Italian Beef and Cheese Melts

Name: Italian Beef and Cheese Melts
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound beef roast; 1 packet Italian seasoning; 1 cup beef broth; 4 hoagie rolls; 8 slices provolone cheese; Optional: giardiniera for topping

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

I fell in love with Italian Beef and Cheese Melts during a trip to Chicago, where the flavors and the gooey cheese made each bite unforgettable. This recipe captures that same robust flavor, making it an easy yet indulgent meal to whip up at home. I appreciate how the combination of savory beef, melted cheese, and spices blend seamlessly inside warm, toasted rolls. It’s a quick comfort food that satisfies both hunger and cravings, perfect for game day or a cozy dinner with family and friends.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-20T12:25:28.432Z

One of my favorite aspects of making these melts is the ease with which they come together. I typically prepare the beef in a slow cooker, allowing the spices to meld and the meat to become wonderfully tender. The leftovers are just as delightful, making this a perfect dish for meal prep. A tip I’ve learned is to top the melts with a drizzle of giardiniera to add a zesty kick, elevating the flavors beautifully.

Over the years, I’ve experimented with various cheeses and bread types. My go-to combination is provolone and crusty hoagie rolls, which maintain structural integrity while becoming deliciously crispy in the oven. It’s amazing how a few key ingredients can transform simple sandwich components into a delightful dish that friends and family rave about!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Hearty and satisfying with juicy Italian beef
Melted cheese creates a gooey, comforting texture
Quick to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings

      

Cooking the Perfect Beef

The choice of beef roast is crucial for achieving the tender, juicy result that makes these melts so special. A chuck roast is ideal due to its marbling, which adds flavor and moisture during slow cooking. Before adding the seasonings and broth, make sure to trim any excess fat to avoid greasiness. This will help the beef absorb the Italian seasoning flavors better, ensuring a delicious profile with every bite.

When cooking in a slow cooker, set it to low temperature. This allows the collagen in the meat to break down properly, ensuring optimal tenderness. Cooking for the full 6-8 hours may seem like a lengthened wait, but it's essential. You’ll know it's ready when your fork easily pulls apart the beef streams, ready for shredding.

Perfecting Your Cheese Melts

The type of cheese you choose can vary, but provolone is a traditional choice due to its excellent melting qualities. To intensify the flavor, consider using a smoked provolone. Place the cheese on top of the beef generously; it not only enhances the flavor but also provides a gooey texture that turns every bite into pure comfort. For an extra layer of flavor, a dash of Italian seasoning on top of the cheese can elevate the dish even further.

As you bake the sandwiches, keep a close eye on the cheese. The goal is to achieve a perfectly bubbled, golden crust. If the cheese isn't melting as desired, you can briefly broil them for a minute or two at the end, watching carefully to prevent burning. A perfectly baked melt showcases delicious flavors and a delightful texture, ready to be devoured.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create perfect Italian Beef and Cheese Melts.

Ingredients

1 pound beef roast
1 packet Italian seasoning
1 cup beef broth
4 hoagie rolls
8 slices provolone cheese
Optional: giardiniera for topping

Ensure all ingredients are ready before starting the cooking process.

Instructions

Follow these steps to make your delicious Italian Beef and Cheese Melts!

Prepare the Beef

In a slow cooker, combine the beef roast, Italian seasoning, and beef broth. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the meat is tender and easily shredded.

Shred the Meat

Remove the beef from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Return it to the cooker, mixing in the juices.

Assemble the Melts

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place a generous portion of the shredded beef on each hoagie roll and top with two slices of provolone cheese.

Bake

Arrange the stuffed rolls on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the bread is golden.

Serve

Remove from the oven and top with giardiniera if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Once assembled, these melts are best served immediately for maximum enjoyment!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, let the beef marinate overnight in the seasoning and broth. You can also use different types of cheese such as mozzarella or cheddar for variety.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers, store the shredded beef and assembles melts separately in airtight containers. The beef can be kept in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, while the assembled sandwiches are best eaten fresh to maintain the optimal texture of the bread and cheese. When reheating the beef, a microwave will suffice, but for the melts, place them in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to regain the crunchy exterior.

For longer storage, consider freezing the beef. Cool it completely before portioning it into freezer-safe bags. This way, you can have your homemade Italian beef ready for a quick meal at any time. To defrost, simply leave it in the fridge overnight, then reheat as mentioned to keep it juicy and flavorful.

Serving Suggestions

These Italian Beef and Cheese Melts pair wonderfully with a side of crispy potato wedges or a refreshing coleslaw. The creamy texture of the coleslaw adds a nice contrast to the rich flavors of the beef and cheese. You might also serve them with a side of seasoned fries for a true game day feast, or accompany the melts with a warm marinara sauce for dipping.

For an added kick, you can also include giardiniera—a spicy pickled vegetable mix—as a topping or side option. Its zesty crunch complements the melts perfectly, giving an extra layer of flavor. Feel free to customize your melts further by adding sautéed bell peppers or onions for a touch of sweetness and additional texture.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes, cuts like flank steak or chuck roast also work well, just adjust the cooking time as needed.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.

→ Can I prepare these melts ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the beef ahead of time and assemble the melts just before baking.

→ What can I serve with these melts?

They pair excellently with a side salad or crispy fries for a complete meal.