Chicago Italian Beef Sandwich Recipe

Chuck or rump beef roast: A cut of beef that becomes tender and flavorful when slow-cooked.

Beef broth: Adds depth and richness to the beef, enhancing its flavor.

Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that gives the beef a classic Italian flavor.

Garlic powder: Provides a subtle garlic flavor without the need for fresh garlic.

Onion powder: Adds a mild onion flavor to the beef.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

Black pepper: Adds a hint of spice and depth to the beef.

Italian rolls: Soft and sturdy rolls that hold up well to the juicy beef.

Giardiniera: A pickled vegetable relish that adds a tangy and spicy kick to the sandwich.

To enhance the flavor of your beef roast, consider searing it in a hot pan with a bit of oil before placing it in the slow cooker. This step caramelizes the surface of the meat, adding a rich, deep flavor to your Italian beef sandwich.

• chuck or rump beef roast - Substitute with pork shoulder: Pork shoulder has a similar texture and can be slow-cooked to achieve a tender, flavorful result.

• beef broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth provides a similar depth of flavor and is a good option for those avoiding meat.

• italian seasoning - Substitute with herbes de Provence: Herbes de Provence offers a similar blend of herbs and can provide a comparable flavor profile.

• garlic powder - Substitute with fresh garlic: Fresh garlic can be minced and used in place of garlic powder for a more robust flavor.

• onion powder - Substitute with finely chopped onions: Finely chopped onions can provide a similar flavor and texture when cooked down.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a similar salty flavor along with additional umami notes.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a similar heat and can be used as a direct substitute.

• italian rolls - Substitute with French baguettes: French baguettes have a similar texture and can hold up well to the juicy filling.

• giardiniera - Substitute with pickled jalapeños: Pickled jalapeños provide a similar tangy and spicy kick as giardiniera.

• Allow the beef roast to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can lead to sogginess and spoilage.

• Transfer the shredded beef along with its juices into an airtight container. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent any odors from seeping in.

• For short-term storage, place the container in the refrigerator. The Italian beef will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.

• If you plan to store the Italian beef for a longer period, consider freezing it. Portion the beef into smaller, meal-sized servings before placing them in freezer-safe bags or containers. This makes it easier to thaw only what you need.

• Label each container or bag with the date of storage. This helps you keep track of how long the beef has been stored and ensures you use the oldest portions first.

• When ready to enjoy, thaw the Italian beef in the refrigerator overnight. This slow thawing process helps maintain the texture and flavor of the meat.

• Reheat the beef gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth if needed to keep it moist. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the microwave, covered, in short intervals to avoid drying out.

• For the Italian rolls, store them in a bread box or a sealed plastic bag at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze the rolls in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw at room temperature or warm them in the oven before serving.

• If you have leftover giardiniera, store it in its original jar in the refrigerator. Ensure the lid is tightly sealed to maintain its crunch and flavor.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F. Wrap the Italian rolls in aluminum foil and place them in the oven for about 10 minutes until they are warm and slightly crispy.

• While the rolls are warming, transfer the leftover beef and its juices to a saucepan. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the beef is warmed through. This should take about 10-15 minutes.

• If you prefer using a microwave, place the beef in a microwave-safe dish, cover it with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes. Stir halfway through to ensure even heating.

• For a stovetop method, place the beef in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of beef broth to keep it moist. Stir occasionally until the beef is heated through, about 5-7 minutes.

• To reheat the giardiniera, simply let it come to room temperature or give it a quick zap in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds.

• Once everything is heated, assemble your Italian beef sandwiches by placing the warm beef on the toasted Italian rolls and topping with giardiniera if desired. Enjoy!

• Slow cooker: A countertop electrical appliance used to simmer at a lower temperature than other cooking methods, allowing the beef to become tender over several hours.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure the beef broth accurately to ensure the right amount of liquid is added.

• Measuring spoons: Essential for measuring out the italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper precisely.

• Forks: Used to shred the beef once it is cooked and tender.

• Knife: Necessary for splitting the italian rolls before serving.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for cutting and preparing the rolls.

• Serving tongs: Useful for placing the shredded beef onto the italian rolls.

• Serving platter: A large dish to hold the prepared sandwiches before serving.

• Jar opener: Handy for opening the jar of giardiniera if you choose to use it as a topping.

Use a pressure cooker: Cut cooking time by using a pressure cooker instead of a slow cooker to tenderize the beef roast.

Pre-mix seasonings: Combine italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper ahead of time to save prep time.

Buy pre-shredded beef: Purchase pre-shredded beef from the deli to skip the shredding step.

Use store-bought broth: Opt for ready-made beef broth to avoid making it from scratch.

Pre-slice rolls: Have your italian rolls pre-sliced to save time during assembly.