A Chicago classic that has been steadily building traction nationwide, the Italian Beef Sandwich is a tender seasoned beef sandwich covered with au jus and topped off with crunchy sweet-and-hot peppers. It is rich and soft, but with all the textures that make a sandwich so flavorful.
Originating around the early 1900s in Chicago, this sandwich was created by Italian immigrants to feed crowds using budget cuts of beef. In this version, the slow-cooked beef is wrapped inside spices and cooked in its natural juicebefore being shredded onto a bun and dunked out au jus. The sandwich comes with your choice of spicy giardiniera or sweet peppers and can be eaten “wet” (soaked in additional juice) or “dry” to suit a diner’s taste.
This recipe will show you how to make an Italian Beef Sandwich like the ones in Chicago—only better!
Italian Beef Sandwiches Ingredients
This Italian Beef Sandwich has a few secret ingredients that set it apart from the regular slow-cooked beef and toppings. The ingredients that go into making this signature sandwich
Beef and Seasoning:
3-4 lbs beef chuck roast (or top sirloin if you want a less fatty cut)
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon dried basil
1 packet of red pepper flakes to taste
1 teaspoon dried thyme
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Au Jus (Beef Broth):
Beef broth (4 cups, low-sodium if possible)
1 cup water
1/4 cup red wine (This will give depth to the flavor, so only skip it if you have to.)
2 Tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Sandwich Assembly:
6 to 8 Italian or French rolls (the crustier the better)
Vietnamese French Bread, sliced and toasted Giardiniera (pickled vegetables) or bell peppers, sauteed.
Provolone cheese, shredded (if making the cheesy version)
Print RecipeHow to Make Italian Beef Sandwich
Step 1: Season the Beef
Season beef roast Mix, oregano basil thyme salt ground black pepper crushed red pepper flakes onion powder, and garlic powder in a small bowl. Rub this spice mixture liberally all over the beef roast.
Step 2: Sear the Beef
Heat 1 tbsp. Oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat Sear the beef all over until browned ~3-4 minutes a side. This locks the flavor in and makes a very tasty coat over the beef.
How to Make Slow-Cooked Beef
Transfer the seared beef to a slow cooker. Pour in the beef broth, water, red wine (if using), Worcestershire sauce, and bay leaf. Then cover and cook beef for 8 to 10 hours on low or until the beef is tender and falls apart easily (4-5 hrs on high)
If you don’t have a slow cooker, place the beef in your Dutch oven or large pot and pop it into the oven at 325°F for about three to four hours until soft; give it an occasional check-up just to keep things moist.
Step 4: Shred the Beef
When the beef is cooked and tender, remove it from slow cooker to shred using two forks. Add shredded beef back to the slow cooker and soak in all those juices.
Step 5: Prepare the Peppers
Top with Toppings: While beef is cooking, get your toppings together. You can put giardiniera and sweet peppers in a classic Chicago-style Italian beef sandwich.
Giardiniera: A pickled mix of “hot” vegetables (cauliflower, carrots, celery, and peppers) packed with a punch. Buy pre-made or DIY.
Sweet Peppers – for a less intense flavor, sauté strips of sweet bell peppers in olive oil until softened and slightly browned.
6- Prepare the sandwiches
Cut the Italian rolls in half lengthwise (DO NOT GO ALL THE WAY THROUGH; just cut one side so that it opens like a book). Optional: If you love cheese on your sandwiches, add provolone slices to the rolls and bake in the oven for a few minutes until melted.
Then load those rolls up with the shredded beef! Pour some of the au jus over meat-soaked bread. Lay the beef or sausage on top, followed by giardiniera or sautéed pepper. Or lash both if you’re an aficionado of mixing things up!
Step #7: Serve with Additional Au Jus
You want that on the side for dipping and as an authentic train ride-related experience. If you are the type of person who enjoys your sandwiches “wet,” then go ahead and either submerge the entire sandwich in just prior to eating or pour additional au jus over your meal.
The Italian Beef Sandwich Is A Hall Of Fame Classic
- Tender, Flavorful Beef
The beef in an Italian Beef Sandwich is slow-cooked with a combination of herbs and spices to season it just right, thus giving you delicious Saucy Juicy morsels. The meat soaks up the au jus, heightening its natural flavor and texture.
- Versatile Toppings
You can choose from spicy giardiniera to savory sweet peppers and make your sandwich as per the taste you like. Together, they comprised vanishing layers of sweetness and a pleasing mixture of flavors in each bite.
- Perfect for Gatherings
Italian Beef Sandwiches are delicious for a crowd to eat. The beef can be made ahead and kept warm in the slow cooker, so guests can fix their sandwiches however they please. It is a stress-free meal and with the great spicy flavor, it’s bound to be loved by all.
How to make the perfect Italian Beef Sandwich
Choose the right beef: A chuck roast will be great as it has enough fat to keep things juicy during 4 hours of slow cooking.§ Top sirloin is perfect if you are more of a leaner meat lover, although be cautious that it will take less time to cook as it can dry out(delicious though).
There is plenty of juice to go around though so you don’t want to skip the au jus; that is what makes this sandwich truly epic. Make sure to give him an extra side and maybe even poor over a juice bite or two.
Choose your heat: Get a sandwich with mild peppers or spicy giardiniera. If you like more heat, then add some additional crushed red pepper flakes to the beef.
PER SERVING: 340 calories (160 from fat), 17g total fat,6g saturated fat,95mg cholesterol,940mgsodium
Calories: 520
Protein: 35g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fat: 25g
Fiber: 4g
Sodium: 900mg
Wrapping Up The Italian Beef Sandwich
Italian Beef Sandwich — In a hearty ode to Chicago street food, the Italian beef sandwich adds loads of tantalizing flavor and juicy deliciousness too. From fiery giardiniera to sweet peppers, if you are a pepper fan — the flavors in this sandwich will fill your senses.
At yumy24. Here at Recipe This. Make this Italian Beef Sandwich at your next gathering or just make it as a yummy family meal.
