16 Homemade Chicago Italian Beef Recipe You Must Try Them!
Published on: Mar 15, 2024
If you're craving a taste of Chicago, look no further than the iconic Italian beef sandwich. This delicious sandwich, made with thinly sliced beef, savory spices, and crusty bread, has become a staple in the Windy City. While you can find this sandwich at many restaurants, nothing beats the satisfaction of making it at home. In this article, we'll share our homemade Chicago Italian beef recipe, so you can enjoy this classic dish in the comfort of your own kitchen. So, put on your apron and let's get cooking!
If you're a fan of hearty, flavorful sandwiches, then you have to try a Chicago Italian Beef Sandwich. This iconic dish consists of thinly sliced beef, cooked in a delicious blend of Italian herbs and spices, and served on a crusty Italian bread roll. It's a classic Chicago staple, and for good reason – it's absolutely delicious.
The secret to making the perfect Chicago Italian Beef Sandwich lies in the meat. The beef is typically slow-cooked until it's tender and flavorful, making it perfect for shredding and piling onto a sandwich. The meat is then simmered in a flavorful broth of Italian seasonings, which gives it its distinct taste.
There are many variations of the Chicago Italian Beef Sandwich, but they all share the same basic components – tender beef and flavorful seasonings served on a crusty roll. Some people prefer their sandwich topped with giardiniera, a spicy pickled vegetable mix, while others opt for sweet peppers. However you choose to enjoy it, one thing is for sure – it's one tasty sandwich.
If you're short on time, you can still enjoy the delicious flavors of a Chicago Italian Beef Sandwich by using an Instant Pot. This handy kitchen appliance makes it easy to cook the beef to perfection in a fraction of the time. And you'll still get that same tender, flavorful meat that you would get from slow cooking.
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Instant Pot Chicago Italian Beef Sandwich
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Top Round Roast, Kosher Salt, Black Pepper
The Chicago Italian Beef Sandwich originated in the Italian-American community in Chicago in the early 1900s. It's said that the sandwich was created as a way for Italian immigrants to make the most out of cheaper cuts of beef. Over the years, the sandwich has become a beloved staple in the city and has gained popularity across the country.
Another delicious Italian dish that originated in Chicago is the Braciole. This dish consists of thinly sliced beef rolled around a filling of breadcrumbs, cheese, and herbs, and then cooked in a flavorful tomato sauce. It's a hearty and comforting meal that is sure to please any crowd.
If you're looking for a warm and comforting meal on a cold day, look no further than Italian Beef Stew. This dish combines tender beef with potatoes, carrots, and other vegetables in a rich and flavorful broth. It's a hearty and satisfying meal that is perfect for the whole family.
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Italian Beef Stew
Main Ingredients: Carrots, Celery, Yellow Onion, Garlic, Extra Virgin
The Braciole is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many different ways. Some people prefer it as a main course, while others enjoy it as a sandwich filling. You can even slice the Braciole and serve it over pasta for a delicious and filling meal.
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Italian Beef Braciole
Main Ingredients: Beef, Chopped Basil, Minced Garlic, Pecorino Romano
If you're a busy person but still want to enjoy the delicious flavors of a Chicago Italian Beef Sandwich, try making it in your slow cooker. Simply add the beef, seasonings, and broth to the slow cooker and let it cook all day. By dinnertime, you'll have tender and flavorful meat that is perfect for piling onto a crusty roll.
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Chicago Style Italian Beef Slow Cooker Sandwich
Main Ingredients: Boneless Beef Roast, Ground Black Pepper, Dried
If you're feeling adventurous and want to try a different take on the classic Chicago Italian Beef Sandwich, try making Piccante Italian Beef. This version adds a spicy kick to the dish by incorporating hot peppers and pepperoncini into the cooking process. It's a delicious twist on the original that is sure to please.
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Piccante Italian Beef – Chicago Style – All Our Way
Main Ingredients: Sirloin, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Ground Pepper, Garlic
If you're looking for a fun and easy way to enjoy the flavors of a Chicago Italian Beef Sandwich, try making Baked Italian Beef Sliders. These mini sandwiches are perfect for parties or as a quick and easy meal. Simply top slider rolls with cooked beef, cheese, and your choice of toppings, and bake until the cheese is melty and the rolls are golden brown.
