(3- to 4-pound) beef top round roast
kosher salt, plus more as needed
freshly ground black pepper, plus more as needed
olive oil
water
regular or low-sodium beef broth
powdered Italian dressing mix
sliced pepperoncini peppers
pepperoncini brine (from the jar)
hoagie rolls
Provolone cheese
Mild or spicy giardiniera
Season 1 (3- to 4- pound) top round roast all over with 1 teaspoon kosher salt if using regular beef broth (or 1 1/2 teaspoons if using low-sodium beef broth) and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
Heat 4 teaspoons olive oil in large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shiimmering. Add roast and sear until browned and crusty on all slides, about 10 minutes total. Transfer the roast to a 5-quart or larger slow cooker.