Slow-Simmered Italian Beef with Roasted Sweet Peppers

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

Tender slices of seasoned Italian beef slow-cooked in a rich gravy, paired with sweet roasted peppers for a classic Chicago-inspired dish. This italian-inspired beef ready in about 210 minutes pairs beef chuck roast, olive oil, minced garlic cloves 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 heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Season 2 lbs beef chuck roast with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper, then sear it on all sides for about 3-4 minutes per side until deeply browned.
  2. Step 2: Remove the beef and reduce heat to medium. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 large thinly sliced yellow onion, sauté for 4-5 minutes until onions are soft and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Return the beef to the pot and pour in 3 cups beef broth. Stir in 1 tsp dried oregano and 1 tsp dried basil. Bring to a simmer, cover, and reduce heat to low. Cook gently for 3 hours, turning the beef occasionally until tender enough to shred.
  4. Step 4: During the last 20 minutes, stir in 1 cup sliced sweet roasted red peppers and continue simmering uncovered to thicken the gravy slightly.
  5. Step 5: Once done, remove the beef and shred it with two forks. Return shredded beef to the pot and mix well with the gravy and peppers.
  6. Step 6: Serve the beef hot on 4 Italian bread rolls, spooning extra gravy and peppers over the top for dipping.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Simmered Italian Beef with Roasted Sweet 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 Sweet 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 beef chuck roast from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Simmered Italian Beef with Roasted Sweet 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 Sweet 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 Sweet 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.

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