These slow-cooked Italian beef sandwiches are great for tailgating season! They are easy to make and serve at any game day get-together with just a few simple ingredients thrown into the slow cooker.
Tailgating season is one of our favorite times of the year. Now that it’s a little cooler, we can enjoy our favorite party foods, like sausage queso, sriracha shrimp, game day chili, and of course Italian beef!
It’s that time of year again—tailgating with friends and family! It’s my favorite time of the year, full of appetizers and snacks! This slow cooker Italian beef with peppers and tender pulled beef is a go-to. Just put everything in the slow cooker and watch the game! It’s easy to make ahead of time and takes well to parties.
I%20was%20surprised%20when%20I%20discovered%20in%20the%20Kelton/Perrigo%20Company%20plc,%20%E2%80%9CPrevent%20the%20Summer%20Burn%E2%80%9D%20Survey%20from%20March%202018%20shows%20that%2074%%20of%20people%20are%20willing%20to%20make%20significant%20sacrifices%20to%20be%20heartburn-free%20and%20one%20in%20three%20would%20even%20give%20up%20watching%20playoff%20sports%20this%20season%20to%20avoid%20heartburn!%20If%20you%E2%80%99re%20a%20frequent%20heartburn%20sufferer,%20being%20proactive%20and%20taking%20Omeprazole%20Orally%20Disintegrating%20Tablets%20(also%20referred%20to%20as%20ODT)%20helps%20keep%20heartburn%20at%20bay
If you have heartburn at least twice a week, ODT can help you for a low price, and you can get it at Walmart or another store while you’re shopping for groceries. Find Omeprazole ODT at a store near you. If you’re like me, it’s not always easy to remember to take medication on time. Since the tablets are easy to dissolve on the tongue, I can keep a stash in my purse and take them without water with me anywhere and at any time. Perfect for someone like me who is on the go all of the time!.
Help can start in as little as 24 hours, but it may take 1–4 days for the full effect to show (it’s not for right away help). The strawberry-flavored tablet is easy to use; just put it on your tongue and let it dissolve. They are the same small size that’s shown on the box. Taking my heartburn medicine in a way that doesn’t draw attention to myself makes tailgating more fun (and pain-free), so I can enjoy my favorite foods.
Use Omeprazole ODT as directed for 14 days to treat frequent heartburn. Unless your doctor tells you to, don’t take it for more than 14 days or more often than every 4 months.
For many busy cooks, preparing meals with frozen ingredients offers convenience and flexibility. And when it comes to delivering mouthwatering slow-cooked Italian beef, the crockpot does all the work for you. With a few simple steps, you can transform frozen Italian beef into fork-tender, flavor-packed sandwiches or meals.
In this complete guide, you’ll learn how long to cook frozen Italian beef in the crockpot along with helpful tips and tricks Let’s get started!
Benefits of Using Frozen Italian Beef
Cooking with frozen pre-seasoned Italian beef offers these advantages:
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Saves prep time – No need to trim, slice, or season raw meat yourself Just open package and add to crockpot.
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Ensures flavor – Seasonings are mixed evenly throughout meat
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Extends shelf life – Frozen meat stays fresh longer compared to refrigerated.
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Adds versatility – Use for sandwiches, pasta, soup, pizza and more.
Opt for a quality frozen Italian beef that offers bold seasoning with garlic, oregano, basil and other Italian-style spices.
How Long to Cook Frozen Italian Beef in Crockpot
Cooking times vary slightly based on amount and size of beef chunks:
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1-2 pounds – Cook on low setting for 6-8 hours.
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3-4 pounds – Cook on low setting for 8-10 hours.
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5-6 pounds – Cook on low setting for 10-12 hours.
For best results, cook until beef is very tender and shreds easily with a fork. If unsure, cook a bit longer until completely fork-tender.
Helpful Tips and Tricks
Follow these tips for optimal crockpot Italian beef:
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Defrost just until beef separates easily before adding to crockpot.
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Add 1 cup beef broth or stock to pot to keep meat moist.
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Slice any large chunks into 1-2 inch pieces before cooking.
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Shred beef with forks once fully cooked.
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Stir in sliced pepperoncini peppers and additional seasonings to taste before serving.
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Keep warm on low setting up to 4 hours until ready to serve.
Delicious Serving Suggestions
From sandwiches to pasta, here are tasty ways to use your crockpot Italian beef:
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Italian Beef Sandwiches – Pile high on hoagie rolls with giardiniera and mozzarella.
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Beef Tacos – Serve in tortillas or taco shells topped with cheese, salsa, guacamole.
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Beef and Penne – Toss with pasta, marinara sauce and parmesan.
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Beef Pizza – Top pizza crust with shredded beef, onions, peppers and sauce.
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Beef Salad – Layer over mixed greens, tomatoes, olives, croutons.
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Beef Egg Rolls – Wrap in egg roll wrappers with veggies and fry until crispy.
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Beef Hash – Cook with potatoes, peppers, onions, eggs for breakfast.
Special Considerations
Keep these tips in mind when cooking frozen Italian beef in the crockpot:
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Defrost just enough for beef to separate before adding to pot. Do not thaw completely.
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Add more liquid if needed as frozen meat gives off less moisture.
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Expect meat to cook about 20% faster than raw beef when using frozen.
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Check for doneness after 6 hours on low even when cooking larger amounts.
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Shred while still warm in crockpot once fully cooked and tender.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about making this easy crockpot meal:
What cut of beef is best?
Choose Italian beef made from chuck roast or round roast for most tender results.
Can I use a quick-defrost method?
Partially thaw beef just until it can be separated using cold water bath or microwave.
Do I need to brown the beef first?
Browning is not necessary when using pre-seasoned frozen Italian beef.
Can I substitute ingredients?
For best flavor, use giardiniera mix and pepperoncini peppers specifically.
How do I keep sandwiches from getting soggy?
Let beef juices drip off before adding to bread. Use high-quality bakery rolls.
Can I prepare this in a slow cooker instead?
Yes, cook on low setting using times recommended for a crockpot.
Satisfying and Simple Crockpot Italian Beef
With minimal effort, you can have a hearty, zesty Italian-seasoned beef meal on the table. Just pop partially thawed beef in the crockpot, add seasoning and broth, and let it cook to tender perfection. Shred and serve hot in sandwiches or over pasta for a crowd-pleasing dish. Buon appetito!
How to Make Italian Beef
- GET READY: Brown the roast and put it in the slow cooker with pepperoncini peppers, Italian seasoning, and broth.
- If you want to cook the beef slowly, do it on low for 9–10 hours or on high for 5–6 hours.
- SHRED: Shred the beef with forks and put it back in the juices. Mix it all together, then set it aside for at least 20 minutes to warm up.
Put a lot of Crock Pot Italian Beef on hoagie or Italian rolls and top with giardiniera (Italian pickled vegetables) or more pickled peppers if you want it a little hotter. Roasted Sweet green peppers are perfect on this too!.
For parties or, of course, game day, we put out little slider rolls. There are lots of other great foods on the table, too.
What To Make With Italian Beef
This beef is so flavorful and fall-apart tender that it’s great on sandwiches with just a few other things. For a roast beef dinner, Italian beef tastes great with mashed potatoes and a fresh Italian salad!
Slow cooker Italian beef will last up to 5 days in the fridge in an airtight container. Make sure it’s completely cooled before you seal it. Leftovers will last in the freezer for up to 2 months. Defrost in the fridge, microwave, or oven!.
If you have any leftover meat, try making enchiladas or tacos with it. A breakfast hash is also a delicious way to use leftover Italian beef!.