Mom's Italian Beef Sandwiches

By Addie

My mom made the best Italian beef. I’ve added to it over the years, but it’s still her recipe. She made this for family reunions, and there were never leftovers. Now I make it for myself and freeze it in single-serving sizes. It makes a quick and easy meal as a sandwich or served over noodles.—Mary Mcvey, Colfax, North Carolina (Taste of Home)

Ingredients

• 1 boneless beef rump roast or bottom round roast (2 pounds), halved
• 1 boneless beef chuck roast (2 pounds), halved
• 1 beef sirloin tip roast (1 pound)
• 2 tablespoons canola oil
• 2 cups water
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 envelopes Italian salad dressing mix
• 1 envelope zesty Italian salad dressing mix
• 1 envelope (0.87 ounce) brown gravy mix
• 1-2 tablespoons crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 16 hoagie buns, split
• Sliced provolone cheese, optional

Preparation

Step 1

In a large skillet, brown each roast in oil on all sides. Drain. Transfer meat to a 7-qt. slow cooker. Combine the water, onion, garlic, salad dressing and gravy mixes, pepper flakes, Italian seasoning and Worcestershire sauce; pour over beef. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or until meat is tender.

Remove beef; cool slightly. Skim fat from cooking juices. Pour juices into a large bowl. Shred beef with two forks; add to bowl. Cool. Transfer to freezer containers. Freeze for up to 3 months.

To use frozen meat: Thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Place in a Dutch oven; heat through. Using a slotted spoon, place 1/2 cup on each bun. Top with cheese if desired. Yield: 16 servings.
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REVIEWS:

This was delicious fresh. Definitely made enough to freeze the leftovers. We ate this on ciabatta rolls with american cheese.

This was excellent! My husband said it was as good as Al's in Chicago! We will definitely make this again, though I used 1/2 the red pepper flakes suggested because we have a small child. Still very tasty!

I made this for a carry-in potluck at work. It got rave reviews and everyone asking for the recipe. Next time I make it I will cut back on the crushed red pepper flakes. I like the spice of it but some others didn't really care for it.

This was really good. The house smelled so good while it was cooking.