If you have some leftover roast lying around and are craving a hearty, flavorful meal, look no further than the Best Italian Beef Sandwiches (Leftover Roast Recipe Idea) Recipe. Imagine tender, juicy beef seasoned with Italian herbs and peppers, melting provolone cheese, and that perfect hint of horseradish nestled in a warm hoagie bun. This recipe transforms your leftover roast into an irresistible sandwich that bursts with rich, savory flavors and satisfying textures, making it a true crowd-pleaser for any lunch or dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things wonderfully simple yet rich in flavor. Each ingredient plays a vital role, from the tender beef that’s the star of the show to the zingy pepperoncini that adds a slightly spicy kick, and the provolone cheese that melts to creamy perfection.
- 6 pound rib roast: Using leftover roast ensures tender, flavorful beef with minimal effort.
- 1 ounce Italian Seasoning mix (1 packet): This brings classic Italian herb flavors to every bite.
- 1/2 ounce beef au jus seasoning (1/2 packet): Adds rich, beefy depth perfect for soaking into your sandwich meat.
- 8 oz pepperoncini pepper slices + 2 tablespoons juice: Pepperoncini add a bright tang and subtle heat that elevates the flavor.
- 12 ounces roasted red peppers (drained and diced): Sweet roasted red peppers provide a wonderful balance and vibrant color.
- 1/2 red onion (sliced): Adds a mild crunch and sharpness to contrast the rich beef.
- 14.5 oz beef broth: Helps keep the meat moist and creates a flavorful dipping jus.
- Provolone cheese (sliced): Melts beautifully and complements the beef perfectly.
- Hoagie buns: Soft yet sturdy, ideal for holding all the juicy goodness.
- Horseradish sauce for serving: Adds a spicy, creamy kick that brightens the sandwich.
How to Make Best Italian Beef Sandwiches (Leftover Roast Recipe Idea) Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Leftover Roast
Begin by taking your cooked leftover rib roast and chopping it into bite-sized cubes. Be sure to trim off any excess fat to keep each sandwich as tender and delicious as possible. This step sets the foundation for creating that perfect Italian beef filling.
Step 2: Season and Combine Ingredients
Place your roast cubes into a large crock pot, then sprinkle with the Italian Seasoning mix and beef au jus seasoning. These spices infuse the beef with that classic Italian flavor you crave. Next, add the pepperoncini slices with their juice, diced roasted red peppers, and the sliced red onion. Pour in the beef broth, ensuring everything is well-coated, as this will help meld the flavors while keeping the beef moist.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover the crock pot with a lid and cook everything on low for 2 hours. The goal here is to heat the beef thoroughly and make it easy to shred with two forks. Because you’re starting with cooked roast, a shorter cook time is sufficient. If using raw beef, longer cooking (about 9 hours on low) would be needed to reach that tender stage. After shredding the beef, let it continue cooking for another hour to deepen the flavors.
Step 4: Assemble the Sandwiches
About 15 minutes before serving, load the shredded beef onto the bottom halves of your hoagie buns. Top generously with slices of provolone cheese, then spread horseradish sauce on the back of the bun tops for an irresistible zesty finish. Place the top bun on each sandwich, then for that ultimate melty experience, wrap sandwiches tightly in foil and bake in a 350°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes until cheese is melted and the buns are pleasantly warm.
How to Serve Best Italian Beef Sandwiches (Leftover Roast Recipe Idea) Recipe
Garnishes
You can amp up these sandwiches with a few simple garnishes. Fresh banana peppers, extra pepperoncini slices, or pickled giardiniera add crunch and tang that contrast beautifully with the savory beef. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or oregano can also add a pleasant herbal brightness.
Side Dishes
These sandwiches pair wonderfully with classic sides like crispy French fries, a crisp green salad, or roasted vegetables. For a true Italian-American experience, consider serving with a bowl of au jus or warm meat juices on the side for dipping.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to switch things up, slice the sandwiches into smaller sliders for parties or gatherings. You can also serve the beef mixture over garlic bread as an open-faced sandwich, topped with a drizzle of the cooking juices and extra cheese broiled until bubbly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover beef mixture can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the beef moist in its juices ensures it stays tender and flavorful for reheating later.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. Store the shredded beef mixture without the buns in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a covered skillet over low heat or in the microwave with a splash of beef broth to prevent drying out. Assemble sandwiches fresh and warm them in the oven for that melty, delicious finish.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of roast for this leftover recipe?
