Freezer Meal Prep Day: Italian Beef Sandwiches

Italian Beef Sandwiches with Green Beans and Cantaloupe (not pictured)

My mom makes Italian Beef Sandwiches. They are spicy and savory and all around delicious. This is my compiled recipe using my mom's recipe and tips I read online. I make these up ahead of time in a gallon freezer bag, thaw it in the fridge the night before, and dump it in the slowcooker in the morning. How do I know when to make it? If it's the middle of the work week or near the end and I don't feel like putting forth the effort to cook anymore, I'll get out a freezer meal. Not having to worry about dinner for just one night is really nice, and I can get something else done or just relax a while.

Serves: 2
Prep: 10 mins
Cooking: 3-4 hours in slow cooker

Ingredients:

• 1/2 lb roast meat (optional: cut into smaller chunks to facilitate quicker defrosting)
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, chopped
• 1-2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1/4 cup sliced jarred banana peppers
• 1/2 tsp basil
• 1/2 tsp oregano
• black pepper to taste
• hoagie buns
• provolone cheese (optional)

Directions:

1. To freeze: put all ingredients in a gallon size freezer bag except the buns and cheese. Press out as much air as possible and freeze.
2. Otherwise, pour everything into the slow cooker (except the buns and cheese), and cook on low for 3-4 hours or until the meat can be shredded easily with two forks.
3. Shred the meat and pile it into your hoagie (optional: toast your buns first to keep them from getting soggy, but you'll probably eat them too fast for that to happen!). Add a slice of cheese, if desired. Scoop the excess liquid into a small cup for dipping!

Enjoy!
-Linciel