Crockpot Italian Beef Sandwiches

Raise your hand if you’ve ever said one of the following statements:

1. I wish days were more than 24 hours long.

2. If only I had a third arm.

Ok, so everybody should be raising their hand right now.  Personally, I think these two things at least once a week.  It just seems that no matter how efficiently I attempt to manage my time and tasks, there is always more I wish I could get done during the day.  I hate prioritizing things, I just want to do them all!  And, it always seems that at some point during the day I am trying to delicately juggle about one million things between two hands.  I’m sure I look like a circus act on  when I try to carry my CSA share, purse, lunch bag, sweater, coffee mug and mail from the car to the house.  Oh, and don’t forget I still need to have my keys out to open the door.  I wonder why I get so frustrated when I drop one of these items on the way?  This whole thing would be so much easier if I just had a third arm (or made two trips – but I’m trying to save time… don’t you see?)

Until the world decides to adopt 32 hour days or some crazy third arm genetic mutation occurs, we’re stuck with looking for ways to save more time and balance more things.  Enter here your trusty crockpot, the ultimate dinner time saver.  Just throw ingredients into the crockpot before you leave for the day and when you come home dinner is ready to go.  If the kids decide to bring a few friends over for dinner, no problem! Because crockpot cooking can always feed a crowd.

My two favorite ways to utilize the crockpot for dinner is by making both soups and shredded meats.  This recipe is perfect for a weeknight meal or while watching Sunday night football.  It’s hearty and filling so you can be sure the whole family will enjoy.  The juicy, tender beef soaks in tons of great flavor while cooking in beef broth and italian dressing seasoning all day.  So, fill your favorite crusty rolls (or make your own if you have some extra time!) with this classic shredded beef, green peppers, and onions.  Then, top with provolone cheese. After a quick melt under the broiler, you’ll be all set to dig in.

We like to cook the peppers and onions right in with the beef, adding them to the crockpot about a half hour before serving.  Not only do the veggies soak up the beefy broth, but it also saves you from dirtying (and having to wash) another pan.  Serve these sandwiches with fries, tots or chips.  And, don’t forget some extra au jus on the side for dipping!

Crockpot Italian Beef Sandwiches

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Serves	8
Prep time	15 minutes
Cook time	8 hours
Total time	8 hours, 15 minutes
Meal type	Lunch, Main Dish

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 1/2lb beef eye round roast
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 clove garlic (pressed)
• 1 packet italian dressing mix
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 green pepper (sliced into 1/2 inch pieces)
• 1 onion (sliced into 1/2 inch pieces)
• 8 rolls
• 8 slices provolone cheese

Directions

1.	Add oil to a frying pan over medium-high heat. Season meat all over with salt and pepper. Once oil is hot, sear meat on all sides.
2.	Transfer meat to a crockpot. Add beef broth, bay leaf, garlic, italian dressing packet, and paprika. Season with salt and pepper. Cover and cook on high for 4 - 6 hours or on low for 8 - 10 hours.
3.	Remove roast from crockpot, and shred meat with two forks. Add meat back to crockpot. Add peppers and onions. Place lid back on and let cook for 30 minutes more.
4.	Preheat oven to broiler setting. Fill bun with beef, peppers and onions. Top with slice of provolone cheese. Place sandwiches under broiler until cheese is melted

So while I can’t promise that a crockpot will help with the fine art of juggling, it can help maximize the mere 24 hours we have in a day.

More ways to save time with your crockpot:

Barbacoa Beef Tacos

Crockpot Pulled Pork Sandwiches with Mango BBQ Sauce 

Shared with Totally Tasty Tuesdays, Recipe Linky, Simple Living

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