Absolutely! While a rib roast is ideal for its flavor and texture, any tender cooked beef roast like chuck or rump will work well here. Just make sure it’s cooked properly before using it for this recipe.
What if I don’t have pepperoncini peppers?
If you can’t find pepperoncini, mild banana peppers or pickled jalapeños can be great substitutes to maintain the tangy, slightly spicy profile that makes this sandwich special.
Is horseradish sauce necessary?
Horseradish sauce adds a wonderful sharp heat that complements the rich beef perfectly, but if you’re not a fan, mayo or a garlic aioli can also work nicely as a creamy spread.
Can I prepare the beef mixture in an Instant Pot?
Yes! You can sauté the onions and peppers first, then pressure cook the beef with broth and seasonings for about 45 minutes. After shredding, use the sauté function to reduce any excess liquid.
How many sandwiches does this recipe make?
This recipe yields about 12 hearty sandwiches, perfect for feeding a crowd or for meal prepping lunches throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’ll give the Best Italian Beef Sandwiches (Leftover Roast Recipe Idea) Recipe a try soon — it’s a fantastic way to breathe new life into your leftover roast with bold flavors and comforting textures. Once you experience that tender beef and melty provolone with a zing of horseradish wrapped in a toasted hoagie bun, you’ll understand why this sandwich has become a personal favorite for gatherings and family dinners alike. Happy cooking and enjoy every delicious bite!
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Best Italian Beef Sandwiches (Leftover Roast Recipe Idea) Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 sandwiches
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
These Best Italian Beef Sandwiches are a flavorful and hearty way to enjoy leftover rib roast. Combining tender, shredded beef simmered with Italian seasonings, pepperoncini, roasted red peppers, and onions, these sandwiches are topped with melted provolone and a hint of horseradish sauce for an irresistible classic Italian-American meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 6-pound rib roast (leftover, cut into cubes, excess fat removed)
- 1 ounce Italian Seasoning mix (1 packet)
- 1/2 ounce beef au jus seasoning (1/2 packet)
- 8 oz pepperoncini pepper slices plus 2 tablespoons juice (more juice if spicier taste desired)
- 12 ounces roasted red peppers, drained and diced
- 1/2 red onion, sliced
- 14.5 oz beef broth
- Provolone cheese, sliced
- Hoagie buns
- Horseradish sauce, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare leftover roast: Take your cooked leftover rib roast and chop it into cubes, removing any excess fat to ensure a lean and flavorful sandwich filling.
- Combine ingredients in crock pot: Place the roast cubes into a large crock pot. Sprinkle Italian Seasoning mix and beef au jus seasoning evenly over the meat. Add in pepperoncini slices with their juice, diced roasted red peppers, and sliced red onion.
- Add broth and mix: Pour the beef broth over all the ingredients in the crock pot. Stir gently to evenly coat and combine all flavors.
- Slow cook the beef: Cover the crock pot with lid and cook on low heat for about 2 hours or until the beef is tender and easily shredded or chopped. (Note: This recipe uses cooked roast; if cooking raw, cook on low for 9 hours initially, then shred and continue cooking for an extra hour.)
- Prepare sandwiches: Fifteen minutes before serving, scoop the shredded beef mixture onto the bottom halves of hoagie buns. Top each with slices of provolone cheese. Spread horseradish sauce on the back of the top bun piece and place it over the sandwich filling.
- Melt cheese and warm buns: For a hot sandwich, wrap each assembled sandwich tightly in foil and place in a preheated oven at 350°F. Bake for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and the bun is warm.
- Serve and enjoy: Remove sandwiches from foil and serve immediately for a delicious and comforting Italian beef sandwich experience.
Notes
- Use leftover cooked rib roast to save time; if using raw roast, adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Adjust the amount of pepperoncini juice for desired spice level.
- Wrapping and baking the sandwiches melds flavors and melts the cheese perfectly.
- Horseradish sauce adds a nice kick but can be omitted if preferred milder.
- These sandwiches pair well with a side of pickles or a simple salad.
