18 Authentic Chicago Italian Beef Sandwich Recipe You Must Try Them!
Published on: Mar 15, 2024
The authentic Chicago Italian beef sandwich is a beloved staple of the city's cuisine. With its flavorful layers of thinly sliced beef, tangy giardiniera, and soft Italian roll, this sandwich is a must-try for any food lover. While the recipe may seem daunting, with the right techniques and ingredients, you can recreate this iconic sandwich in the comfort of your own kitchen.
This classic sandwich is a staple in the Windy City and for good reason. Thinly sliced beef, seasoned with Italian herbs and spices, is piled onto a crusty Italian roll and topped with giardiniera for a spicy kick. This recipe takes it up a notch by adding a can of beer to the cooking liquid, making the meat even more tender and flavorful. Serve with some au jus for dipping and you'll have a delicious sandwich that will transport you to the streets of Chicago.
If you're short on time but still want to enjoy the flavors of a Chicago-style Italian Beef Sandwich, then this recipe is for you. Using an Instant Pot, the beef is cooked quickly and comes out just as tender as if it had been slow-cooked. Plus, the addition of red wine vinegar and Italian dressing gives the meat an extra tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the spicy giardiniera.
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Instant Pot Chicago Italian Beef Sandwich
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Top Round Roast, Kosher Salt, Black Pepper
This recipe is named after the famous Chicago Bears coach, Mike Ditka, who is known for his love of Italian Beef Sandwiches. The key to this recipe is the beef broth and Italian seasoning marinade, which infuses the meat with flavor. And of course, a can of beer is added to the cooking liquid for that extra touch of tenderness. Serve this sandwich with some provolone cheese melted on top for the ultimate Ditka-approved meal.
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Ditka’s Italian Beef Sandwich
Main Ingredients: Rump Roast, Garlic, Kosher Salt, Freshly Ground Black
If you're looking for a more traditional Italian Beef Sandwich recipe, then this one is for you. The beef is slow-cooked in a flavorful broth made with beef bouillon, rosemary, and thyme, and then shredded and served on a crusty roll. The addition of a can of beer to the cooking liquid gives the meat a subtle, yet delicious, beer flavor that pairs perfectly with the Italian herbs.
This sandwich is a must-try for any Italian Beef fan. The beef is slow-cooked in a mixture of beef broth, red wine vinegar, and Italian seasonings, and then piled onto a crusty roll. But what really sets this recipe apart is the addition of pepperoncini peppers to the cooking liquid, giving the meat a tangy and slightly spicy kick. Top it off with some provolone cheese and you've got a sandwich that will make your taste buds sing.
Another take on the classic Chicago-style Italian Beef Sandwich, this recipe uses a slow cooker to cook the beef to perfection. The beef is seasoned with a blend of Italian herbs and garlic powder, and then cooked in a mixture of beef broth, red wine vinegar, and pepperoncini juice. Serve with some giardiniera and you've got a sandwich that would make any Chicagoan proud.
This recipe takes the Italian Beef Sandwich to a whole new level. Thinly sliced beef is rolled up with a mixture of breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning, and then slow-cooked in a delicious tomato sauce. The addition of a can of beer to the cooking liquid adds a unique flavor that sets this recipe apart. Serve on a crusty roll and you've got a sandwich that will transport you straight to Italy.
If you're looking for a more budget-friendly Italian Beef Sandwich, then this is the recipe for you. The beef is slow-cooked in a mixture of beef broth, red wine vinegar, and Italian seasoning, and then shredded and served on a crusty roll. The addition of a can of beer to the cooking liquid gives the meat a delicious flavor and makes it extra tender. Serve with some giardiniera for a sandwich that will rival any restaurant version.
This recipe is perfect for those busy days when you don't have time to spend in the kitchen. Simply throw all the ingredients into a slow cooker and let it do the work for you. The beef is cooked in a mixture of beef broth, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder, with a can of beer added for that extra touch of flavor. Serve on a crusty roll and you've got a delicious Italian Beef Sandwich that will make your taste buds dance.
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Crock pot Italian Beef Sandwich
Main Ingredients: Roast, Red Bell Pepper, Seasoning, Sandwiches, Butter
Another slow cooker recipe, this one adds a twist to the classic Italian Beef Sandwich by using a packet of Italian dressing mix in the cooking liquid. This adds a unique flavor to the meat, along with the addition of a can of beer. The result is a tender and flavorful beef that is perfect for piling onto a crusty roll and topping with some giardiniera.
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Chicago Style Italian Beef Slow Cooker Sandwich
Main Ingredients: Boneless Beef Roast, Ground Black Pepper, Dried
This recipe takes the flavors of an Italian Beef Sandwich and turns it into a delicious roast beef sandwich. The beef is slow-cooked in a tomato sauce with Italian seasoning and garlic powder, and then shredded and served on a crusty roll. The addition of a can of beer to the cooking liquid gives the meat a unique flavor that pairs perfectly with the Italian herbs.
This hot sandwich is perfect for those chilly fall or winter days. The beef is slow-cooked in a mixture of beef broth, red wine vinegar, and Italian seasoning, and then sliced and served on a crusty roll. The addition of a can of beer to the cooking liquid adds a delicious flavor and makes the meat extra tender. Serve with some pepperoncini peppers for a spicy kick.
