Experience the flavors of Chicago with this mouthwatering Italian beef sandwich. Slow-cooked to perfection, this sandwich is a true comfort food that will transport you straight to the Windy City. Perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner, it's sure to become a family favorite.
One ingredient you might not have on hand is giardiniera, a pickled vegetable relish that adds a tangy crunch to the sandwich. You can find it in the condiment aisle of most supermarkets. Additionally, make sure you have beef chuck roast and beef broth for the base of the recipe.
Ingredients for Chicago Italian Beef Sandwich
Beef chuck roast: A flavorful cut of beef that becomes tender when slow-cooked.
Beef broth: Adds depth and richness to the cooking liquid.
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that infuses the beef with classic Italian flavors.
Garlic powder: Provides a subtle garlic flavor without the need for fresh garlic.
Onion powder: Adds a hint of onion flavor to the beef.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
Black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and complexity.
French rolls: Soft and sturdy rolls perfect for holding the juicy beef.
Giardiniera: A tangy, pickled vegetable relish that adds crunch and flavor.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
To enhance the flavor of your beef chuck roast, consider searing it in a hot pan with a bit of oil before placing it in the slow cooker. This step caramelizes the surface of the meat, adding a deeper, richer flavor to your Italian beef sandwich.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
beef chuck roast - Substitute with pork shoulder: Pork shoulder has a similar texture and fat content, making it a good alternative for slow-cooked dishes.
beef broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth provides a similar depth of flavor and is a good option for vegetarians.
italian seasoning - Substitute with herbes de Provence: Herbes de Provence contains similar herbs like thyme, rosemary, and oregano, offering a comparable flavor profile.
garlic powder - Substitute with fresh garlic: Fresh garlic provides a more robust and aromatic flavor, though you may need to adjust the quantity.
onion powder - Substitute with finely chopped onions: Finely chopped onions can provide a similar flavor, though they will add texture to the dish.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor, though it will also add a different depth of flavor.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a similar heat but a slightly different flavor, making it a good alternative.
french rolls - Substitute with ciabatta rolls: Ciabatta rolls have a similar texture and can hold up well to the juicy filling.
giardiniera - Substitute with pickled jalapeños: Pickled jalapeños provide a similar tangy and spicy kick, though they are spicier than traditional giardiniera.
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How to Store or Freeze This Recipe
- Allow the beef chuck roast to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can lead to sogginess and spoilage.
- Transfer the shredded beef and its juices into an airtight container. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness.
- Store the container in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the Italian beef within 3-4 days. For longer storage, place the container in the freezer.
- When freezing, consider dividing the beef into smaller portions. This makes it easier to thaw only what you need, reducing waste.
- Label the containers with the date of storage. This helps you keep track of how long the beef has been stored and ensures you use it within a safe timeframe.
- To reheat refrigerated Italian beef, transfer it to a saucepan and warm over medium heat until heated through. You can also use a microwave, heating in short intervals and stirring in between.
- For frozen Italian beef, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, reheat using the same methods as refrigerated beef.
- Store French rolls separately at room temperature in a bread box or a sealed plastic bag to keep them fresh. If you need to store them longer, freeze them in a resealable plastic bag.
- To serve, reheat the French rolls in the oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes or until warm and slightly crispy.
- Keep giardiniera in its original jar, tightly sealed, and store it in the refrigerator. It typically has a long shelf life due to its pickled nature.
How to Reheat Leftovers
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Wrap the french rolls in aluminum foil and place them in the oven for about 10 minutes to warm them up.
- While the rolls are warming, transfer the shredded beef to a skillet. Add a splash of beef broth to keep it moist. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the beef is warmed through.
- If you prefer using a microwave, place the shredded beef in a microwave-safe dish. Add a bit of beef broth to prevent it from drying out. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent. Microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- For a stovetop method, place the shredded beef in a saucepan with a little beef broth. Heat over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the beef is hot.
- Once the french rolls are warmed and the beef is heated through, assemble your sandwiches. Place the beef on the rolls and top with giardiniera.
- For an extra touch, you can dip the assembled sandwiches in the warm beef broth for a juicy, flavorful bite.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Slow cooker: Used to cook the beef chuck roast slowly over 8 hours, ensuring it becomes tender and flavorful.
Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring the beef broth and seasonings.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
Forks: Used to shred the beef once it has finished cooking.
Knife: Necessary for slicing the French rolls before serving.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for slicing the French rolls.
Serving spoon: Useful for scooping the shredded beef onto the French rolls.
Tongs: Handy for handling the beef and placing it onto the rolls.
Mixing bowl: Can be used to hold the shredded beef if you need to mix it with any remaining juices from the slow cooker.
Plates: For serving the assembled sandwiches.
Small bowl: For holding the giardiniera, making it easy to top the sandwiches.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Use a pressure cooker: Cut cooking time by using a pressure cooker instead of a slow cooker. Cook on high pressure for about 1 hour.
Pre-slice rolls: Slice the french rolls ahead of time to save a few minutes during assembly.
Pre-make seasoning mix: Combine the italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in advance.
Store-bought giardiniera: Use pre-made giardiniera to avoid extra prep work.
Shred with a mixer: Use a stand mixer with a paddle attachment to shred the beef quickly.

Chicago Italian Beef Sandwich Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 lbs Beef Chuck Roast
- 2 cups Beef Broth
- 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 6 French Rolls
- 1 cup Giardiniera
Instructions
- 1. Place the beef chuck roast in a slow cooker.
- 2. Add beef broth, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- 3. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or until the meat is tender.
- 4. Shred the beef using two forks.
- 5. Serve the beef on French rolls, topped with giardiniera.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Desserts
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