Chicago Italian Beef Sandwich
Tender, juicy, thinly sliced beef simmered in a savory, seasoned broth, piled high on a crusty Italian roll. This iconic Chicago classic can be served dry, wet, or fully dipped, with a kick from spicy giardiniera.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 240 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare and Sear the Beef
- b.In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, basil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- c.Pat the beef roast dry with paper towels and rub the spice mixture evenly over all sides.
- d.Heat the vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
- e.Carefully place the seasoned roast in the hot pot and sear for 3-4 minutes per side, until a deep brown crust forms all over.
- f.Once seared, transfer the roast to a 6-quart or larger slow cooker.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Slow Cook the Beef
- b.Pour the beef broth into the slow cooker, surrounding the roast.
- c.Add the smashed garlic cloves to the broth.
- d.Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the beef is fork-tender.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Slice the Beef and Prepare the Gravy
- b.Carefully remove the roast from the slow cooker and place it on a large cutting board. Let it rest for at least 20 minutes. For best results, wrap and chill the roast in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours to make slicing easier.
- c.While the beef rests, strain the cooking liquid (the 'gravy' or au jus) through a fine-mesh sieve into a saucepan to remove any solids. Skim excess fat from the surface with a spoon.
- d.Once rested or chilled, use a very sharp knife or a meat slicer to slice the beef as thinly as possible against the grain.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Combine Beef and Gravy
- b.Bring the strained gravy in the saucepan to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- c.Add the thinly sliced beef back into the hot gravy. Stir gently to ensure all slices are submerged and coated.
- d.Allow the beef to warm through for 2-3 minutes. Do not let the gravy boil, as this can make the thin slices of beef tough.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Assemble the Sandwiches
- b.Slice the Italian rolls lengthwise, but not all the way through, leaving one side hinged.
- c.Using tongs, generously pile the warm, gravy-soaked beef into each roll.
- d.Top with a spoonful of hot or mild giardiniera.
- e.Serve it 'wet' by spooning extra gravy over the beef, or 'dipped' by holding the entire sandwich with tongs and quickly dunking it into the pot of gravy.
- f.Serve immediately with extra napkins.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For paper-thin slices, chilling the cooked roast in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours is the best trick. It firms up the meat, making it much easier to slice.
- 2Use a high-quality, crusty roll. A soft roll will disintegrate instantly when it touches the gravy.
- 3Don't skip the searing step! It creates a flavorful crust on the beef that adds incredible depth to the gravy.
- 4The leftover gravy is liquid gold. Save it for dipping or for making another batch of sandwiches with store-bought roast beef.
- 5Adjust the heat by choosing hot or mild giardiniera. For true Chicago style, hot is the way to go.
Adapt it for your goals.
Cheesy 'Cheef'
Add a slice of provolone or mozzarella cheese on top of the beef before serving. You can melt it slightly by placing the open-faced sandwich under a broiler for a minute.
Sweet PeppersSweet Peppers
For a milder version, top the sandwich with sautéed green bell peppers instead of or in addition to giardiniera.
Instant Pot MethodInstant Pot Method
Sear the beef in the Instant Pot on the 'Sauté' function. Add the broth and garlic, then pressure cook on high for 90 minutes. Allow a natural pressure release for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Spicier GravySpicier Gravy
Add a few tablespoons of the oil from the giardiniera jar into the gravy for an extra layer of flavor and heat.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Complete Protein
Beef is a complete protein source, providing all the essential amino acids your body needs for muscle repair, growth, and maintaining overall body function.
Excellent Source of Iron
This sandwich delivers a significant amount of heme iron, which is more easily absorbed by the body than non-heme iron from plants. Iron is crucial for creating red blood cells and preventing anemia.
B-Vitamin Powerhouse
Beef is packed with essential B vitamins, particularly B12, niacin, and B6. These vitamins are vital for converting food into energy, supporting brain function, and maintaining a healthy nervous system.
Frequently asked questions
A typical Chicago Italian Beef Sandwich made with this recipe contains approximately 650-750 calories per serving, depending on the size of the roll and the amount of beef and giardiniera used.