Italian Beef Sandwich
Fork-tender beef, slow-cooked in a rich, savory broth loaded with Italian herbs. Piled high on a sturdy roll and topped with spicy giardiniera, this Chicago classic is pure comfort food.
For 8 servings
5 steps. 480 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Season and Sear the Beef
- b.Pat the chuck roast completely dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, combine the salt and black pepper, then rub the mixture evenly over all surfaces of the roast.
- c.Heat the vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
- d.Carefully place the roast in the hot pot and sear for 4-5 minutes per side, until a deep brown crust forms. Do not overcrowd the pan or move the meat too much while searing.
- e.Once all sides are browned, transfer the seared roast to a 6-quart or larger slow cooker.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Create the Flavorful Jus
- b.Reduce the heat under the Dutch oven to medium. Add the sliced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes until softened and lightly golden.
- c.Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- d.Pour in the beef broth to deglaze the pot, using a wooden spoon to scrape up all the flavorful browned bits (fond) from the bottom.
- e.Stir in the Italian seasoning, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Slow Cook to Perfection
- b.Carefully pour the hot broth mixture over the beef in the slow cooker. The liquid should come about halfway up the side of the roast.
- c.Tuck the bay leaves into the liquid on the sides of the beef.
- d.Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 8-10 hours or on HIGH for 4-5 hours. The beef is done when it is exceptionally tender and easily shreds with a fork.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Shred or Slice the Beef
- b.Carefully transfer the cooked roast to a large cutting board and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. Remove and discard the bay leaves from the jus.
- c.For a shredded texture, use two forks to pull the meat apart. For a more traditional, authentic texture, use a sharp knife to slice the beef as thinly as possible against the grain.
- d.Return the shredded or sliced beef to the slow cooker, submerging it in the hot jus. Let it soak and absorb the flavors for at least 20 minutes before serving.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Assemble the Sandwiches
- b.Slice the hoagie rolls lengthwise, leaving one side intact as a hinge.
- c.Using tongs, generously pile the juicy beef onto each roll, allowing excess jus to drip off first.
- d.Top with your desired amount of giardiniera and sweet peppers.
- e.Serve immediately. For a 'wet' sandwich, ladle extra jus over the meat. For a 'dipped' sandwich, quickly submerge the entire assembled sandwich into the jus before serving.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the most authentic sandwich, use sturdy, crusty Italian rolls (like Turano or Gonnella) that can hold up to the juicy beef without falling apart.
- 2Don't skip the searing step! It creates a deep, rich flavor in both the meat and the final jus through the Maillard reaction.
- 3After cooking, you can skim any excess fat from the surface of the jus using a spoon for a cleaner broth.
- 4The beef and jus can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. The flavors meld and deepen overnight, making it even more delicious.
- 5For a classic Chicago-style texture, let the roast cool slightly, then slice it as thinly as possible against the grain before returning it to the jus.
- 6Leftovers freeze beautifully. Store the beef and jus together in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Adapt it for your goals.
Cheesy Italian Beef
During assembly, place a slice of provolone or mozzarella cheese on top of the hot beef and let it melt before serving. You can also place the open-faced sandwich under a broiler for a minute to get the cheese bubbly.
Spicier VersionSpicier Version
Increase the red pepper flakes to 1 full teaspoon (or more) in the jus. Use a hot giardiniera and add a few pepperoncini peppers to the slow cooker along with the beef.
Dutch Oven MethodDutch Oven Method
If you don't have a slow cooker, you can make this entirely in a Dutch oven. After adding the broth and seasonings, bring to a simmer, cover, and place in a preheated oven at 325°F (165°C) for 3-4 hours, or until the beef is tender.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Beef is a complete protein, providing all the essential amino acids your body needs for muscle repair, growth, and overall function.
Rich in Iron
This dish provides a significant amount of heme iron, which is easily absorbed by the body and is crucial for producing red blood cells and preventing anemia.
Provides B Vitamins
Beef is a natural source of essential B vitamins, particularly B12 and B6, which support energy metabolism, nervous system health, and brain function.
Frequently asked questions
A typical Italian Beef Sandwich, as prepared in this recipe, contains approximately 550-650 calories per serving. This can vary based on the size of the roll, the amount of beef, and the toppings used.