Ingredients
Roast
- 3-4 pound beef chuck roast
- 1-2 tablespoons avocado oil
- 1 large sweet onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ounce packet ranch dressing mix
- 1 ounce packet au jus gravy mix
- 1 cup sliced pepperoncini peppers (or 10 whole peppers plus 1/4 cup juice from jar)
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
Sandwiches
- Sourdough rolls or hoagie rolls
- A little oil for brushing the rolls (optional)
- Provolone cheese slices
Instructions
- Heat and Sear: Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and add avocado oil. Sear the beef chuck roast for 5-8 minutes on each side until it develops a browned, crisp crust. This locking of flavors and texture prepares the roast for slow cooking.
- Prepare Slow Cooker: Transfer the seared roast to the bottom of a slow cooker. Surround it with sliced sweet onions and sprinkle the ranch dressing mix and au jus gravy mix evenly over the roast.
- Add Butter, Garlic, and Peppers: Top the roast with slices of unsalted butter, the minced garlic, and pepperoncini peppers along with their juice, spreading everything evenly for maximum flavor infusion.
- Slow Cook the Roast: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 4-6 hours, or until the meat is extremely tender and falls apart easily. Cooking time will vary based on the size of the roast.
- Shred the Meat: Once cooked, remove the roast and shred the meat thoroughly using two forks, mixing it well with the juices and seasonings left in the slow cooker.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for toasting the sandwich rolls.
- Prepare the Rolls: Slice the sourdough or hoagie rolls lengthwise, but do not cut all the way through, keeping one side intact to hold the fillings better. Place the rolls on a baking tray and lightly brush the tops with oil if desired.
- Toast the Rolls: Toast the rolls in the preheated oven for 3-5 minutes until they are lightly golden and crisp.
- Assemble Sandwiches: Fill each toasted roll generously with the shredded pot roast. Top with additional pepperoncini peppers and a few slices of provolone cheese for a melty, tangy finish.
- Serve: Transfer sandwiches to a serving platter and offer the leftover gravy from the slow cooker as a dipping sauce on the side, enhancing the sandwich experience.
Notes
- For stronger flavor, let the shredded meat sit in the cooking juices for a few minutes before assembling sandwiches.
- You can substitute provolone cheese with mozzarella or Swiss cheese if preferred.
- Using the juice from the pepperoncini peppers adds tanginess and helps to tenderize the meat.
- Adjust cooking time in the slow cooker depending on the roast size; a larger roast may need longer to become tender.
- Optional: Add sliced pickles or fresh greens to the sandwich for extra crunch and freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
- Category: Sandwiches
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American