high heat for 4-6 hours. The long, slow cooking time will ensure that the beef becomes tender and infused with all the delicious flavors.
6. Once the beef is cooked to perfection, remove it from the crock pot and transfer it to a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the beef. It should be so tender that it easily falls apart.
7. Return the shredded beef to the crock pot and stir it into the flavorful juices. Let it sit on low heat for an additional 30 minutes to soak up all the tasty goodness.

Now, your Italian beef is ready to be enjoyed! Serve it warm on crusty Italian rolls, topped with melted provolone cheese and giardiniera for an authentic Chicago-style Italian beef sandwich. The tender beef, savory broth, and aromatic spices will make every bite a burst of flavor.

So, the next time you’re craving the taste of Italy, try this simple and delicious recipe for Italian beef in a crock pot. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, you’ll have a satisfying meal that will transport you straight to the streets of Rome or the canals of Venice. Buon Appetito!