18 Best Chicago Style Italian Beef Recipe You Won't Believe The Taste!
Published on: Mar 15, 2024
Chicago is known for its deep dish pizza and hot dogs, but nothing quite beats the satisfying combination of tender beef, savory broth, and spicy giardiniera in an Italian beef sandwich. This iconic dish has been a staple in the Windy City for over a century, and every Chicagoan has their own take on the best recipe. After much research and experimentation, we have compiled the ultimate Chicago-style Italian beef recipe that is sure to impress even the most discerning taste buds.
This classic Chicago dish is a must-try for any beef lover. Tender, juicy beef is slow-cooked in a flavorful blend of spices and served on a crusty Italian roll. It's a sandwich that will leave your taste buds begging for more. Here are 20 different ways to make this delicious dish at home.
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Chicago Style Italian Beef Slow Cooker Sandwich
Main Ingredients: Boneless Beef Roast, Ground Black Pepper, Dried
For those busy days when you don't have time to stand over a stove, this slow cooker version of the classic sandwich is a game-changer. Simply toss all the ingredients into your crockpot and let it do the work for you. The result is a melt-in-your-mouth Italian beef sandwich that will make you feel like you're dining in the Windy City.
Bold, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying, this Chicago-style Italian beef sandwich is a true crowd-pleaser. Thinly sliced beef is simmered in a rich broth and topped with tangy giardiniera and sweet peppers. It's a delicious explosion of flavors in every bite.
This recipe takes the classic sandwich to a whole new level by adding a layer of gooey melted cheese on top. The combination of tender beef, tangy giardiniera, and melted cheese is simply irresistible. Serve it on a toasted Italian roll for the perfect meal.
If you're looking for a healthier option, this recipe swaps out the bread for a bed of crispy lettuce. The result is a low-carb, gluten-free version of the classic sandwich that is just as delicious and satisfying.
For a twist on the classic, try this recipe that adds a layer of sautéed mushrooms and onions to the sandwich. The added veggies bring a whole new level of flavor and texture to the dish, making it a must-try for any Italian beef fan.
This traditional Italian dish features thin slices of beef stuffed with a flavorful filling and cooked in a rich tomato sauce. The result is a tender and flavorful meat dish that is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy family dinner.
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Italian Beef Stew
Main Ingredients: Carrots, Celery, Yellow Onion, Garlic, Extra Virgin
For a hearty and comforting meal, try this Italian beef stew recipe. Tender chunks of beef are simmered in a flavorful broth with carrots, potatoes, and herbs. It's the perfect dish for a cold winter night.
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Italian Beef Braciole
Main Ingredients: Beef, Chopped Basil, Minced Garlic, Pecorino Romano
This recipe takes the classic braciole dish and adds a twist by cooking it in a slow cooker. The result is a tender and flavorful beef dish that is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. Serve it over pasta or with crusty bread for a complete meal.
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Piccante Italian Beef – Chicago Style – All Our Way
Main Ingredients: Sirloin, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Ground Pepper, Garlic
This spicy version of the classic Italian beef sandwich is not for the faint of heart. Thinly sliced beef is cooked in a spicy broth and topped with hot giardiniera for a bold and fiery dish that will wake up your taste buds.
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Baked Italian Beef Sliders
Main Ingredients: Beef, Slider Rolls, Mayonnaise, Provolone Cheese
If you're looking for a fun and easy way to serve up Italian beef, try these baked sliders. Thinly sliced beef is layered on top of Hawaiian rolls with melted provolone cheese and baked to perfection. The result is a crowd-pleasing appetizer or main dish that is perfect for any occasion.
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Italian Beef {Leftovers} Soup
Main Ingredients: Beef, Frozen Mixed Vegetables
Don't let those leftover Italian beef sandwiches go to waste. Use them to make this delicious soup that is full of flavor and perfect for a quick and easy meal. Simply add your leftover beef, veggies, and broth to a pot and let it simmer for a delicious and hearty soup.
