Slow-Cooked Italian Beef with Peppers and Gravy
Tender slices of slow-cooked Italian beef simmered with sweet bell peppers in a rich, savory gravy, perfect for hearty sandwiches or a comforting meal. This italian-inspired beef ready in about 210 minutes pairs pounds beef chuck roast, large, thinly sliced yellow onion, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 3 pounds beef chuck roast
- 2 medium, sliced into 1/2-inch strips green bell peppers
- 2 medium, sliced into 1/2-inch strips red bell peppers
- 1 large, thinly sliced yellow onion
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Season 3 pounds beef chuck roast with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper, then sear on all sides until deeply browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove beef and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same pot, add 1 large thinly sliced yellow onion and 4 minced garlic cloves, sautéing over medium heat for 4-5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to form a roux.
- Step 4: Gradually whisk in 2 cups beef broth, scraping any browned bits from the bottom, then add 1 tsp dried oregano and 1 tsp dried basil.
- Step 5: Return the seared beef to the pot along with 2 sliced green bell peppers and 2 sliced red bell peppers. Bring to a simmer, then cover and reduce heat to low. Cook for 3 hours until beef is fork-tender.
- Step 6: Remove beef and shred with two forks. Return shredded beef to the pot and stir into the gravy and peppers. Simmer uncovered for 10 more minutes to thicken the gravy before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Cooked Italian Beef with Peppers and Gravy take to make?
Total time is about 210 minutes (20 min prep + 190 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Slow-Cooked Italian Beef with Peppers and Gravy?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep pounds beef chuck roast from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Italian Beef with Peppers and Gravy?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Slow-Cooked Italian Beef with Peppers and Gravy for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Slow-Cooked Italian Beef with Peppers and Gravy?
Italian beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
