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Italian Beef Sandwich Recipe

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The Italian Beef Sandwich is a classic Chicago-style dish featuring tender beef chuck roast slow-cooked in a savory broth with Italian seasoning, garlic, and onions. The beef is served on crusty Italian rolls, topped with spicy giardiniera and sautéed sweet bell peppers. Optional additions like provolone cheese, hot banana peppers, and roasted garlic add even more flavor. Perfect for a hearty, satisfying meal that’s full of rich, authentic taste.

Ingredients

  • Beef Chuck Roast: 3 to 4 pounds (1.4 to 1.8 kg)
  • Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
  • Beef Broth: 4 cups (1 liter)
  • Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
  • Onion: 1 large, sliced
  • Italian Seasoning: 2 tablespoons
  • Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon
  • Dried Basil: 1 teaspoon
  • Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: 1 teaspoon (optional)
  • Bay Leaves: 2
  • Salt: 1 teaspoon
  • Black Pepper: 1 teaspoon
  • Worcestershire Sauce: 2 tablespoons
  • Giardiniera: 1 cup (store-bought or homemade)
  • Sweet Bell Peppers: 2, sliced and sautéed
  • Italian Rolls: 6 to 8, split
  • Provolone Cheese: 8 slices (optional)
  • Hot Banana Peppers: Optional for extra heat
  • Mushrooms: Optional, sautéed
  • Horseradish Sauce: Optional for a spicy kick
  • Red Wine: ¼ cup, optional for added flavor in broth
  • Roasted Garlic: Optional, spread on bread
  • Fresh Parsley: Optional, chopped for garnish

Instructions

  • Sear Beef: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Sear the beef chuck roast on all sides until browned, then remove from pot.
  • Prepare Broth: In the same pot, sauté the onions until soft. Add minced garlic, cooking for 1 minute. Stir in Italian seasoning, oregano, basil, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), bay leaves, salt, and black pepper.
  • Simmer Beef: Add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and optional red wine to the pot. Return beef to the pot, cover, and simmer on low for 3-4 hours, until the beef is tender and easily shredded.
  • Shred Beef: Remove beef from the pot and shred with two forks. Return shredded beef to the broth to soak up the juices.
  • Assemble Sandwiches: Split Italian rolls and layer with shredded beef. Top with giardiniera, sautéed sweet peppers, and optional provolone cheese.
  • Optional Toppings: Add hot banana peppers, sautéed mushrooms, or horseradish sauce as desired. Garnish with fresh parsley or spread roasted garlic on the bread.

Notes

  • For a true Chicago-style experience, dip the sandwich in the au jus (broth) before serving.
  • Customize with optional toppings like cheese or hot peppers to suit your taste.

Nutrition