Description
This Healthy Crockpot Italian Beef recipe features tender, juicy chuck roast slow cooked to perfection with tangy pepperoncini peppers and seasonings. Finished with melty provolone cheese, it offers a no-carb, flavorful meal that’s easy to prep and perfect for comforting dinners.
Ingredients
Beef and Broth
- 3 pounds beef chuck roast
- ½ cup beef broth
Seasonings and Peppers
- ½ cup pepperoncini brine (from the jar)
- 8 whole pepperoncini peppers, drained
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic (about 3 large cloves) or 1 teaspoon dried garlic powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons sea salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Cheese
- 6-8 slices provolone cheese
Instructions
- Optional Searing: Heat a little oil in a skillet and sear the beef chuck roast for 2-3 minutes on each side to lock in flavor. This step is optional but enhances the taste.
- Prepare Crockpot: Place the chuck roast in the crockpot, whether seared or not. Pour in beef broth, pepperoncini brine, add whole pepperoncini peppers, minced garlic (or garlic powder), Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, and black pepper evenly over the meat.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until the beef becomes fork-tender and easily shreds.
- Shred the Beef: Remove the roast from the crockpot, shred with two forks, then return the shredded meat to the cooking juices to absorb the flavorful liquid.
- Add Cheese and Melt: Transfer the shredded beef to a baking dish and lay provolone slices evenly on top. Broil in the oven for 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly. Alternatively, melt the cheese on top of the beef directly in the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes if preferred.
- Serve: Serve the Italian beef hot with your favorite no-carb sides or wrapped in lettuce leaves for a low-carb meal.
Notes
- Broil the cheese for the best cheesy crust and texture.
- Chuck roast is ideal for shredding due to its tenderness when slow cooked.
- Do not omit the pepperoncini brine to retain the authentic tangy flavor.
- Store leftovers in the cooking juices to keep the meat moist and flavorful.
