18 Italian Beef Recipe Chicago Portillo& 39 Cook Up Something Special!
Published on: Mar 16, 2024
Italian beef is a classic dish that originated in Chicago, and one of the most famous places to get it is at Portillo's. This delicious sandwich is made with thinly sliced beef, cooked in a flavorful broth, and served on a crusty roll. The combination of tender, juicy meat and spicy giardiniera is what makes this sandwich a favorite among locals and tourists alike. While the recipe may seem simple, there are a few key ingredients and techniques that are necessary to achieve the perfect Italian beef sandwich.
The Chicago Italian Beef Sandwich is a classic dish that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. This recipe calls for tender beef, cooked with Italian spices and piled high on a crusty French roll. Top it off with giardiniera and au jus for the ultimate flavor explosion.
This simple Italian Beef recipe is a must-try for any meat lover. Slow-cooked with garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes, the beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender. Serve it on a hoagie roll with some provolone cheese for an authentic Italian experience.
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Italian Beef Sliders
Main Ingredients: Bottom Round Roast, Vegetable Oil, Salt, Pepper
These Italian Beef Sliders are perfect for a party or game day. The mini sandwiches are made with shredded Italian beef, provolone cheese, and homemade giardiniera. They are sure to be a hit with guests.
If you're short on time, these Crockpot Italian Beef Sandwiches are the perfect solution. The beef is slow-cooked all day in a spicy tomato sauce and served on a soft roll with sauteed peppers and onions. It's an easy and delicious meal for any night of the week.
Braciole is a traditional Italian dish that consists of thinly sliced beef rolled up with prosciutto, breadcrumbs, and parmesan cheese. It is then simmered in a tomato sauce until tender and served with pasta. This recipe will transport you straight to Italy.
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Italian Beef Stew
Main Ingredients: Carrots, Celery, Yellow Onion, Garlic, Extra Virgin
This hearty Italian Beef Stew is the perfect comfort food for a cold day. It is made with chunks of beef, potatoes, carrots, and tomatoes, and flavored with fresh herbs and red wine. It's a one-pot wonder that will warm you up from the inside out.
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Italian Beef Braciole
Main Ingredients: Beef, Chopped Basil, Minced Garlic, Pecorino Romano
If you loved the Authentic Italian Braciole, you'll also love this version that uses flank steak instead of thin slices of beef. It is stuffed with spinach, prosciutto, and mozzarella cheese, and then cooked in a rich tomato sauce. Serve it with some crusty bread for a complete meal.
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Baked Italian Beef Sliders
Main Ingredients: Beef, Slider Rolls, Mayonnaise, Provolone Cheese
These Baked Italian Beef Sliders are a great alternative to the traditional version. The sliders are made with hawaiian rolls, shredded Italian beef, and provolone cheese. They are then baked until the cheese is melted and the rolls are slightly crispy. Perfect for a quick and easy meal.
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Italian Beef {Leftovers} Soup
Main Ingredients: Beef, Frozen Mixed Vegetables
Don't know what to do with leftover Italian beef? Turn it into a delicious soup! This recipe combines shredded Italian beef, vegetables, and tomatoes in a savory broth. It's a great way to use up leftovers and create a whole new meal.
If you're a fan of risotto, you have to try this Italian Beef Risotto. It is made with arborio rice, beef broth, and shredded Italian beef. The result is a creamy and flavorful dish that will leave you wanting more.
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Italian Beef Ragu
Main Ingredients: Carrot, White Onion, Celery, Beef Mince, Pork Mince
This Italian Beef Ragu is a delicious and hearty sauce that pairs perfectly with pasta. It is made with ground beef, tomatoes, and Italian herbs, and simmered for hours to develop rich flavors. Serve it over your favorite pasta for a satisfying meal.
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Low-Carb Italian Beef Bake
Main Ingredients: Cauliflower Rice, Whole Milk Ricotta Cheese, Italian
If you're watching your carb intake, this Low-Carb Italian Beef Bake is the perfect recipe for you. It's made with zucchini noodles, shredded Italian beef, and marinara sauce, and topped with cheese. It's a healthier twist on the classic Italian Beef Sandwich.
