The flavors in these sandwiches are amazing. It's easy to put together, throw in the slow cooker and let it do your work. It will become one of your family's favorite slow cooker meals.
Beef:
4 lb. boneless beef chuck roast, quartered
2 red, orange, yellow or combination of bell peppers, seeded and sliced
1 small onion, halved and thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, chopped
15 oz. can diced tomatoes with basil and oregano
2 t. homemade Italian seasoning, recipe below
1/2 t. whole fennel seeds
2 1/2 t. Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Italian Seasoning:
3 T. dried basil
3 T. dried marjoram
3 T. dried oregano
3 T. dried parsley
1 T. granulated garlic
1 t. dried rosemary
1 t. dried thyme
1/4 t. red pepper flakes
Aioli:
1 large egg
2 cloves garlic, finely grated
1 t. Dijon mustard
1/2 c. extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 c. vegetable oil
16 oz. jar giardiniera, drained (Italian relish of pickled vegetables in vinegar or oil)
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Four 12 - 14 inch loaves French bread, halved crosswise, split and lightly toasted
Place a slow cooker liner in the base of a slow cooker for easy clean up.
Italian Seasoning:
In a small bowl, mix together the basil, marjoram, oregano, parsley, granulated garlic, rosemary, thyme and red pepper flakes. Store in a jar with a tight-fitting lid.
Beef:
Combine the chuck roast, bell peppers, onions, garlic, tomatoes, Italian seasoning, fennel seeds, 2 1/2 t. salt and pepper in the slow cooker. Cook on the Low for 8 hours.
When beef is done, use a ladle/spoon to remove/discard some of the excess fat from the surface; on a cutting board or platter, coarsely shred beef with 2 forks. Season with salt and pepper.
Aioli:
Place the egg, garlic and Dijon mustard in a food processor; pulse to combine. With the motor running, add both oils in a very slow, steady stream until all is incorporated; add in the giardiniera; pulse until chopped. Season with salt and pepper.
Spread about 2 T. aioli on both sides of the bread. Assemble sandwiches with the shredded beef.
Serve immediately.
Makes 8 sandwiches.
*The beef can be browned before placing in the slow cooker, if you wish.
**Consumption of raw or undercooked eggs and meat may increase the risk of food borne illnesses.