Chicago Italian Beef Recipe: The Authentic Windy City Taste at Home

Craving that iconic, juicy, and flavor-packed Chicago Italian Beef sandwich but can’t make it to the Windy City? You’re in luck! This recipe brings the authentic taste of Chicago right to your kitchen. Forget pale imitations – we’re talking about tender, thinly sliced beef simmered in a rich, herb-infused au jus, piled high on a crusty roll, and topped with spicy giardiniera or sweet peppers. Get ready to experience a true Chicago classic!

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe isn’t just about throwing some beef in a pot. It’s about capturing the essence of what makes Chicago Italian Beef so special. Here’s why this recipe stands out:

• Slow Cooking is Key: We’re using a low and slow cooking method, either in a slow cooker or a Dutch oven, to ensure the beef becomes incredibly tender and infused with flavor. This is crucial for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Flavorful Au Jus: The au jus is the heart of this dish. We build a complex flavor profile with a combination of dried herbs, beef broth, and the natural juices released from the beef during cooking.
• Authentic Spices: We use a blend of spices that are reminiscent of the classic Italian Beef seasoning, including oregano, basil, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
• The Right Cut of Beef: Using a chuck roast ensures a good balance of flavor and tenderness after slow cooking. It also has enough marbling to create a rich and flavorful au jus.
• Customizable Spice Level: We give you the option to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the spice level, ensuring it suits your personal preference.

Ingredients

• Beef: 3-4 pound chuck roast
• Beef Broth: 6 cups low-sodium beef broth
• Dried Herbs: 2 tablespoons dried oregano, 1 tablespoon dried basil, 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Garlic & Onion: 2 teaspoons garlic powder, 2 teaspoons onion powder
• Red Pepper Flakes: 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• Bay Leaves: 2 bay leaves
• Italian Dressing Mix: 1 packet (about 1 ounce) Italian dressing mix
• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon
• Salt & Pepper: To taste
• Hoagie Rolls: 6-8 crusty hoagie rolls
• Giardiniera: (Optional) For a spicy kick!
• Sweet Peppers: (Optional) Roasted green bell peppers

Instructions

1. Sear the Beef: Pat the chuck roast dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef on all sides until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. This step adds depth of flavor to the au jus.
2. Combine Ingredients (Dutch Oven Method): Remove the beef from the Dutch oven and set aside. Pour in the beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Add the oregano, basil, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, bay leaves, and Italian dressing mix. Stir to combine.
3. Slow Cook (Dutch Oven Method): Return the beef to the Dutch oven. Bring the liquid to a simmer, then cover and transfer to a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for 3-4 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender.
4. Combine Ingredients (Slow Cooker Method): Place the seared chuck roast in a slow cooker. Pour in the beef broth. Add the oregano, basil, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, bay leaves, and Italian dressing mix. Stir to combine.
5. Slow Cook (Slow Cooker Method): Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender.
6. Shred the Beef: Once the beef is cooked, remove it from the Dutch oven or slow cooker and let it rest for 15-20 minutes. Using two forks, shred the beef into thin, bite-sized pieces.
7. Strain the Au Jus: Strain the au jus through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl or container, discarding the solids (bay leaves, herbs, etc.). This creates a smoother, more refined au jus.
8. Assemble the Sandwiches: Dip the shredded beef back into the strained au jus to soak up the flavor. Slice open the hoagie rolls and load them up with the soaked beef. Top with giardiniera or sweet peppers, if desired.
9. Serve “Wet”: For the authentic Chicago experience, dip the entire sandwich in the au jus before serving! This is known as “wet.”

Tips for Success

• Don’t Skip the Sear: Searing the beef is crucial for developing a rich, flavorful crust that adds depth to the au jus.
• Adjust the Spice Level: Start with 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes and adjust to your liking. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away!
• Use High-Quality Beef Broth: A good quality beef broth will make a big difference in the flavor of the au jus.
• Strain the Au Jus: Straining the au jus creates a smoother, more refined sauce.
• Don’t Overcook the Beef: Overcooked beef will be dry and crumbly. Cook until it’s fork-tender but still holds its shape.
• Warm the Rolls: Toasting or warming the hoagie rolls will prevent them from getting soggy when dipped in the au jus.

Storage Instructions

Beef and Au Jus: Store leftover beef and au jus separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat the beef in the au jus before serving. You can also freeze the beef and au jus for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Assembled Sandwiches: It’s best to assemble the sandwiches just before serving to prevent the rolls from getting soggy. Leftover assembled sandwiches are not recommended for storage.

FAQ

Can I use a different cut of beef? While chuck roast is the best option, you can also use a rump roast or a brisket. However, these cuts may require longer cooking times.

Can I make this in an Instant Pot? Yes! Sear the beef using the sauté function. Then, add the remaining ingredients and cook on high pressure for 60 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for 15 minutes. Shred the beef and strain the au jus as directed.

Where can I find giardiniera? Giardiniera can be found in the pickle and condiment aisle of most grocery stores, often near the olives and peppers. You can also find it online.

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried? While dried herbs work well in this recipe, you can substitute fresh herbs. Use about 3 times the amount of fresh herbs as dried herbs. Add them towards the end of the cooking process to preserve their flavor.

What should I serve with Chicago Italian Beef? Chicago Italian Beef is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with fries, coleslaw, or a side salad.

Conclusion

There you have it! A truly authentic Chicago Italian Beef recipe that you can easily make at home. This recipe delivers on flavor and will transport you straight to the heart of Chicago. So gather your ingredients, get cooking, and prepare to enjoy a taste of the Windy City! Don’t forget to serve it “wet” for the full Chicago experience!