Another slow-cooker version of the classic Italian Beef Sandwich, these Crock Pot Italian Beef Sandwiches are easy and delicious. The beef is cooked in a sweet and tangy sauce, and served on a toasted bun with sauteed peppers and onions. Perfect for a busy weeknight.
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Italian Beef and Vegetable Soup
Main Ingredients: Grass Fed Butter, Red Onion, Garlic, Celery Stalks
This Italian Beef and Vegetable Soup is a great way to get your daily dose of veggies. It is made with shredded Italian beef, carrots, celery, zucchini, and tomatoes, and flavored with Italian herbs. It's a healthy and tasty meal that the whole family will love.
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Slow Cooker Italian Beef
Main Ingredients: Sliced Roast Beef, Salad Dressing Mix, Pepperoncini
This Slow Cooker Italian Beef is a classic recipe that has been passed down for generations. It is made with beef chuck roast, garlic, onion, and Italian seasoning, and cooked until it is tender and flavorful. Serve it on a crusty roll for a satisfying meal.
This Chicago Style Italian Beef recipe is the real deal. It is made with top sirloin, Italian spices, and beef broth, and served on a crusty Italian roll with giardiniera and au jus. It's a must-try for anyone who loves authentic Italian flavors.
No list of Italian recipes is complete without meatballs. These Italian Meatballs are made with a combination of ground beef and ground pork, and flavored with garlic, parmesan cheese, and Italian herbs. Serve them with your favorite pasta and marinara sauce for a classic Italian meal.
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Italian Meatballs {Great Big Italian Meatballs}
Main Ingredients: Ground Beef, Ground Pork, Egg, Fresh Bread Crumbs
If you prefer your meatballs on the larger side, these Great Big Italian Meatballs are for you. They are made with the same ingredients as the traditional version, but are formed into larger balls and baked in the oven. Serve them with a side of pasta or on a sub sandwich for a hearty meal.
For a simple and delicious Italian Beef Sandwich, try this recipe. It calls for beef chuck roast cooked with Italian seasoning and beef broth, and served on a soft roll with giardiniera. It's a no-fuss version of the classic sandwich that is packed with flavor.
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Ditka’s Italian Beef Sandwich
Main Ingredients: Rump Roast, Garlic, Kosher Salt, Freshly Ground Black
Last but not least, we have Ditka's Italian Beef Sandwich. This recipe comes from the famous Chicago Bears coach himself and is packed with flavor. The beef is slow-cooked in a spicy tomato sauce and served on a garlic buttered bun. It's a game-changer for any Italian Beef lover.
Choosing the Right Cut of Beef
When it comes to making Italian beef, the quality of the meat is crucial. The best cut of beef to use is a top or bottom round roast. These cuts are lean and have minimal marbling, making them perfect for slow cooking. It is also important to choose a roast that is roughly 3-4 pounds in weight. This size allows for even cooking and ensures that the meat stays tender and juicy.
Seasoning and Preparing the Meat
Before cooking the beef, it is important to season it properly. The traditional Chicago-style seasoning includes oregano, garlic, and red pepper flakes. The meat is then seared on all sides in a hot pan to lock in the flavors. Once seared, the beef is placed in a slow cooker and covered with a flavorful broth. This broth is what gives the meat its juicy and tender texture.
Building the Perfect Sandwich
While the meat is cooking, it's time to prepare the rest of the sandwich. The traditional way to serve Italian beef is on a crusty roll, but feel free to use any bread you prefer. The key to building the perfect sandwich is to make sure the bread can hold up to the juicy meat and toppings. Once the meat is cooked, it is thinly sliced and placed on the bread. To add some heat and crunch, top the sandwich with giardiniera, a pickled mix of peppers, carrots, and celery. Giardiniera is a staple in Chicago and adds a unique and delicious flavor to the sandwich.
In Conclusion
There you have it, the perfect Italian beef sandwich. By choosing the right cut of beef, properly seasoning and cooking it, and topping it with giardiniera, you can recreate the famous Portillo's sandwich in your own kitchen. So next time you're craving a taste of Chicago, try making this classic Italian beef recipe and taste for yourself why it's a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
