Best 4 Italian Chicago Beef Sandwiches Recipes

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In the heart of Chicago, where culinary traditions blend and flavors dance on the palate, lies a sandwich that has become an iconic symbol of the city's rich food culture: the Italian beef sandwich. This delectable creation is a symphony of slow-cooked, thinly sliced roast beef, steeped in savory juices and seasonings, nestled between layers of fluffy Italian bread. With its distinct aroma that wafts through the air, inviting passersby to indulge, the Italian beef sandwich has earned a loyal following among locals and visitors alike. This article presents a collection of carefully curated recipes that capture the essence of this beloved sandwich, each with its own unique twist to tantalize your taste buds. From classic preparations to creative variations, discover the culinary journey that awaits you as you embark on a quest to recreate this Chicago staple in your own kitchen.

Let's cook with our recipes!

CHICAGO-STYLE ITALIAN BEEF SANDWICHES



Chicago-Style Italian Beef Sandwiches image

Makes 8 servings (it depends on how much you put in each sandwich, you may get 10) Oven 325°F at 25 minutes per pound of meat

Provided by Joseph Strain

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time P2D

Yield 6-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 rump roast
2 cups boiling water
2 beef bouillon cubes
1 teaspoon dried marjoram
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce (or more)
salt and pepper, go easy on the salt because the bouillon is salty
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 garlic clove, I use at least 6, peeled and mashed
1 chopped green pepper
1 loaf French bread or 1 loaf crusty bread

Steps:

  • Place roast on a rack, in an open roasting pan, I use an 9" X 13" (230mm x 330mm) baking pan with the rack in it. Pre-heat oven to 325 degrees (165 C), allowing 25 minutes per pound (55 min per kilo) , roast will be rare.
  • Cool, and slice very thin, I use an electric slicer to do this. To the drippings in the pan, add the boiling water, bouillon cubes or granules, (1 bouillon cube for each cup of boiling water used). Add marjoram, thyme, oregano, hot pepper sauce, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, garlic cloves, and chopped green pepper. Simmer for 15 minutes. Add the thinly sliced beef and cover. Marinate in gravy in refrigerator overnight.
  • Next day, heat thoroughly, and serve warm on the French bread, along with a crisp, green salad and plenty of napkins!
  • Note: Our family loves the gravy so much that I usually double the gravy recipe so there is plenty to dip the beef sandwich into. We also like to put a lot of gravy on the bread before adding the meat. Sometimes we add barbecue sauce to the sandwich before eating it, for a different flavor, not a lot, just a touch, about 1 Tablespoon or less to taste.
  • Courtesy of Joseph Strain.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 148.4, Fat 1.9, SaturatedFat 0.5, Cholesterol 0.1, Sodium 574.5, Carbohydrate 27.8, Fiber 1.9, Sugar 1.7, Protein 4.8

10 MINUTE ITALIAN BEEF SANDWICHES! (CHICAGO STYLE)



10 Minute Italian Beef Sandwiches! (Chicago Style) image

Talk about FAST FOOD!!! I made this again tonight (5-10-2011). It is an old standby recipe I made up many years ago... and it is ALWAYS a BIG HIT!!! We were out shopping... the kids wanted to go out to eat... I said no way... We went home and had a nice family meal together at our own table... It took about the same amount...

Provided by Colleen Sowa

Categories     Sandwiches

Time 15m

Number Of Ingredients 15

VEGGIES AND GRAVY
1 qt water
2 large onions (sliced in thin strips)
2 large bell peppers (1 green and 1 red) (seeded and cut in narrow strips)
2 pkg au jus gravy mix
1 pkg brown gravy mix
1 Tbsp basil, dried
1 Tbsp oregano, dried
2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
MEAT
2 lb deli roast beef (sliced very thin, but not shaved)
BREAD
3 large long loaves of french or italian bread (cut according to who is eating them)
(a child will not eat as big a sandwich as a hungry man... or me either!)

Steps:

  • 1. Make the veggies and sauce first by putting the onions in the sauce pan with the quart of water. Boil while you are cutting the bell peppers. Add the peppers. After about 5 minutes, add remaing ingredients to make the gravy. (I usually put all the gravy mixes into a bowl and add enough water to thin it out and make it smooth before adding to veggies and water). When gravy is desired consistancy (you can add more water if needed), add the deli beef one slice at a time, pinched in the middle so it isn't going into the pan flat, but tented a bit. Stir meat and veggies a bit and shut off the heat.
  • 2. Cut a piece of the loaf of bread the length that you feel is appropriate per person. Slice in half to make a bun. Either dip the inside of the bun in the gravy or spoon it onto the bread... or ... (don't for a less messy sandwich). Pile on some sliced beef and veggies. Dinner is served!

