Chicago Italian Beef Sandwich (Print-Friendly Version)

Tender beef slow-simmered in flavorful broth, piled high on toasted rolls with zesty giardiniera or sweet peppers.

# What You'll Need:

→ Beef and Broth

01 - 2 lbs beef chuck roast
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 1 onion, thinly sliced
04 - 4 garlic cloves, minced
05 - 1 cup beef broth
06 - 1 cup water
07 - 1/2 cup white vinegar
08 - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
09 - 1 tablespoon dried oregano
10 - 1 tablespoon dried basil
11 - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
12 - 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
13 - Salt, to taste

→ Sandwich Components

14 - 4–6 Italian rolls (hoagie-style preferred)
15 - Giardiniera or sautéed sweet peppers, for topping
16 - Provolone or mozzarella cheese (optional)

# How to Make It:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Sear the beef chuck roast for 5–7 minutes per side, until browned on all sides. Remove the roast and set it aside.
02 - In the same pot, add sliced onions and minced garlic. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the onions are soft and fragrant, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pot.
03 - Return the beef to the pot and add the broth, water, white vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Bring the mixture to a low simmer, cover, and reduce the heat to low. Let the beef braise gently for about 3–4 hours, or until tender enough to shred with a fork.
04 - Remove the cooked beef from the pot and shred using two forks. Return the shredded meat to the pot to soak up additional broth. Keep warm until ready to serve.
05 - Pile the shredded beef onto warm, toasted rolls. Top with giardiniera or sautéed sweet peppers as desired. Add provolone or mozzarella cheese, if preferred.

# Additional Tips:

01 - For enhanced flavor, let the beef rest in the broth overnight and reheat before serving.
02 - For a traditional preparation, dip the entire sandwich in the broth before serving.
03 - To feed a crowd, double the recipe and keep warm in a slow cooker.

Return