Italian Beef and Cheese Melts
Highlighted under: International Dish Inspirations
I absolutely love making Italian Beef and Cheese Melts, especially when I want a comforting meal that's packed with flavor. The combination of tender, seasoned beef, gooey cheese, and a toasted bun creates a symphony of taste that warms my soul. Using a slow cooker for the beef ensures it’s juicy and easy to shred, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. This dish is perfect for cozy nights in or gatherings with friends, and it never fails to impress everyone who takes a bite.
During one of my weekend cooking sessions, I decided to create a dish that reminded me of my favorite Italian deli. After experimenting with different spices and cooking methods, I found that slow-cooking the beef not only intensifies the flavors but also makes it incredibly tender. Every time I pulled the beef from the cooker, I could smell the Italian herbs infusing the air, making me excited to serve it.
What I love most is how customizable this recipe is. You can easily swap the type of cheese or add more toppings like giardiniera or roasted peppers. It's a great way to use up any leftovers you might have on hand, making it a versatile and delicious option for any meal.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Tender beef infused with Italian herbs and spices
- Melty, gooey cheese that oozes perfection
- Perfect for gatherings and serves as a great crowd-pleaser
Choosing the Right Beef
For this recipe, using a beef chuck roast is key to achieving that melt-in-your-mouth texture. The marbling in the chuck roast keeps the meat moist during the slow cooking process, resulting in juicy shreds packed with flavor. If you're looking for a leaner option, consider a top round roast, but be aware that it may not have the same tenderness or richness as chuck.
Trim any excess fat from the roast before cooking, as this step helps prevent overly greasy beef. However, leaving some fat will enrich the flavor and juiciness of the final dish, so find a healthy balance.
Perfecting the Cheese Melt
Provolone cheese is the star of the melt, offering a perfect balance of flavor and meltability. It's essential to choose high-quality cheese, as processed varieties may not provide the same gooey texture. I recommend using slices from a deli for the best results. If you prefer a sharper flavor, swap provolone for aged cheddar or a blend of mozzarella and fontina.
For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of Italian herbs like oregano or basil directly on the beef before melting the cheese. This gives a delightful aromatic touch that complements the Italian dressing mix.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to create the Italian Beef and Cheese Melts:
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef chuck roast
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 packet Italian dressing mix
- 1 onion, sliced
- 4 large sub rolls
- 8 slices provolone cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
With these simple ingredients, you're just a few steps away from a delicious meal!
Instructions
Follow these easy steps to prepare your Italian Beef and Cheese Melts:
Prepare the Beef
In a slow cooker, place the beef chuck roast and sprinkle the Italian dressing mix over it. Add the beef broth and sliced onion, then season with salt and pepper. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours until the beef is tender.
Shred the Beef
Once the beef is done cooking, use two forks to shred the meat in the slow cooker and stir well to combine with the juices and onions. Let it sit on warm while you prepare the rolls.
Assemble the Melts
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the sub rolls in half and place them on a baking sheet. Load each roll with a generous amount of the shredded beef, top with two slices of provolone cheese, and place in the oven.
Melt and Serve
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove from the oven and serve hot, garnished with any additional toppings you desire.
Enjoy your Italian Beef and Cheese Melts with a side of fries or a fresh salad!
Pro Tips
- For an extra flavor kick, consider adding sliced bell peppers or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes while cooking the beef.
Make-Ahead Tips
This Italian Beef and Cheese Melts recipe is fantastic for meal prep. You can make the beef a day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat it gently in the slow cooker on low until warmed through, ensuring it retains moisture and flavor. This not only saves time on busy days but also allows the flavors to deepen overnight.
If you're hosting a gathering, you can prepare everything up to the assembly step ahead of time. This means you can focus on enjoying time with your guests while the melts bake for that crucial 10 to 12 minutes right before serving.
Serving Suggestions
These melts are wonderfully versatile. Serve them with a side of crunchy coleslaw or a simple mixed green salad to balance the richness of the cheese and beef. You can also provide an assortment of condiments, such as giardiniera, hot peppers, or a flavorful aioli, allowing guests to customize their sandwiches to their taste.
If you want to elevate your dish, consider grilling the assembled rolls for a few minutes before baking, giving them that delicious crunch and smoky flavor. This addition makes each bite even more satisfying, creating a beautifully layered texture with the soft interior of the bun and the crisp outer edges.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes, you can use brisket or round roast, but chuck roast is recommended for its tenderness.
→ Can I make this recipe in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the beef a day ahead and just reheat before assembling the sandwiches.
→ What other cheeses can I use?
Mozzarella or cheddar also work well, depending on your preference.
→ How can I store leftovers?
Store leftover beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave.
Italian Beef and Cheese Melts
I absolutely love making Italian Beef and Cheese Melts, especially when I want a comforting meal that's packed with flavor. The combination of tender, seasoned beef, gooey cheese, and a toasted bun creates a symphony of taste that warms my soul. Using a slow cooker for the beef ensures it’s juicy and easy to shred, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. This dish is perfect for cozy nights in or gatherings with friends, and it never fails to impress everyone who takes a bite.
Created by: Tina
Recipe Type: International Dish Inspirations
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef chuck roast
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 packet Italian dressing mix
- 1 onion, sliced
- 4 large sub rolls
- 8 slices provolone cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
How-To Steps
In a slow cooker, place the beef chuck roast and sprinkle the Italian dressing mix over it. Add the beef broth and sliced onion, then season with salt and pepper. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours until the beef is tender.
Once the beef is done cooking, use two forks to shred the meat in the slow cooker and stir well to combine with the juices and onions. Let it sit on warm while you prepare the rolls.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the sub rolls in half and place them on a baking sheet. Load each roll with a generous amount of the shredded beef, top with two slices of provolone cheese, and place in the oven.
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove from the oven and serve hot, garnished with any additional toppings you desire.
Extra Tips
- For an extra flavor kick, consider adding sliced bell peppers or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes while cooking the beef.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Total Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
- Sodium: 890mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 28g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 30g