Italian Beef(Good For A Crowd, Keeps Good In Crock-Pot)

Prep: 15 min Cook: 240 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: Italian

Juicy, flavorful Italian beef slow-cooked with pepperoni, onions, and spices, perfect for feeding a crowd and keeping warm in a crock-pot for versatile meals.

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Ingredients

  • 3 to 4 lb. chuck roast
  • 16 oz. can beef broth
  • 1 can beer
  • 1 jar pepperoni
  • 1 or 2 onions
  • salt
  • pepper
  • garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Sprinkle both sides of the chuck roast with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and crushed oregano.
  2. Place the seasoned meat in a 9 x 13-inch baking pan or crock-pot.
  3. Add sliced onions and the entire jar of pepperoni (juice and all) on top of the meat.
  4. Pour beef broth and beer over the ingredients.

Tips & Substitutions

For enhanced flavor, consider adding crushed red pepper or Italian seasoning to the spice mix. If you don't have beer, substitute with more beef broth or a splash of vinegar for acidity. You can also use a different cut of beef, like brisket or round, though chuck roast is ideal for its tenderness after slow cooking. This recipe is great for meal prep and can serve as a filling for Italian recipes like sandwiches.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Italian Beef on crusty rolls for delicious sandwiches. Pair it with a side of crispy fries or a light salad to balance the richness. It also complements well with garlic bread or a side of roasted vegetables. For a family-friendly meal, consider serving it alongside Italian Green Noodle Casserole or So Easy Crock-Pot Spaghetti for a complete feast.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm the beef in a skillet over medium heat with some of the cooking liquid or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth to keep it moist. For longer storage, freeze portions for up to 3 months, and thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Italian Beef(Good For A Crowd, Keeps Good In Crock-Pot) contains roughly 193 calories, with 6g protein, 37g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (80% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (60% of the Daily Value), and calcium (47% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1169mg per serving (51% of the Daily Value).

193 kcal 10% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 5.5g 11% DV
Total Fat 4.5g 6% DV
Carbs 37g 13% DV
Fiber 16.8g 60% DV
Sugar 2.9g 6% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1169.1mg 51% DV
Potassium 576.5mg 12% DV
Cholesterol 1.5mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 69.2mcg 8% DV
Vitamin C 1.9mg 2% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 612.1mg 47% DV
Iron 14.4mg 80% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Under 400 cal Low-fat

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?

Absolutely! While chuck roast yields the best results due to its marbling and tenderness, you can substitute with brisket or even pork shoulder. Just be mindful of the cooking time as different meats may take longer or shorter to become tender.

How spicy is this dish with the pepperoni?

The spice level mainly depends on the type of pepperoni used. Regular pepperoni adds a mild heat, while spicy varieties can intensify the flavor. If you prefer a milder dish, opt for sweet or mild pepperoni or reduce the amount used.

Can I make this dish in advance?

Yes, this Italian Beef is perfect for make-ahead meals! You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the fridge. The flavors will meld beautifully overnight. Just reheat before serving, and it will taste even better!

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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