Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This creamy Italian beef recipe is incredibly easy to make and delivers a rich, savory flavor that will satisfy your cravings. The slow cooker does all the hard work, leaving you with tender, juicy beef in a creamy, flavorful sauce. It’s versatile, making it great for a variety of meals. Whether you serve it with pasta, on a sandwich, or over mashed potatoes, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit. Plus, it’s a perfect meal prep option, as it stores and reheats beautifully.

Ingredients

3 to 4 pounds beef chuck roast
1 packet dry Italian dressing mix
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup beef broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the beef roast with salt and pepper, then sear it in the skillet until browned on all sides (about 3-4 minutes per side).
Transfer the beef to the slow cooker. In a medium bowl, whisk together the Italian dressing mix, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, and heavy cream. Pour the mixture over the beef.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours, until the beef is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
Once the beef is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker and stir it into the creamy sauce.
Let the beef sit in the sauce for 10 minutes to absorb the flavors. Serve over rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or in a sandwich.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6-8
Cook time: 7-8 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high

Variations

Add vegetables: For a heartier meal, consider adding vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, or bell peppers to the slow cooker with the beef.
Spicy version: Add red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño for a spicy kick.
Substitute meat: While this recipe calls for beef chuck roast, you can substitute it with chicken or pork for a different take on the dish.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. Add a little beef broth or cream to loosen the sauce if it thickens during storage.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

Yes, you can use other cuts like a brisket or round roast. However, beef chuck is ideal because it becomes tender and shreds easily after slow cooking.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare this dish in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.

3. Can I make this in the Instant Pot instead of a slow cooker?

Yes, you can cook the beef on the “Pressure Cook” setting for about 60-75 minutes, depending on the size of the roast. Be sure to follow the same seasoning and sauce instructions.

4. Can I use light cream or milk instead of heavy cream?

While light cream or milk can be used as a substitute, it will result in a thinner sauce. The richness of the heavy cream is what makes the dish creamy and indulgent.

5. Can I freeze this recipe?

Yes, this creamy Italian beef freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be stored for up to 3 months.

6. What should I serve with this dish?

This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, or even on a sandwich bun for an Italian beef sandwich.

7. How do I keep the beef from getting dry?

Slow cooking the beef ensures it stays moist. As long as the beef is cooked on low heat, it should remain juicy and tender. Adding the creamy sauce keeps it moist too.

8. Can I adjust the level of creaminess in this recipe?

Yes, you can adjust the amount of heavy cream to your liking. For a thicker sauce, use more cream, and for a lighter version, you can reduce the amount of cream or substitute part of it with beef broth.

9. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe can be made gluten-free by ensuring that the Italian dressing mix and the cream of mushroom soup are gluten-free. Some brands may contain gluten, so be sure to check the labels.

10. How can I make this recipe spicier?

To add some heat, try adding red pepper flakes, chili powder, or a sliced jalapeño to the slow cooker along with the beef. Adjust to your spice preference.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Creamy Italian Beef is an easy, hearty, and flavorful dish that is sure to become a family favorite. With minimal prep and the convenience of the slow cooker, it’s the perfect go-to meal for busy nights. The rich, creamy sauce and tender beef are just what you need to satisfy your comfort food cravings. Whether served with pasta, rice, or on a sandwich, this recipe is versatile and sure to please everyone at the table.

Slow Cooker Creamy Italian Beef

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This Slow Cooker Creamy Italian Beef recipe is the ultimate comfort food, featuring tender beef slow-cooked in a creamy Italian dressing sauce. Perfect for sandwiches or served over mashed potatoes, it’s a hearty dish that’s simple to prepare and packed with rich flavors.

Author: Emily
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 7-8 hours (low) or 4-5 hours (high)
Total Time: 7 hours 10 minutes (low) or 4 hours 10 minutes (high)
Yield: 6-8 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the beef with salt and pepper and sear on all sides until browned (about 4-5 minutes per side). Transfer the beef to the slow cooker.
In the same skillet, mix the Italian seasoning, ranch seasoning, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, and heavy cream. Stir to combine and heat for 1-2 minutes.
Pour the sauce mixture over the beef in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the beef is tender and shreds easily.
Once the beef is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker and stir in Parmesan cheese. Let it simmer on low for an additional 20-30 minutes to thicken the sauce.
Serve on hoagie buns, over mashed potatoes, or with your favorite side dish.

Notes

This recipe can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days.
For an extra creamy texture, add more heavy cream.
You can use the shredded beef for sandwiches, tacos, or as a topping for rice or pasta.