Risotto is a creamy and satisfying dish that is perfect for any Italian beef lover. This recipe adds tender slices of beef and a touch of red wine to the traditional risotto dish for a flavorful and filling meal that is sure to impress.
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Italian Beef Ragu
Main Ingredients: Carrot, White Onion, Celery, Beef Mince, Pork Mince
This slow-cooked ragu is the perfect way to use up leftover Italian beef. The rich and hearty tomato sauce is infused with the flavors of the beef, making it a delicious and satisfying meal when served over pasta.
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Low-Carb Italian Beef Bake
Main Ingredients: Cauliflower Rice, Whole Milk Ricotta Cheese, Italian
If you're following a low-carb diet, this Italian beef bake is the perfect meal for you. Thinly sliced beef is layered with veggies and topped with a cheesy cauliflower crust for a delicious and healthy twist on the classic sandwich.
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Italian Beef and Vegetable Soup
Main Ingredients: Grass Fed Butter, Red Onion, Garlic, Celery Stalks
This hearty and flavorful soup is filled with tender beef, vegetables, and a rich broth. It's a one-pot meal that is perfect for a chilly day and is sure to become a family favorite.
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Slow Cooker Italian Beef
Main Ingredients: Sliced Roast Beef, Salad Dressing Mix, Pepperoncini
This slow cooker version of the classic Italian beef sandwich is perfect for those busy days when you don't have time to cook. Simply toss all the ingredients into your crockpot and let it cook all day for a tender and flavorful meal that everyone will love.
For a different take on Italian beef, try this recipe for homemade meatballs. Ground beef is mixed with herbs, breadcrumbs, and parmesan cheese for a delicious and versatile meatball that can be served on its own or added to pasta or sandwiches.
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Chicago-Style Italian Beef Sandwiches with Roasted...
Main Ingredients: Beef, Sub Rolls, Provolone Cheese, Russet Potatoes
This recipe takes the classic sandwich and adds a twist by roasting the beef in the oven. The result is a tender and flavorful meat that is perfect for piling on top of a crusty roll with all the traditional toppings.
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Slow Cooked, Chicago Style Italian Beef Sandwiches
Main Ingredients: Chuck Roast, Beef Broth, Italian Dressing, Giardiniera
For a no-fuss version of the classic sandwich, try this slow cooker recipe. The beef is cooked in a flavorful broth and served on a toasted bun with all the traditional toppings. It's an easy and delicious way to enjoy this Chicago favorite.
The Perfect Cut of Beef
When it comes to making the best Chicago-style Italian beef, the type of beef you use is crucial. Traditionally, top or bottom round roasts are used for their lean and flavorful meat. It is important to trim off any excess fat before cooking to ensure a tender and juicy result. For an extra kick of flavor, marinate the beef overnight in a mixture of red wine vinegar, garlic, Italian herbs, and olive oil.
Layers of Flavor
The key to a truly authentic Italian beef sandwich is the layers of flavor in the broth. The broth not only infuses the meat with delicious flavors but also serves as a dipping sauce for the sandwich. In addition to the traditional Italian herbs and seasonings, we recommend adding beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and pepperoncini peppers to the mix. This combination creates a rich and tangy broth that perfectly complements the beef.
Slow and Low Cooking
To achieve the tender and juicy beef that is essential for a perfect Chicago-style Italian beef, it is important to cook it low and slow. We recommend using a slow cooker or pressure cooker to achieve the desired texture. This also allows the beef to absorb all the flavors of the broth, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
The Ultimate Sandwich
Now that you have the perfect beef and broth, it's time to assemble the ultimate Italian beef sandwich. The traditional way to serve this iconic dish is on a crusty Italian roll, but feel free to use your favorite bread. Pile the tender beef on the bread, top it with spicy giardiniera, and dip it in the flavorful broth. You can also add some provolone cheese for an extra layer of deliciousness.
In conclusion, the best Chicago-style Italian beef recipe is a combination of the right cut of beef, a flavorful broth, and slow cooking. With our recipe, you can recreate the flavors of Chicago in your own kitchen. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to indulge in the ultimate Italian beef sandwich.