How to Make Easy Italian Beef (Make-Ahead Freezer Meal) - A Step-by-Step Guide

Italian beef is a classic comfort food that is perfect for feeding a crowd. It's hearty, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make, especially when you prepare it as a make-ahead freezer meal. This recipe is a lifesaver for busy days when you don't have time to cook, but still want a delicious and satisfying dinner.

One of the best things about this Easy Italian Beef recipe is that you can prepare it ahead of time and freeze it for later. This means that you can have a homemade meal read...

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Ingredients

  • 1 (3 pound) boneless beef chuck roast
  • 1 (16 ounce) jar whole pepperoncini peppers
  • 1 (.6 ounce) package dry Italian-style salad dressing mix
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Information

  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 4 hrs
  • Additional Time: 1 hr
  • Total Time: 5 hrs 10 mins
  • Servings: 8
  • Yield: 8 servings

  • Cut chuck roast into 5 pieces and place in a 1-gallon, resealable freezer bag.
  • Drain pepperoncinis and reserve 1/4 cup of the liquid. Add peppers to the freezer bag.
  • Whisk reserved liquid with Italian dressing mix and olive oil. Pour mixture over the beef and peppers. Tightly seal the bag and mix the contents until well combined. Lay flat in the freezer and freeze for up to one month.
  • When ready to cook, remove bag from the freezer and allow contents to partially thaw until they can be broken apart, about 1 hour.
  • Empty bag into a slow cooker. Cook until meat is tender and shreds easily with a fork, on Low for 8 to 10 hours or on High for 4 to 6 hours.
  • Remove meat and shred with a fork. Return meat to the pot and serve immediately.
  • Nutrition

    480 cal.

    • Total Fat: 38g
    • Saturated Fat: 14g
    • Cholesterol: 123mg
    • Sodium: 1637mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 3g
    • Dietary Fiber: 1g
    • Protein: 30g
    • Potassium: 457mg