ITALIAN (CHICAGO) BEEF SANDWICHES



Italian (Chicago) Beef Sandwiches image

I always make a lot, and it's never, ever enough. Everyone loves these sandwiches. I use round roast because it holds together well after slow-cooking, making for nice sandwich slices. I usually cook the meat the day before serving, to allow it to cool for better slicing.

Provided by Carol Michels

Categories     Sandwiches

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 Tbsp olive oil
5 lb round roast, trimmed
1 1/2 c beef broth (14.5 oz. can)
7 clove garlic, crushed
1 Tbsp salt
1 Tbsp crushed, dried oregano leaves
1 Tbsp crushed, dried basil leaves
2 tsp red pepper flakes
FOR SERVING:
crusty rolls
provolone or mozzarella cheese slices
pepperoncini (pickled peppers) or
giardiniera (pickled vegetables) or
pickled banana peppers

Steps:

  • 1. Heat olive oil in skillet; brown the roast on all sides. Place roast in large crock pot. In a small bowl, combine broth and remaining ingredients; stir well. Pour over roast; cook on HIGH for 5 hours or until tender (but not fall-apart tender).
  • 2. Remove roast from crock pot, cover, and refrigerate. Strain broth into a storage container and keep refrigerated until ready to use.
  • 3. Slice chilled meat very thinly and place into crock pot or large saucepan. Pour strained broth over meat, and cook gently until heated through.
  • 4. Slice hoagie rolls in half, lengthwise. Butter, then place under broiler or on skillet until toasted.
  • 5. Serve meat slices, piled high on toasted crusty rolls, with heated broth on the side, for dipping. Cheese slices and pickled peppers or vegetables are optional, but delicious.

CHICAGO STYLE ITALIAN BEEF SANDWICHES



Chicago style Italian Beef Sandwiches image

Growing up in Chicago, these sandwiches were like PB&J, only better.... Finally found a recipe that really works well to recreate these. Enjoy!

Provided by linda lu

Categories     Sandwiches

Time 10h20m

Number Of Ingredients 8

5-6 lb boneless chuck roast, trimmed of fat
5 onions, yellow, medium, peeled and sliced
3 c low sodium beef broth
2 pkg dry zesty italian salad dressing
2 bay leaves
1 1/2 Tbsp garlic powder (or 3 chopped garlic cloves)
1 1/2 Tbsp italian seasoning
1/2 c chopped pepperoncini w/liquid

Steps:

  • 1. Put everything in a crock pot on LOW for 8 hours.
  • 2. At the end of 8 hours, remove and shred the beef. Put back in crock pot for another 1.5-2 hours.
  • 3. Taste broth and correct for salt/seasonings. (There is a lot of salt in the dry dressing). Looking for very savory flavor. If desired, add an additional 2 sliced onions (gives good texture to the sandwich)at this step.
  • 4. After a full 10 hours, get your toasted buns and roasted red peppers and/or hot peppers and build the best Chicago style Italian beef sandwich this side of the Mississippi (am on the East Coast).
  • 5. Some people like to put this on sub rolls, top w/provolone and run under the broiler... oh yeah, its that good. Enjoy!

Tips:

  • Use high-quality beef for the best flavor. Look for a cut that is well-marbled and has a good amount of fat.
  • Slice the beef thinly against the grain. This will help it cook evenly and tender.
  • Season the beef liberally with salt and pepper. You can also add other spices, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika.
  • Sear the beef in a hot skillet until it is browned on all sides. This will help to seal in the flavor.
  • Simmer the beef in a flavorful broth until it is fall-apart tender. You can use beef broth, chicken broth, or even water. Add vegetables, such as onions, carrots, and celery, to the broth for extra flavor.
  • Serve the beef on a toasted bun with your favorite toppings. Some popular toppings include giardiniera, sweet peppers, and mozzarella cheese.

Conclusion:

Italian Chicago beef sandwiches are a delicious and iconic sandwich that is enjoyed by people all over the world. With its tender beef, flavorful broth, and crispy bread, it is a sandwich that is sure to please everyone. So next time you are looking for a hearty and satisfying meal, give this Italian Chicago beef sandwich recipe a try. You won't be disappointed!

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