The dish you can confidently bring to any gathering and have everyone asking you for the recipe by the end of the night is slow cooker Italian beef. It is the great equalizer, the tried-and-true, and Simply put, it’s the kind of recipe that we all need to make more frequently in our lives.
Italian beef is a sandwich that originated in Chicago. Typically, chuck is the cut of beef used for Italian beef.
In a hoagie bun with some of the meat’s tasty, sloppy cooking juices, the beef is slow cooked until it is fall-apart tender.
After that, a sprinkle of pepperoncini, giardiniera (pickled Italian vegetables), and provolone cheese are added to complete the sandwich.
Italian beef sandwiches, which have been a staple of Italian delis across the U S. (They also appear to be very well-liked at Portillo’s, a fast-food restaurant chain that, at least in Milwaukee, commands drive-through lines that wrap around the building at all hours of the day.) ).
However, it wasn’t the ubiquitous Portillo’s line that inspired me to create my own simple Italian beef recipe. It was my neighbor Megan.
We were discussing how difficult it can be to decide what to bring to a family potluck when everyone has different dietary restrictions—Grandpa won’t eat any vegetables, Aunt Y must be dairy-free, etc. Have you been there?.
It feeds a large crowd, is affordable, simple to prepare, and—this is the true miracle—everyone enjoys it.
I experimented with the recipe, and I must admit that Megan, her entire family, and (by extension) everyone in the Portillo’s line are correct: these drippy Italian beef sandwiches are finger-lickin’ IRRESISTIBLE.
Juicy, tender beef slowly cooked in its own juices with a zesty blend of Italian spices, pepperoncini, and zippy, briny pickled vegetables, this easy crockpot recipe 100% hits the spot
You can also look through my entire collection of wholesome crockpot recipes. For some of the most well-liked recipes, see my collection of the best crock pot meals.
The History of Italian Beef Sandwich
The Italian beef sandwich first appeared in Chicago in the early 1900s, though its exact origins are unknown. Italian immigrants piled thin slices of the tenderized meat on Italian bread after slow roasting the meat in a hot broth. Because there was more meat to go around for everyone to enjoy, the tasty sandwich became popular for weddings and large family gatherings.
The Italian beef sandwich started showing up on restaurant menus during the 1930s, and while many shops claim to be the original, most agree that that Al’s #1 Italian Beef on Taylor St. officially wears that crown.
How to Make Italian Beef Sandwiches
For one of Chicago’s most well-known dishes to be made at home, you will need:
- Meat: boneless beef roast
- Crushed red pepper, dried oregano, dried basil, garlic powder, onion powder, and ground black pepper
- Juice: water and beef bouillon cubes
- Bread: Italian roll loaves
- Garnish: green bell peppers, hot giardiniera
After rubbing the meat, roast it until medium rare in the oven with water and bouillon cubes. After that, pile the meat onto the bread after slicing it as thinly as possible.
Choosing whether you want your sandwich “wet” or “dry” is one of the most crucial steps in making Italian beef sandwiches. Many people in Chicago order their Italian beef “dipped,” which entails dipping the entire sandwich, including the bread, in the juice. Additionally, you can make your sandwich “sweet” by adding sweet peppers on top, “hot” by adding giardiniera, or “combo” by adding an Italian sausage on top.
If you’re unsure of what to serve with Italian beef sandwiches, you can’t go wrong with potato chips, french fries, or onion rings.
The Best Italian Beef Sandwiches in Chicago
Check out these places for some of the best Italian beef sandwiches in Chicago as you prepare for your trip to the Windy City:
Visit Skydeck After You Enjoy an Italian Beef Sandwich
Get tickets for your next trip to Chicago today and don’t forget to step out onto the Ledge at Skydeck for a view of the city unlike any other, as well as trying a traditional Italian beef sandwich.
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The Greatest Roast Beef Sandwich Ever (Italian Beef)
FAQ
What is Italian beef made of?
Vienna BeefNutrition FactsHow much protein is in Italian Beef? Amount of protein in Italian Beef: Protein 18gVitamins and mineralsHow much Calcium is in Italian Beef? Amount of Calcium in Italian Beef: Calcium 0mg0%Fatty acids
What is the difference between Italian beef and Philly cheesesteak?
Italian Beef – 1 cupTotal Fat 15g 19%Saturated Fat 5. 8g 29%Polyunsaturated Fat 1. 1g. Monounsaturated Fat 6. 5g. Cholesterol 127mg 42%Sodium 1639mg 71%Total Carbohydrates 12g 4%Dietary Fiber 2. 3g 8%.
Why do they call it Italian beef?
One serving of the Portillos Italian Beef Sandwich has 530 calories, 20g of fat, 60g of net carbs, and 60g of protein.
What’s the difference between Italian beef and French dip?
Nutritional Risks The regular consumption of Italian beef sandwiches may pose some health risks due to their high fat content. A healthy adult should consume no more than 140 mg of cholesterol daily, or about half of what is found in each sandwich.