15 Portillo's Italian Beef Sandwiches Recipe Unleash Your Inner Chef!
Published on: Mar 15, 2024
Portillo's Italian beef sandwiches are a beloved staple of Chicago cuisine, known for their succulent beef and flavorful seasoning. While the restaurant chain may have originated in Illinois, this iconic sandwich has gained popularity across the country and even around the world. If you're looking to recreate this delectable dish at home, look no further. In this article, we'll break down the ingredients and steps needed to make your own Portillo's Italian beef sandwich, so you can enjoy this deliciousness in the comfort of your own kitchen.
The star of this sandwich is the beef, and the key to achieving that authentic Portillo's taste is using the right cut of meat. Look for a well-marbled, boneless chuck roast at your local butcher or grocery store. You'll need about 3 pounds of beef for 6 sandwiches.
Seasoning
To give your beef that signature Portillo's flavor, you'll need a blend of spices including garlic powder, oregano, dried basil, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. You can also add in some Italian seasoning for an extra kick.
Au Jus
The au jus, or dipping sauce, is what takes this sandwich to the next level. For this, you'll need beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and a bay leaf.
Rolls
No Italian beef sandwich is complete without a soft and chewy roll to soak up all the juices. Look for Italian rolls or hoagie buns at your local bakery or grocery store.
Optional Toppings
While the traditional Portillo's Italian beef sandwich is served with just the beef and au jus, feel free to add some toppings to make it your own. Sliced provolone cheese, sweet peppers, and giardiniera are popular choices.
Instructions
Step 1: Season the Beef
In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, oregano, basil, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Rub this seasoning mixture all over the beef, making sure to coat it evenly.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
Heat a large Dutch oven or slow cooker over medium-high heat. Add in the seasoned beef and sear on all sides until browned. If using a slow cooker, transfer the beef to the slow cooker.
Step 3: Make the Au Jus
In the same Dutch oven or slow cooker, combine the beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
Step 4: Slow Cook the Beef
If using a Dutch oven, cover and place in a preheated 325°F oven for about 2-3 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender. If using a slow cooker, set it to low and let it cook for 6-8 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender.
Step 5: Shred the Beef
Once the beef is cooked, remove it from the Dutch oven or slow cooker and let it cool for a few minutes. Using two forks, shred the beef into thin strips.
Step 6: Assemble the Sandwiches
Slice the rolls in half and place them on a baking sheet. Place the shredded beef on one half of the roll, then top with provolone cheese (if desired). Broil in the oven for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and the bread is toasted.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the sandwiches from the oven and serve with a side of au jus for dipping. Add sweet peppers or giardiniera on top, if desired. Enjoy your homemade Portillo's Italian beef sandwich!
Now that you have the recipe for Portillo's Italian beef sandwiches, you can bring a taste of Chicago to your own kitchen. Impress your friends and family with this delicious and authentic dish, and don't be surprised if they ask for seconds!
