Crock Pot Chicago-Style Italian Beef Sandwiches

Ingredients

• 2.5 to 3.5 lb boneless beef chuck roast (well-marbled works best)
• 1 packet Bari Italian Beef seasoning mix (or equivalent Chicago-style Italian beef seasoning)
• 6 to 8 cups total water (start with 2 cups plus seasoning, then add 4 to 6 more)
• Crusty French rolls or hoagie buns (Gonnella or similar for authenticity)
• Giardiniera (hot or mild, chopped)
• Optional toppings: sliced mozzarella or provolone cheese, sauteed green bell peppers

Instructions

1. Prepare the broth: Pour 2 cups of water into the crock pot. Whisk in the entire packet of Bari Italian Beef seasoning mix until fully dissolved.
2. Add the roast: Place the chuck roast into the seasoned liquid. Add an additional 4 to 6 cups of water until the roast is completely submerged (the exact amount will depend on the size of your roast and crock pot).
3. Cook:
   • High setting: 4 hours
   • Low setting: 8 hours
   Cook until the beef is fork-tender and easily pulls apart.
4. Shred the beef: Remove the roast from the crock pot and let it rest on a cutting board for 10 minutes. Pull the meat apart with two forks or your hands, discarding any large pieces of fat. Return the shredded beef to the au jus in the crock pot (or keep it separate if you prefer drier sandwiches).
5. Assemble the sandwiches:
   • Slice the French rolls lengthwise.
   • Pile on the hot shredded Italian beef (use tongs to let excess juice drain slightly).
   • Dip method (classic Chicago style): Dunk the entire sandwich in the warm au jus from the crock pot for a juicy, flavorful bite.
   • Top with plenty of giardiniera.
   • Optional: Add melted mozzarella or provolone and/or sauteed green peppers.

Serving suggestions

Serve immediately with extra au jus on the side for dipping, a side of fries or chips, and plenty of napkins. These sandwiches are even better the next day after the flavors meld.

Tips for best results

• For extra flavor, you can sear the chuck roast in a hot skillet for 2 to 3 minutes per side before adding to the crock pot (optional but recommended).