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Italian Hot Beef Sandwich
Main Ingredients: Prime Rib, Onion, Green Pepper, Mushrooms, Mozzarella
If you're a fan of meatballs, then you have to try this recipe. Made with a mixture of ground beef, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and Italian seasonings, these meatballs are full of flavor. And the addition of a can of beer to the cooking liquid gives them a unique taste that sets them apart from other meatball recipes. Serve with your favorite pasta and sauce for a classic Italian meal.
If you're a fan of big, hearty meatballs, then this recipe is for you. These meatballs are made with a blend of ground beef, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning, and then slow-cooked in a delicious tomato sauce. And of course, a can of beer is added to the cooking liquid for that extra touch of flavor. Serve with some pasta and fresh basil for a meal that will make you feel like you're dining in Italy.
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Italian Meatballs {Great Big Italian Meatballs}
Main Ingredients: Ground Beef, Ground Pork, Egg, Fresh Bread Crumbs
This recipe takes the classic Italian Meatball and turns it into a delicious sandwich. The meatballs are slow-cooked in a tomato sauce flavored with Italian seasoning and garlic powder, and then served on a crusty roll with some provolone cheese melted on top. The addition of a can of beer to the cooking liquid adds a unique flavor to the meatballs that will have you coming back for more.
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Cheesy Italian Meatball Sandwich
Main Ingredients: Onion, Olive Oil, Garlic, Prosciutto, Beef, Mild
This recipe puts a twist on the classic Chicago-style Italian Beef Sandwich. The beef is slow-cooked in a mixture of beef broth, red wine vinegar, and Italian seasoning and then served on a crusty roll with some pepperoncini peppers and giardiniera. The addition of a can of beer to the cooking liquid gives the meat a delicious flavor that pairs perfectly with the spicy peppers and tangy giardiniera.
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Illinois Italian Beef Sandwich
Main Ingredients: Beef Roast, Olive Oil, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder
If you're looking for a sandwich with a little bit of a smoky flavor, then this recipe is for you. The beef is marinated in a mixture of red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder, and then grilled to perfection. The addition of a can of beer to the marinade adds a unique flavor to the meat and keeps it tender and juicy. Serve on a crusty roll with some pepperoncini peppers for a sandwich that will have your taste buds singing.
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Grilled Italian Beef Sandwich
Main Ingredients: Beef Roast, Black Pepper, Kosher Salt, Granulated
This recipe takes the classic Italian Beef Sandwich and turns it into a quick and easy meal. Using an Instant Pot, the beef is cooked in a flavorful mixture of beef broth, red wine vinegar, and Italian seasoning, and then served on a crusty roll. And of course, a can of beer is added to the cooking liquid for that extra touch of flavor. Serve with some giardiniera for a delicious and satisfying meal.
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Instant Pot Italian Beef Sandwich
Main Ingredients: Oil, Beef Chuck Roast, Garlic, Onion, Green Pepper
This recipe is perfect for those following a keto diet. Bell peppers are stuffed with a mixture of ground beef, cauliflower rice, parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning, and then baked to perfection. And of course, a can of beer is added to the cooking liquid for that extra touch of flavor. With only 8 grams of carbs per serving, you won't have to feel guilty about indulging in this delicious Italian-style meal.
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Keto Stuffed Peppers – Italian Style
Main Ingredients: Lean Ground Beef, Olive Oil, Bell Peppers, Onion
Last but certainly not least, we have another take on the classic Chicago-style Italian Beef Sandwich. This recipe uses a packet of Italian dressing mix in the cooking liquid, along with garlic powder and Italian seasoning, for a flavorful and easy meal. And of course, a can of beer is added to the mix for that extra touch of tenderness and flavor. Serve on a crusty roll with some giardiniera for a sandwich that will have you feeling like you're dining in the Windy City.
Preparing the Beef
One of the key components of an authentic Chicago Italian beef sandwich is the thinly sliced beef. The traditional cut of beef used in this sandwich is the top sirloin, which is known for its tenderness and rich flavor. To achieve the perfect thin slices, it is important to freeze the sirloin for about 30 minutes before slicing it against the grain. This will make it easier to achieve thin, even slices.
Marinading the Beef
To infuse the beef with flavor, it is essential to marinade it for at least 24 hours before cooking. The marinade typically consists of Italian herbs and spices such as oregano, basil, and garlic. For an extra kick, you can also add some red pepper flakes to the marinade. Make sure to rub the marinade into the beef slices and let it sit in the fridge for maximum flavor.
Cooking the Beef
Once the beef has been marinated, it's time to cook it. The key to achieving tender and juicy beef is to cook it low and slow. This can be done in a slow cooker or in the oven at a low temperature for several hours. The beef should be cooked until it is tender and can easily be pulled apart with a fork. Once cooked, let the beef cool before thinly slicing it.
Building the Sandwich
Now that you have your perfectly cooked and flavorful beef, it's time to assemble the sandwich. Start by toasting a soft Italian roll and layering it with the thinly sliced beef. Next, add a generous amount of giardiniera, a pickled mix of vegetables, for a tangy and spicy kick. Top it off with some sweet peppers and a sprinkle of oregano for added flavor.
Optional Additions
While the traditional Chicago Italian beef sandwich consists of beef, giardiniera, and sweet peppers, there are some additional toppings you can add for your own unique twist. Some popular additions include melted provolone cheese, sautéed onions, or even a drizzle of au jus for added moisture.
With these tips and techniques, you can recreate the authentic Chicago Italian beef sandwich in your own kitchen. So next time you're craving a taste of the Windy City, skip the trip and try this delicious recipe at home. Your taste buds will thank you.
