When it comes to lunch, there's nothing quite like a delicious and hearty sandwich. And if you're a fan of Italian flavors, then an Italian Beef Sandwich is sure to be a hit. In this article, we'll show you how to prepare the most tender Italian Beef Sandwich meat using a slow cooker, with a stew of tomato sauce, peppers, and onions. Get ready to sink your teeth into a mouthwatering lunch that will leave you craving more!
First things first, let's gather the ingredients you'll need for this recipe. You'll need a pot roast, which is the star of the show. Look for a good quality pot roast with some marbling for added flavor and tenderness. You'll also need tomato sauce, which will form the base of the stew. Choose a high - quality tomato sauce with a rich and robust flavor. For the peppers, you can use a combination of bell peppers, such as green, red, and yellow, to add color and a sweet crunch. Onions are essential for adding depth of flavor to the stew. You can use white, yellow, or red onions, depending on your preference.
Now, let's start preparing the pot roast. Begin by seasoning the pot roast with salt, pepper, and your favorite Italian herbs. You can use a combination of oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary to give the meat a wonderful Italian flavor. Rub the seasonings all over the pot roast, making sure to cover it evenly. This will help to lock in the flavor and make the meat more delicious.
Next, heat some oil in a large skillet over medium - high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned pot roast to the skillet. Sear the pot roast on all sides until it develops a nice brown crust. This step is important as it helps to seal in the juices and gives the meat a great flavor. After searing the pot roast, transfer it to the slow cooker.
Now, it's time to prepare the stew. In the same skillet where you seared the pot roast, add the onions and peppers. Cook them over medium heat until they are softened and slightly caramelized. This will bring out their natural sweetness and add a wonderful flavor to the stew. Once the onions and peppers are cooked, add the tomato sauce to the skillet. Stir well to combine all the ingredients and let the sauce simmer for a few minutes.
Pour the tomato sauce, onions, and peppers mixture over the pot roast in the slow cooker. Make sure the pot roast is completely covered with the sauce. You can also add a little bit of water or beef broth to the slow cooker if needed, to ensure that there is enough liquid for the stew to cook properly. Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat. Let the pot roast cook in the slow cooker for 6 - 8 hours, or until it is tender and falls apart easily.
After the pot roast has cooked for the required time, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the pot roast into small pieces. The meat should be so tender that it practically falls apart on its own. Return the shredded meat to the slow cooker and stir it into the stew. Let the meat simmer in the stew for a few more minutes to absorb all the flavors.
Now, it's time to assemble the Italian Beef Sandwich. Take your favorite type of bread, such as a hoagie roll or a French baguette. Cut the bread in half and toast it if you like. Spoon some of the stewed meat and sauce onto the bottom half of the bread. You can also add some additional toppings, such as provolone cheese, giardiniera (a spicy Italian relish), or a drizzle of au jus (the cooking liquid from the slow cooker). Place the top half of the bread on the meat and press down gently to make a sandwich.
Your Italian Beef Sandwich is now ready to be enjoyed. Take a big bite and savor the tender, flavorful meat, the rich tomato sauce, and the delicious combination of peppers and onions. This sandwich is perfect for a satisfying lunch on a busy day. You can also serve it with some fries or a side salad for a complete meal.
In conclusion, preparing Italian Beef Sandwich meat in a slow cooker with a stew of tomato sauce, peppers, and onions is a great way to enjoy a delicious and tender lunch. The slow - cooking process ensures that the meat is incredibly tender and full of flavor. So, the next time you're looking for a tasty lunch option, give this recipe a try. You won't be disappointed!