**Portillo's Italian Beef Sandwiches: A Chicago Classic, Now in Your Kitchen**
Savor the iconic flavors of Chicago's beloved Portillo's Italian beef sandwiches in the comfort of your own home with our collection of authentic recipes. These mouthwatering sandwiches feature tender, slow-cooked beef brisket, bathed in a rich and flavorful au jus, piled high on a soft, chewy bun and topped with sweet peppers and a sprinkle of oregano. Indulge in the classic version, or explore variations such as the Italian sausage beef sandwich and the beef and cheddar croissant. With step-by-step instructions and tips for achieving that perfect Portillo's taste, these recipes will satisfy your cravings and transport you to the heart of the Windy City's culinary scene.
PORTILLO'S ITALIAN BEEF (COPYCAT)
Make and share this PORTILLO'S ITALIAN BEEF (Copycat) recipe from Food.com.
Provided by Denver cooks
Categories Meat
Time 40m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
- Render the beef fat by chopping it into small bits (about the size of peas) with a food processor. Be sure the fat is very cold--it will chop better. If you don't have a food processor, you can chop the fat by hand. Use a sharp knife and cut it as small as you can. Heat up the fat in a sauté pan over medium heat until the bits are browned. Strain the solids from the fat and measure 1/4 cup of fat for the gravy.
- Make the beef gravy by combining all of the ingredients, including the beef fat, in a medium saucepan over medium heat. When the mixture begins to boil reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes, then turn the heat to low.
- Make the sandwiches by heating up the rolls in the hot oven for 3 minutes.
- For each sandwich, drop 1/4 pound of sliced beef (separate the slices) into the gravy for 2 minutes. Make sure the gravy isn't boiling. It should be around 180 degrees F. After the beef has soaked in the gravy, use tongs to arrange the beef on a warmed sandwich roll and top with your choice of hot giardiniera or sweet peppers. Or both. Spoon on some extra gravy just before serving.
CHICAGO-STYLE ITALIAN BEEF SANDWICH
Provided by Jeff Mauro, host of Sandwich King
Time 5h5m
Yield 6 sandwiches
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- For the pot roast: Position an oven rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 300 degrees F.
- Liberally sprinkle the entire roast with salt and pepper. Heat the vegetable oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the roast on all sides until golden and caramelized, 5 to 7 minutes per side; reduce the heat if the fat begins to smoke. Transfer the roast to a plate and reduce the heat to medium.
- Add the onions and a pinch of salt and saute, stirring occasionally, until just beginning to brown, 8 to 10 minutes. Add the Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper and garlic and saute until fragrant, another minute. Deglaze with the red wine, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Simmer until reduced by about half, another 2 to 5 minutes. Add the stock and thyme and bring to a simmer. Adjust the seasoning of the liquid.
- Put the roast back in the pot with any accumulated juices and place in the oven, covered. Cook the roast, turning every 30 minutes and uncovering the pot for the last 30 minutes of cooking, until very tender, 3 to 3 1/2 hours. Transfer the roast to a cutting board and tent with foil. Increase the oven temperature to 350 degrees F for the peppers and bread.
- For the sweet peppers: Toss the pepper strips with the olive oil, granulated garlic and some salt and pepper on a baking sheet. Bake, stirring halfway through, until lighter in color and softened, about 45 minutes.
- Strain the pot roast jus through a fine-mesh strainer into a bowl and return to the pot. Bring to a simmer and simmer until reduced slightly, 5 to 10 minutes. Adjust the seasoning if necessary. Keep warm.
- Once the meat has cooled a bit, remove the twine. Pull the meat into smaller chunks and return to the reduced jus until ready to build the sandwiches.
- For the sandwich build: Rub the rolls with some of the giardiniera oil and toast in the oven until golden brown and crispy, 5 to 8 minutes.
- Place some beef on a roll, then some sweet peppers (with some of the oil they were cooked in), followed by some hot giardiniera. Pour a small dish of reduced jus. Quickly dunk the whole sandwich in the hot jus, then wrap in deli paper or parchment paper and wait for 2 to 3 minutes while the magic happens. Repeat with the remaining rolls and toppings. When ready, open up and eat!
PORTILLO'S ITALIAN BEEF HACK
Most major cities in the U.S. have a sandwich that locals proudly claim as their own. For Chicagoans that sandwich is the Italian Beef. Thin-sliced roast beef is dunked in herbed gravy to soak up the flavor, then it's stacked on a warm Italian sandwich roll and topped with sweet peppers or spicy hot Giardiniera. The recipe may seem like a simple one, but if any component of this iconic sandwich isn't faithful to the Chi-Town original, true beef fanatics will cry "foul" quicker than bleacher bums at Wrigley field.
Provided by Todd Wilbur
Time 30m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
- Render the beef fat by chopping it into small bits (about the size of peas) with a food processor. Be sure the fat is very cold--it will chop better. If you don't have a food processor, you can chop the fat by hand. Use a sharp knife and cut it as small as you can. Heat up the fat in a sauté pan over medium heat until the bits are browned. Strain the solids from the fat and measure 1/4 cup of fat for the gravy.
- Make the beef gravy by combining all of the ingredients, including the beef fat, in a medium saucepan over medium heat. When the mixture begins to boil reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes, then turn the heat to low.
- Make the sandwiches by heating up the rolls in the hot oven for 3 minutes.
- For each sandwich, drop 1/4 pound of sliced beef (separate the slices) into the gravy for 2 minutes. Make sure the gravy isn't boiling. It should be around 180 degrees F. After the beef has soaked in the gravy, use tongs to arrange the beef on a warmed sandwich roll and top with your choice of hot giardiniera or sweet peppers. Or both. Spoon on some extra gravy just before serving.
PORTILLO'S ITALIAN BEEF SANDWICHES
Portillo's restaurant, in Chicago, are famous for their beef sandwiches. This would be one of those dishes you could make for your family and freeze leftovers for another meal.
Provided by Miss Annie
Categories Lunch/Snacks
Time 12h15m
Yield 10-12 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- In a medium saucepan over medium high heat, combine the water, salt, ground black pepper, oregano, basil, onion salt, parsley, garlic powder, bay leaf and salad dressing mix.
- Stir well and bring just to a boil.
- Place roast in a slow cooker and pour mixture over the roast.
- Cover and cook on low setting for 10 to 12 hours OR high setting for 4 to 5 hours.
- Remove bay leaf and shred meat with a fork.
- Serve on Italian Rolls.
Tips:
- Use good quality Italian bread for the best results.
- Slice the beef thinly against the grain for a tender sandwich.
- Cook the beef in a slow cooker on low for 8-10 hours or until fall-apart tender.
- Use a combination of beef broth, water, and red wine for a flavorful braising liquid.
- Add plenty of garlic, onion, and Italian seasoning to the braising liquid for extra flavor.
- Let the beef rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
- Serve the Italian beef sandwiches with your favorite toppings, such as giardiniera, sweet peppers, and mozzarella cheese.
Conclusion:
Portillo's Italian Beef Sandwiches are a delicious and iconic Chicago sandwich that can be easily made at home. With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a sandwich that is sure to impress your friends and family. So next time you're craving a classic Italian beef sandwich, give this recipe a try.
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