best italian beef recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
best italian beef recipe
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The Best best italian beef recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my favorite Italian beef recipe, a classic dish that never fails to impress my family and friends. As an avid home cook, I’ve experimented with various versions of this recipe over the years, but this one remains my go-to for its simplicity, flavor, and versatility.

The origins of Italian beef are shrouded in mystery, but its popularity in the United States is undeniable. This recipe’s tender beef, rich flavors, and hearty portion sizes make it perfect for casual weeknight dinners or special occasions like holidays and family gatherings.

My kids adore helping me prepare the ingredients and assembling the sandwiches, which always leads to lively conversations about their favorite toppings and sauces. As a bonus, this recipe is surprisingly easy to make ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze for later use.

I love how the slow-cooked beef absorbs all the aromatics and seasonings, resulting in an unforgettably delicious flavor experience that’s sure to become a staple in your household as well.

Classic Italian Beef Sandwich

Classic Italian Beef Sandwich

4.7 from 1740 votes

Tender, slow-cooked beef simmered in a savory broth with Italian spices, served on a crusty roll with giardiniera or sweet peppers. This Chicago-style sandwich is perfect for a hearty meal.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time4 hours
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time4 hours 20 mins
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Beef

3 lbs beef chuck roast
2 tbsp olive oil
2 cups beef broth
1 cup water
1 packet Italian dressing mix (0.7 oz)
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
1/2 tsp black pepper
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 bay leaves

For Serving

8 Italian rolls or hoagie buns
1 cup giardiniera (pickled vegetables), drained
1 cup roasted sweet peppers, sliced
8 slices provolone cheese (optional)

👨‍🍳Directions

1Pat the beef chuck roast dry with paper towels.
2Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering.
3Sear the roast for 4-5 minutes per side until a deep brown crust forms.
4This locks in flavor.
5Remove the roast and set aside.
6Reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
7Pour in beef broth and water, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
8Stir in Italian dressing mix, oregano, basil, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, and black pepper.
9Add bay leaves and return the roast to the pot.
10Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer.
11Cover the pot and reduce heat to low.
12Simmer for 3.
5 to 4 hours, turning the roast once halfway through, until the beef is fork-tender and shreds easily.
13The internal temperature should reach at least 200°F for optimal tenderness.
14Remove the roast from the pot and let it rest for 10 minutes.
15Shred the beef using two forks, discarding any large pieces of fat.
16Return the shredded beef to the pot and stir to coat with the juices.
17Preheat the oven broiler.
18Split the Italian rolls and place them on a baking sheet.
19Broil for 1-2 minutes until lightly toasted.
20Pile the shredded beef onto the bottom half of each roll, then top with giardiniera and sweet peppers.
21Add provolone cheese if desired and broil for another minute until the cheese melts.
22Serve immediately with extra jus for dipping.

🔧Equipment

Large Dutch oven or heavy pot
Cutting board
Sharp knife
Tongs
Measuring cups and spoons
Slow cooker (optional)

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 22g💛Saturated Fat: 8g❤️Cholesterol: 110mg🧂Sodium: 980mg🌾Total Carbs: 30g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 4g🥩Protein: 35g

📝Notes

For a richer flavor, use a slow cooker on low for 8-10 hours. Adjust red pepper flakes to control heat. Leftover beef and jus can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Watch Video Of How Classic Italian Beef Sandwich Works

This Italian beef recipe is always a good idea for any occasion because it is simple to make and pleases everyone. I love that I can prep it in the morning and have a delicious dinner ready with no stress.

It works perfectly for family gatherings, game days, or just a cozy weeknight meal. To store leftovers, keep the beef and juices in a sealed container in the fridge for up to four days.

To reheat, warm the meat in a pot with a little of the juice over medium heat until hot. You can also freeze portions for later.

Serve the reheated beef on fresh rolls with extra pepperoncini and a side of roasted vegetables or a simple salad. This recipe never fails to bring my family together around the table.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Italian Beef Sandwich

Q: What is Italian beef?

Italian beef is a type of thinly sliced roast beef that’s typically served in a crusty roll with melted cheese, giardiniera (an Italian-style relish), and au jus (a savory broth). It’s often associated with Chicago-style cuisine.

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