If you’re craving a sandwich that hits all the right spots—melty cheese, tender shredded beef, a tangy kick from pepperoncini, and a rich, flavorful broth to soak up every bite—then you’re in for a real treat with this Italian Beef Sandwiches with Melty Cheese, Pepperoncini, and Flavorful Broth Recipe. It’s comfort food elevated, perfect for gatherings, game days, or a satisfying weeknight dinner that feels like a special occasion. Once you try this recipe, these juicy, cheesy sandwiches will quickly become your go-to for when you want something that’s hearty, vibrant, and bursting with bold Italian-inspired flavors.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white cutting board on a white marbled counter with red and orange bell pepper slices spread on it. The peppers are cut into thick strips, with some bell pepper pieces still whole or halved showing their seeds inside. A woman's blurred hand is holding a knife, cutting a red bell pepper piece. In the background, there are green decorative cacti and small black and white cow figurines on the white marbled surface near white tiled walls. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the ingredients right is where the magic begins. Each component is simple yet essential, layering flavors that transform a few pantry staples into an unforgettable feast. From the tender beef to the crunchy peppers and the zesty dressing mix, every ingredient plays a vital role in creating the perfect Italian Beef Sandwiches with Melty Cheese, Pepperoncini, and Flavorful Broth Recipe.

2 cups low sodium beef broth: Provides the rich and savory base for cooking the beef, making the broth perfect for dipping.
1 packet au jus gravy mix: Adds an extra punch of beefy flavor to the broth, enhancing every bite of your sandwich.
2.5 lbs top round roast: A lean, affordable cut that shreds beautifully after slow cooking, giving you juicy, tender beef.
3 bell peppers cut into strips: Bring bright color, subtle sweetness, and a lovely crisp-tender texture to balance the rich meat.
1 .7-oz pack Italian salad dressing mix: Infuses the whole dish with that classic tangy Italian herb blend, lifting all the flavors.
8 hoagie rolls: Perfect for holding all the juicy goodness without falling apart, whether lightly toasted or soft.
8 slices provolone cheese: Melts beautifully over the beef, adding a creamy, slightly smoky note that’s irresistible.
16 jar sliced pepperoncini: These tangy, mildly spicy peppers add a pop of acidity and brightness, cutting through the richness.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Italian Beef Sandwiches with Melty Cheese, Pepperoncini, and Flavorful Broth Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Broth and Slow-Cook Beef

Start by mixing the low sodium beef broth with the au jus gravy mix directly in your crock-pot. This rich, flavorful liquid will be the heart of your cooking process. Nestle the top round roast into the broth and scatter the bell pepper strips on top. Sprinkle the Italian salad dressing mix evenly over the meat and peppers to bring in those classic Italian herb notes. Cover the crock-pot and cook on high for 4 to 5 hours or on low for 8 to 10 hours. Slow cooking allows the beef to become incredibly tender, perfectly soaking up all those wonderful flavors from the broth and seasoning.

Step 2: Shred the Beef and Return It to Broth

Once your beef is fork-tender, carefully remove the roast from the crock-pot. Use two forks to shred it finely—this is where all the texture magic happens. After shredding, return the meat right back into the broth along with the peppers. This step ensures every bite of beef stays juicy and infused with those savory, complex flavors you worked so hard to build.

Step 3: Assemble Your Sandwiches

Now comes the best part—building your Italian Beef Sandwiches with Melty Cheese, Pepperoncini, and Flavorful Broth Recipe. Place a slice of provolone cheese on the bottom half of each hoagie roll while the beef is still warm. Pile on the shredded beef and strips of bell pepper, then top it all off with sliced pepperoncini for that unmistakable tangy crunch. For the ultimate experience, drizzle some of the cooking liquid on the top half of your roll or serve the broth on the side for dipping. This keeps each sandwich perfectly moist and bursting with flavor.

How to Serve Italian Beef Sandwiches with Melty Cheese, Pepperoncini, and Flavorful Broth Recipe

A woman’s hand is shredding a large piece of cooked meat on a white plate using two forks. The meat is brown with visible textures of pulled strands and some herbs on top. To the right, a silver and black crockpot with a digital display is partly filled with dark red sauce and cooked meat inside. The scene is set on a white marbled countertop with a white tiled wall background, and there are green cactus-shaped decorations behind the crockpot. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes can really lift your Italian Beef Sandwiches with Melty Cheese, Pepperoncini, and Flavorful Broth Recipe to another level. Consider adding fresh basil or chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and herbal brightness. A sprinkle of cracked black pepper or red pepper flakes can also add a little extra kick if you like it spicy. Even a few extra pepperoncini slices on the side add visual appeal and extra zing for your guests to enjoy.

Side Dishes

Pair these sandwiches with easy, complementary sides to round out your meal. Classic choices like crispy French fries or a crisp green salad work beautifully. If you want to keep the Italian theme going, try serving a simple pasta salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or a bowl of creamy potato salad. The key is to balance the richness of the sandwiches with fresh or crunchy elements.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving a crowd or want to mix things up, turn the sandwiches into a build-your-own bar. Set out bowls of shredded beef, melted provolone, roasted peppers, pepperoncini, and dipping broth so everyone can customize to their heart’s content. Another fun idea is to slice the sandwiches into sliders for a party-friendly appetizer. No matter how you present them, these Italian Beef Sandwiches with Melty Cheese, Pepperoncini, and Flavorful Broth Recipe are guaranteed to be the star of the show.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover shredded beef with peppers stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the broth separate if possible, so the sandwiches don’t get soggy before reheating. The rolls and cheese store best separately as well to maintain freshness and texture.

Freezing

This Italian Beef Sandwiches with Melty Cheese, Pepperoncini, and Flavorful Broth Recipe freezes well if you’re planning ahead. Freeze the shredded beef and broth mixture in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. It’s best to freeze the rolls and cheese separately to avoid any texture changes. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat the shredded beef in a saucepan on the stove over medium-low heat, adding broth as needed to keep it moist and flavorful. For a quick option, you can microwave individual portions covered with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Toast your hoagie rolls just before assembling to keep them warm and delightfully crispy.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

Absolutely! While top round roast is lean and affordable, chuck roast is another popular choice because it has great marbling that adds richness. Just be sure to trim any excess fat to avoid a greasy broth.

What can I substitute if I can’t find pepperoncini?

If pepperoncini aren’t available, mild pickled banana peppers or pickled jalapeños can work well to provide that tangy and slightly spicy flavor that complements the beef and cheese.

Is it necessary to serve the broth for dipping?

While serving the broth on the side is traditional and adds a fabulous moist texture, you can absolutely drizzle some on the sandwich or skip it if you prefer a less messy bite. It’s all about your personal preference!

Can I make this recipe without a crock-pot?

Yes, you can simmer the beef in a heavy pot or Dutch oven over low heat for several hours until tender. Just monitor the liquid level and adjust to keep the beef moist and flavorful.

How spicy is this Italian Beef Sandwiches with Melty Cheese, Pepperoncini, and Flavorful Broth Recipe?

This recipe is gently tangy with just a hint of spice from the pepperoncini. If you want more heat, simply add extra sliced peppers or some crushed red pepper flakes on top!

Final Thoughts

This Italian Beef Sandwiches with Melty Cheese, Pepperoncini, and Flavorful Broth Recipe is truly a game-changer for sandwich lovers. It brings together tender, juicy beef, melted cheese, bright peppers, and that irresistible broth into one cozy, satisfying handheld masterpiece. Give it a try—it’s easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and guaranteed to have everyone coming back for seconds. Once these sandwiches are on your table, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them!