Pin it Bring the iconic taste of Chicago to your kitchen with this classic Italian Beef Sandwich. This recipe guides you through creating incredibly tender, slow-cooked beef, steeped in a rich and savory au jus. Piled high on a crusty roll and topped with a zesty kick of giardiniera, it's a messy, juicy, and utterly unforgettable sandwich experience.
Pin it What's for Dinner Tonight? 🤔
Stop stressing. Get 10 fast recipes that actually work on busy nights.
Free. No spam. Just easy meals.
The secret to the perfect Italian Beef is patience. As the chuck roast braises for hours, your home will fill with the irresistible aroma of garlic, herbs, and savory beef. The low-and-slow cooking method breaks down the meat until it's fall-apart tender, ready to soak up every drop of the flavorful cooking liquid.
Ingredients
Tired of Takeout? 🥡
Get 10 meals you can make faster than delivery arrives. Seriously.
One email. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
- Beef
- 3 lbs (1.4 kg) beef chuck roast
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Cooking Liquid
- 2 cups (480 ml) beef broth
- 1 cup (240 ml) water
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- 1 bay leaf
- For Serving
- 6 sturdy Italian sandwich rolls or hoagie rolls
- 1 1/2 cups (200 g) hot giardiniera (Chicago-style pickled vegetables), drained
- 1 cup (100 g) roasted sweet bell peppers (optional)
- Extra au jus from the pot, for dipping
Instructions
- 1.
- Pat beef chuck roast dry with paper towels and season with salt and black pepper.
- 2.
- In a large Dutch oven or slow cooker insert, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear beef on all sides until browned, about 3–4 minutes per side.
- 3.
- Add beef broth, water, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes (if using), and bay leaf to the pot.
- 4.
- Bring to a simmer, then cover. For oven: Transfer to a 325°F (160°C) oven and braise for 4 hours, flipping once halfway through, until beef is very tender. For slow cooker: Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4–5 hours.
- 5.
- Remove beef to a cutting board and let rest 10 minutes. Skim excess fat from the liquid.
- 6.
- Shred beef with two forks, removing any large fat pieces. Return shredded beef to the pot to soak in the juices.
- 7.
- Split rolls and, if desired, toast lightly.
- 8.
- Pile hot shredded beef onto each roll, spooning a bit of au jus over the meat.
- 9.
- Top generously with giardiniera and optional roasted sweet peppers.
- 10.
- Serve with extra au jus on the side for dipping.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For an extra-juicy sandwich that soaks up all the flavor, quickly dunk each side of the split roll into the warm au jus before piling on the beef.
Still Scrolling? You'll Love This 👇
Our best 20-minute dinners in one free pack — tried and tested by thousands.
Trusted by 10,000+ home cooks.
Varianten und Anpassungen
Customize your sandwich to your taste. Choose mild or hot giardiniera depending on your preference for spice. For a cheesy twist, add a slice of provolone cheese on top of the hot beef and let it melt slightly before serving.
Serviervorschläge
These hearty sandwiches pair wonderfully with a crisp Italian pilsner or a simple red wine, which complement the rich beefy flavors.
Pin it Whether you serve it 'dipped' or with a side of jus, this homemade Italian Beef Sandwich is a guaranteed hit. Enjoy the satisfying process of creating this legendary dish and sharing it with friends and family.
Recipe FAQs
- → What makes this a Chicago-style sandwich?
The combination of slow-cooked shredded beef, crusty Italian rolls, spicy giardiniera (Chicago-style pickled vegetables), and au jus for dipping creates the authentic Chicago Italian beef experience. The meat gets sliced or shredded thinly and piled high, traditionally dipped in the juices before serving.
- → Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Absolutely. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours. The slow cooker method yields incredibly tender beef with minimal effort. Just sear the meat first in a skillet, then transfer everything to your slow cooker.
- → What is giardiniera?
Giardiniera is a Chicago-style relish of pickled vegetables, typically including cauliflower, carrots, celery, bell peppers, and serrano peppers in oil and vinegar. It adds crunch and a spicy, tangy contrast to the rich beef.
- → How do I serve these sandwiches?
Pile the hot shredded beef onto split rolls, spoon some au jus over the meat, and top generously with giardiniera. Serve extra au jus on the side for dipping. For true Chicago style, briefly dunk the entire sandwich in the juices before eating.
- → Can I make the beef ahead of time?
The beef actually tastes better made a day ahead. Let it cool in the juices, refrigerate, then skim off the hardened fat before reheating. The flavors deepen overnight, and the meat stays incredibly juicy.
- → What cut of beef works best?
Beef chuck roast is ideal—it becomes tender and shreddable after long braising while maintaining enough structure to pile onto sandwiches. Look for a well-marbled piece with good fat content for the most flavorful results.
