Crockpot Italian Beef Without The Bun

A One Pot Wonder

This Crockpot Italian Beef Without The Bun creation is simmered to perfection in the slow cooker. This culinary masterpiece begins with tender beef combined with a symphony of flavors including onions, peppers, garlic, and a blend of savory seasonings.

As it simmers low and slow, the beef absorbs every aromatic essence, becoming meltingly tender and infused with rich, savory goodness.

Instead of the traditional bun, serve this Italian beef masterpiece with fluffy dumplings or pillowy gnocchi. These delectable alternatives add a touch of Italian flair.

They also soak up the savory juices of the beef, creating a mouthwatering symphony of flavors and textures.

Each forkful is an experience. A harmonious blend of tender beef, aromatic vegetables, and delicate dumplings or gnocchi.

This is all enveloped in a luscious gravy that’s bursting with Italian-inspired goodness. It’s a culinary journey that transports you to the bustling streets of Italy, where every bite is a celebration of flavor and tradition.

Need Help Finding and Saving The Recipe?

There is a full, printable recipe card at the end of this post. You can also hit the print button for the recipe to come up on one screen and from there you can screenshot this to save it to your phone.

I also have added a Pinterest button that you can use to save this recipe to your Pinterest page. If you would like to follow me on Pinterest, you can find me there as The Tipsy Housewife.

What To Use For Dumplings

There are many options to add the “bread” component to this delicious crockpot meal. I like to use a ready to eat gnocchi or soup dumpling for this recipe.

The one pictured above is from a brand called Rana. They make some of my favorite pastas.

Their Skillet Gnocchi soaks up the flavors of this dish, and it is easily added right from the bag to the slow cooker. The gnocchi gets pillowy soft and tender as it cooks up in the juices.

Additionally, I have used Chateau Brand Soup Dumplings. Their product comes frozen and needs to be cooked but I have had very good luck cooking this IN the slow cooker with these beef juices.

They also add the texture and flavor we are seeking in this dish. You can find these in most Chicagoland grocery stores or use their website to order or find a list of retailers.

If you do not want, or cannot get, either of these two products, you can use any pillowy pasta or dumpling and cook it accordingly and then add it for just 30 minutes to the slow cooker instead of the hour that I recommend for the other two.

You want to use something pillowy and bread-like so that you get the flavor and texture of the bun that Italian beef usually comes on.

Slow Cooker or Oven

The recipe card below has the method for making this recipe in the slow cooker. You can use a covered roaster and your oven to make this as well.

Just follow the same steps of the preparation, then add the whole thing to a covered roaster and bake at 350 degrees for approximately 3 hours. Add your dumpling of choice for the last hour.

Now it it always important to keep in mind that every oven is different. The first time you make this you will have to keep an eye on your oven and your meat to see how it is coming along and adjust your cook times accordingly.

Be sure to check your oven temperature to see how it’s calibrated. I’ve written out all the steps for checking your oven temperature elsewhere on the site.

The meat sometimes increases or decreases the cook time as well. The cook times I give are what work for ME and my cooking method and particular oven.

They should be pretty close to what will work for you. It is always a good idea to pay attention and take note the first time you are making any recipe.

Slow Cookers Can Be Different

As I said above about the cook time in an oven, a slow cooker needs to be factored in as well. Slow cookers have different cook times based on many factors including age, if your insert is metal or ceramic, brand, and more.

I find a lot of the slow cookers now that are new basically boil the food because they get so hot. I would advise finding a slow cooker with a ceramic insert for a more slow cooked method.

Do NOT keep checking the food by lifting the lid of anything cooking. You’ll add cook time and can make the meat tough.

When you lift the lid, you let the heat out and the oven or slow cooker has to come back up to temp. This is not good for the meat.

With recipes like this, let it do its thing. The lid on a slow cooker is clear for this reason.

Let The Meat Rest

When you cook chuck roast and immediately serve it from the heat of cooking it will always be tough. Make sure you allow for rest time for the meat when you are about to serve.

This is also the reason why I like to make meals like this ahead of time and reheat. The meat is always way more tender the longer it rests.

It’s the perfect meal for having a “The Bear” watch party or any occasion, really.

Slow Cookers For Summer

I love a slow cooker in the summer. It’s a great way to cook without heating up your house.

If you would like another slow cooker meal, try my Pot Roast Recipe. I also have a really popular Pickle Pot Roast everyone loves for sandwiches.