Chicago-style Italian Beef Sandwich

Cuisine: American Type: Sandwich/Wrap

Representative image. Recipe yield may differ

Amounts

Ingredient

Amount (g)

Italian Beef

2 pounds (907)

Beef Broth

4 cups (960)

Garlic Cloves

4 cloves (12)

Dried Oregano

2 teaspoons (4)

Dried Basil

1 teaspoon (2)

Dried Thyme

1 teaspoon (2)

Salt

1 teaspoon (6)

Ground Black Pepper

1 teaspoon (2)

Crushed Red Pepper Flakes

1 teaspoon (2)

Green Bell Peppers

2 medium (300)

Yellow Onions

2 medium (300)

French Bread Rolls

4 pieces (400)

Totals

102 oz (2,897 g)

Calories

Ingredient

Calories (kcal)

Italian Beef Roast

300

Italian Seasoning Blend

Garlic Cloves

Beef Broth

Italian Rolls

200

Giardiniera

Pepperoncini

Provolone Cheese

100

Au Jus For Dipping

Totals

715 kcal

Steps

1. Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C).

2. Take the beef roast and trim off any excess fat. Season it generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of oil. Sear the beef roast on all sides until browned.

4. Transfer the seared roast to a roasting pan and add beef broth until it covers about half of the roast.

5. Cover the roasting pan tightly with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Slow cook the beef roast for about 3-4 hours until it becomes tender and easily shreds.

6. While the beef is cooking, thinly slice the green bell peppers and onions. Sauté them in a separate skillet with a little oil until they become soft and slightly caramelized.

7. Once the beef roast is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. Then, using two forks, shred the beef into thin slices.

8. Return the shredded beef to the roasting pan with the cooking juices and mix well. Allow the beef to soak in the juices for a few minutes to enhance the flavor.

9. Now, it's time to assemble the sandwich. Take a sturdy Italian roll or French bread and slice it lengthwise, but not all the way through. Open it up like a book.

10. Place a generous amount of the shredded beef on the bottom half of the bread. Top it with the sautéed peppers and onions.

11. If desired, you can add some giardiniera or hot pickled peppers for an extra kick of flavor.

12. Close the sandwich by placing the top half of the bread over the fillings.

13. Wrap the sandwich tightly in aluminum foil and place it in the oven for about 10 minutes to warm through and meld the flavors.

14. Once heated, remove the sandwich from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes.

15. Unwrap the foil and slice the sandwich into individual portions.

16. Serve the Chicago-style Italian Beef Sandwich with a side of au jus or extra cooking juices for dipping.

Enjoy your homemade Chicago-style Italian Beef Sandwich, a delicious and iconic American cuisine!

Substitutions

- Italian beef: Substitute with thinly sliced roast beef or deli-style roast beef (same quantity as the original recipe).
- Giardiniera: Substitute with pickled peppers or pepperoncini (same quantity as the original recipe).
- Beef broth: Substitute with vegetable broth or chicken broth (same quantity as the original recipe).
- Italian seasoning: Substitute with a mixture of dried basil, oregano, thyme, and garlic powder (same quantity as the original recipe).
- Garlic cloves: Substitute with garlic powder (use 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder for every clove of garlic).
- Onion: Substitute with onion powder (use 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder for every small onion).
- Red pepper flakes: Substitute with cayenne pepper or hot sauce (adjust the quantity based on your desired level of spiciness).
- Salt and pepper: Adjust the quantity based on your taste preferences.

Note: The original recipe may require slow cooking or marinating the beef. If using deli-style roast beef, you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Pairings

- Giardiniera (pickled vegetables)
- Sweet or hot peppers
- French fries
- Coleslaw
- Potato chips
- Onion rings
- Cold beer
- Root beer
- Lemonade
- Iced tea

Upgrades

Enhancements for Chicago-style Italian Beef Sandwich:

1. Improve presentation:
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves or microgreens for a pop of color.
- Serve on a wooden cutting board or a rustic platter for a more visually appealing presentation.
- Cut the sandwich into bite-sized portions and serve as sliders for an elegant twist.

