Italian Beef Hoagies
This recipe details preparing large batches of tender Italian beef by slow-cooking sirloin roast with Italian seasoning mix and pepper rings. The cooked beef is thinly sliced, submerged in the flavorful cooking liquid (au jus), and served generously piled onto hoagie buns with peppers for classic Italian beef sandwiches.
Equipment
- 1 Large Pot or Slow Cooker For cooking the roast
- 1 Sharp Knife For slicing the cooked beef thinly
- 1 Cutting Board For slicing the beef
- 1 Measuring Cups For water and liquid
- 1 Tongs or slotted spoon For serving the beef and peppers
Ingredients
Main
- 1 4 pound boneless sirloin tip roast, halved
- 2 .7 ounce packages Italian salad dressing mix
- 2 cups water
- 1 16 ounce jar mild pepper rings, undrained
- 18 hoagie buns split
Instructions
- Cut the boneless sirloin tip roast into two equal halves.
- Place the roast halves in a large pot or slow cooker.
- Add the two packages of Italian salad dressing mix, water, and the entire jar of undrained mild pepper rings to the pot.
- Cover the pot and cook on low heat (if using a slow cooker) or simmer gently on the stovetop until the beef is very tender and easily shreds.
- Carefully remove the cooked beef from the liquid and let it rest on a cutting board for 10-15 minutes.
- While the beef rests, keep the cooking liquid warm. You may strain it if desired, or keep the peppers in.
- Using a sharp knife, thinly slice or shred the beef against the grain.
- Return the thinly sliced or shredded beef to the warm cooking liquid (au jus), ensuring it is fully submerged to stay moist.
- Split the hoagie buns lengthwise.
- Generously fill each hoagie bun with the wet Italian beef and some mild pepper rings from the liquid before serving.
Notes
For the most tender beef, slice it very thinly against the grain. Using a meat slicer if available yields the best results. Ensure the sliced beef is returned to the cooking liquid (au jus) before serving to keep it moist and flavorful. This recipe is well-suited for a slow cooker for unattended cooking; follow manufacturer instructions for beef roasts. Consider lightly toasting the hoagie buns and adding provolone cheese before adding the beef for extra flavor and texture. Serving with spicy giardiniera can add a great kick.