How to Make a Delicious Italian Beef Sandwich

This recipe creates a healthy and delicious meal that's perfect for home cooking. The main ingredient, beef, pairs beautifully with vinegar to deliver a rich, tangy flavor. With the addition of roasted red bell peppers and fresh basil leaves, the sandwich also boasts an eye-catching presentation.

If you're short on time, you can cook the beef on high heat for 5–6 hours, but be cautious to prevent it from burning or sticking to the pot. For the best results, however, slow-cook the beef, onions, and sauce over low heat for 10–12 hours in a slow cooker. This method ensures tender, flavorful meat.

Once the beef is cooked, allow it to cool slightly before shredding it with two forks. Don’t forget to reserve one cup of the cooking broth for serving later. After shredding, return the beef to the pot, add vinegar, and let it cook for an additional 10–15 minutes on high heat to absorb the tangy flavors.

To serve, place a generous amount of shredded beef on a hamburger bun, top it with mozzarella cheese, roasted red bell peppers, and fresh basil leaves, then close it with the top bun. Serve with a side of the reserved broth for dipping.

Ingredients for Italian Beef Sandwich

• Balsamic vinegar: 1 tablespoon

• Fat-free Italian dressing: 1 cup

• Onion (chopped): 1 large

• Hamburger buns: 12 pieces

• Roasted red bell peppers: ¾ cup

• Mozzarella cheese (or Italian cheese blend): ¾ cup

• Boneless beef: 1,300 grams

• Fresh basil leaves: ¾ cup

• Fat-free Italian dressing: 1 cup

Instructions for Italian Beef Sandwich

1. Cook the Beef:

   • Cut the beef into 4 large pieces and place them in a slow cooker.

   • Add the Italian dressing and chopped onions.

   • Cover and cook for 10–12 hours on low heat or 5–6 hours on high heat.

2. Shred the Beef:

   • Use a slotted spoon to transfer the beef and onions from the slow cooker to a cutting board.

   • Reserve the leftover cooking broth for dipping or as a sauce.

   • Shred the beef with two forks and return it to the slow cooker.

3. Add Vinegar:

   • Stir in the balsamic vinegar and mix well.

   • Cover and cook on high heat for an additional 10–15 minutes to let the flavors combine.

4. Assemble the Sandwich:

   • Place a generous half cup of shredded beef on the bottom half of a hamburger bun.

   • Top with roasted red bell peppers, mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil leaves.

   • Place the top bun over the fillings.

5. Serve:

   • Serve with the reserved broth on the side for dipping.

Enjoy your delicious Italian beef sandwich!