2. Improve texture/flavor profile:
- Add a layer of caramelized onions or sautéed mushrooms for added depth and richness.
- Toast the bread lightly before assembling the sandwich to enhance its crunchiness.
- Incorporate a tangy and creamy element by spreading a thin layer of horseradish sauce or garlic aioli on the bread.

3. Elevate with luxurious/premium ingredients:
- Use prime rib or wagyu beef instead of regular roast beef for a more tender and indulgent experience.
- Substitute regular provolone cheese with truffle-infused provolone for a luxurious flavor.
- Top the sandwich with shaved black truffles or truffle oil to add a touch of luxury and sophistication.

Diet Restrictions

- Use lean cuts of beef or substitute with a plant-based protein like seitan or tempeh for those following a low-fat or vegetarian diet.
- Choose whole grain or gluten-free bread options for individuals with wheat or gluten sensitivities.
- Reduce the amount of sodium by using low-sodium beef broth or homemade broth and limiting the use of salt in the seasoning.
- Opt for reduced-fat or fat-free cheese options for those watching their saturated fat intake.
- Include a variety of vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms to increase the nutritional value and fiber content of the sandwich.
- Serve with a side of fresh salad or steamed vegetables instead of fries for a healthier option.
- For individuals with lactose intolerance, use lactose-free or dairy-free cheese alternatives.
- Offer a spicy or tangy sauce on the side for those who prefer a lower calorie or less spicy version.
- Consider portion control by using smaller bread rolls or serving open-faced sandwiches to reduce overall calorie intake.

Healthy Choices

- Use lean cuts of beef, such as top round or sirloin, instead of fattier cuts like chuck or ribeye.
- Trim any visible fat from the beef before cooking to reduce saturated fat content.
- Opt for whole grain or whole wheat bread instead of white bread for added fiber and nutrients.
- Use low-sodium beef broth or homemade broth to control sodium levels.
- Load up on vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms to increase the nutritional value and fiber content.
- Cook the beef using methods like grilling or roasting instead of frying to reduce the amount of added fats.
- Use reduced-fat or part-skim mozzarella cheese instead of full-fat versions.
- Serve with a side of mixed greens or a salad to add more vitamins and minerals to the meal.
- Limit the amount of added condiments like mayonnaise or creamy dressings to reduce calorie and fat intake.
- Enjoy the sandwich in moderation and balance it with other healthy meals throughout the day.

Shortcuts

1. Use pre-sliced roast beef: Instead of cooking and slicing the beef yourself, opt for pre-sliced roast beef from the deli counter or grocery store. This will save time and effort while still maintaining the essential flavor.

2. Use a slow cooker: Cook the beef in a slow cooker instead of using the traditional stovetop method. This allows you to set it and forget it, saving you time and ensuring tender meat.

3. Use Italian seasoning blend: Instead of creating your own spice blend, use a pre-made Italian seasoning blend. This will save you time and money on buying individual spices.

4. Skip the homemade giardiniera: Purchase pre-made giardiniera from the store instead of making it from scratch. This will save you time and still provide the tangy and spicy flavor profile.

5. Use pre-made au jus or beef broth: Instead of making your own au jus from scratch, opt for pre-made au jus or beef broth. This will save time and still provide the necessary savory flavor for dipping the sandwich.

6. Choose a less expensive bread: While traditional Chicago-style Italian beef sandwiches use a crusty Italian roll, you can save money by using a less expensive bread option such as a hoagie roll or even a baguette.

7. Opt for cheaper cuts of beef: Instead of using expensive cuts like sirloin or ribeye, choose more economical cuts like chuck roast or bottom round. Slow cooking will still result in tender and flavorful meat.

8. Make larger batches and freeze: Prepare a larger quantity of the beef and freeze it in individual portions. This way, you can save time by having ready-to-use beef for future sandwiches without the need for extensive cooking each time.

9. Use a pressure cooker: If you have a pressure cooker, utilize it to cook the beef faster. This method can significantly reduce cooking time while still achieving tender and flavorful meat.

10. Reduce toppings: While traditional Chicago-style Italian beef sandwiches are loaded with toppings, consider reducing the number of toppings to save time and money. Stick to essentials like giardiniera, sweet peppers, and onions to maintain the flavors while simplifying the preparation process.