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Baked Italian Beef Sliders
Main Ingredients: Beef, Slider Rolls, Mayonnaise, Provolone Cheese
If you have some leftover Italian Beef, don't let it go to waste. Instead, use it to make a delicious and hearty Italian Beef Soup. Simply add the leftover beef, broth, and your choice of vegetables to a pot and let it simmer until everything is heated through. It's an easy and tasty way to repurpose leftovers.
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Italian Beef {Leftovers} Soup
Main Ingredients: Beef, Frozen Mixed Vegetables
Risotto is a classic Italian dish that is made by slowly cooking Arborio rice in broth until it becomes creamy and delicious. Add in some shredded Italian beef to the mix, and you have a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cozy night in.
Ragu is a rich and hearty meat-based sauce that is typically served over pasta. By using shredded Italian beef in place of ground beef, you can add a whole new level of flavor to this classic dish. Serve it over your favorite pasta for a delicious and satisfying meal.
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Italian Beef Ragu
Main Ingredients: Carrot, White Onion, Celery, Beef Mince, Pork Mince
If you're watching your carb intake but still want to enjoy the delicious flavors of a Chicago Italian Beef Sandwich, try making a Low-Carb Italian Beef Bake. Instead of using bread, this dish layers thinly sliced beef, cheese, and your choice of toppings in a casserole dish. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly for a tasty and low-carb meal.
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Low-Carb Italian Beef Bake
Main Ingredients: Cauliflower Rice, Whole Milk Ricotta Cheese, Italian
Add some extra veggies to your Italian Beef Soup for a nutritious and flavorful twist. You can add in carrots, celery, onions, and any other vegetables you like for a delicious and hearty soup that is perfect for a cold day.
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Italian Beef and Vegetable Soup
Main Ingredients: Grass Fed Butter, Red Onion, Garlic, Celery Stalks
If you're a fan of the classic Chicago Italian Beef Sandwich, you have to try making it in your slow cooker. Simply add the beef, seasonings, and broth to the slow cooker and let it cook all day. By dinnertime, you'll have tender and flavorful meat that is perfect for piling onto a crusty roll.
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Slow Cooker Italian Beef
Main Ingredients: Sliced Roast Beef, Salad Dressing Mix, Pepperoncini
Another classic Italian dish that you can make with shredded Italian beef is meatballs. By mixing the shredded beef with breadcrumbs, cheese, and herbs, you can create a delicious and flavorful meatball that is perfect for topping pasta or enjoying on its own.
For a twist on traditional beef and vegetable soup, try adding shredded Italian beef to the mix. The beef adds a rich and savory flavor that takes this soup to a whole new level. It's a hearty and satisfying meal that is perfect for any time of year.
The Secret to the Perfect Italian Beef
One of the keys to a delicious Italian beef sandwich is the meat itself. While many recipes call for using a slow cooker, we prefer to cook our beef in a Dutch oven. This allows us to sear the meat before braising it, giving it a rich and flavorful crust. We also recommend using high-quality, thinly sliced beef chuck for the best results. The beef should be sliced no thicker than 1/4 inch to ensure it cooks evenly and stays tender.
Spice it Up
No Italian beef sandwich is complete without its signature blend of spices. This includes garlic powder, oregano, and Italian seasoning. We also add a unique ingredient to our spice mix - hot giardiniera. This tangy and spicy condiment adds a kick to the sandwich and pairs perfectly with the rich beef. Don't be afraid to experiment with the spice blend to find your perfect balance of flavors.
Simmer to Perfection
After searing the meat and adding the spices, it's time to let it simmer to perfection. We recommend cooking the beef for at least 2 hours, but the longer the better. This allows the flavors to develop and the meat to become tender and juicy. Make sure to keep the beef covered with liquid (either broth or water) while it simmers to prevent it from drying out.
Serve it Up
Once the beef is done simmering, it's time to assemble your sandwich. Make sure to slice your bread horizontally, not vertically, so you have a sturdy base for your sandwich. Toast the bread for a few minutes in the oven to give it a crispy exterior, then pile on the beef and top it with some of the cooking liquid. You can also add cheese, peppers, and more giardiniera for extra flavor and texture. Now, all that's left to do is take a big bite and enjoy the taste of Chicago.
Now that you have our homemade Chicago Italian beef recipe, it's time to try it out for yourself. We guarantee this sandwich will become a favorite in your household. So, gather your ingredients and get cooking - you won't be disappointed. And don't forget to share your creation with us on social media!
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