Slow-Cooker Italian Beef
Slow-Cooker Italian Beef is a hearty, savory sandwich filling originating from Chicago, where it's a beloved staple. The dish typically features a beef roast (like chuck or round) slow-cooked in a seasoned broth with Italian herbs, garlic, and often pepperoncini peppers, resulting in tender, flavorful shreds of meat.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is high in protein and fat, providing a good source of iron and B vitamins. A typical serving (about 3-4 ounces of meat) contains roughly 250-350 calories, depending on the cut of beef and amount of fat rendered.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 35 g |
| Carbs | 8 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Sodium | 850 mg |
| Iron | 4 mg |
| Potassium | 450 mg |
| Phosphorus | 280 mg |
| Zinc | 8 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 2.5 mcg |
| Niacin (B3) | 8 mg |
| Selenium | 35 mcg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.5 mg |
Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, it's a signature of Chicago's Italian-American deli scene, often served on a long roll with giardiniera. Nutritionally, the slow-cooking method helps break down tough connective tissues, making the protein more digestible while allowing the meat to absorb the aromatic flavors of the cooking liquid.
