Slow-Simmered Italian Beef with Roasted Bell Peppers

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender slices of premium Italian beef slow-cooked with aromatic herbs and roasted bell peppers for a rich, savory experience. This italian-inspired beef ready in about 210 minutes pairs Italian beef roast, olive oil, large, sliced thin yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 550 calories and feeds 4, 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 190 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 550 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 2 lbs Italian beef roast and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until browned all over.
  2. Step 2: Remove the beef and add 1 large sliced yellow onion and 4 minced garlic cloves to the pot, sautéing over medium heat for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 cup roasted red bell peppers, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp dried basil, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes, cooking for 2 minutes to combine flavors.
  4. Step 4: Return the beef to the pot and pour in 2 cups beef broth and 2 tbsp red wine vinegar. Bring to a simmer, then cover and reduce heat to low. Cook gently for 3 hours until beef is tender and shreds easily.
  5. Step 5: Remove beef from the pot, shred with two forks, then return shredded beef to the sauce and stir well to coat.
  6. Step 6: Preheat oven to 375°F. Slice 4 Italian hoagie rolls in half, layer each with shredded beef and 1 slice provolone cheese, then bake on a sheet pan for 8-10 minutes until cheese melts and edges crisp slightly.
  7. Step 7: Serve hot with the savory juices from the beef mixture spooned over the sandwiches.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Simmered Italian Beef with Roasted Bell Peppers 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-Simmered Italian Beef with Roasted Bell Peppers?

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 italian beef roast from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Simmered Italian Beef with Roasted Bell Peppers?

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-Simmered Italian Beef with Roasted Bell Peppers for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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-Simmered Italian Beef with Roasted Bell Peppers?

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.