Chicago-style Italian beef sandwiches are a local specialty that food lovers from all over flock to the Windy City to try. These sandwiches feature thin slices of seasoned roasted beef soaked in a flavorful jus, piled high on a crusty Italian roll, and topped with peppers. Making authentic Italian beef at home may seem intimidating but it’s easier than you think with the right tips and tricks.
Selecting the Right Cut of Beef
The most important step is choosing the correct cut of beef. Traditional Chicago Italian beef is made from bottom round roast or top round roast These are lean, flavorful cuts that become tender when slow-roasted Look for a roast that’s around 5 pounds with a decent fat cap to help keep it moist. Avoid cuts like chuck roast or rump roast, which have too much connective tissue and fat.
Dry Brining for Flavor
To boost flavor and tenderness, you’ll want to dry brine the roast a day or two before cooking. Simply rub the roast all over with kosher salt, about 1/2 teaspoon per pound. Let it rest on a rack uncovered in the fridge. The salt will draw out moisture then allow it to reabsorb along with the seasoning.
Building a Bold, Flavorful Jus
Low and Slow roasting
Roast the seasoned beef uncovered in the jus at around 325°F until it reaches an internal temp of 190-195°F. This extended roasting gently melts fat and collagen to make the meat incredibly tender. Let it rest before slicing.
Slicing and Serving
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How To Make Italian Beef at Home (Chicago-Style)
FAQ
What is the Chicago way for Italian beef?
An Italian beef is a sandwich, originating in Chicago, made from thin slices of roast beef simmered and served au jus on French bread. Common toppings are a choice between spicy giardiniera (called “hot”) or mild bell peppers (called “sweet”).
What cut of beef is used for Chicago Italian beef?
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Serious Eatshttps://www.seriouseats.comHomemade Italian Beef Recipe – Serious EatsThe Roast. … I thought the roast would be the easy part. Almost every source I found online called for using a hunk of round, which comes from the very back o…
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Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.orgItalian beef – WikipediaAn Italian beef is a sandwich, originating in Chicago, made from thin slices of roast beef simmered and served au jus on French bread. … The sandwich is made …
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Food Republichttps://www.foodrepublic.comWhat Cut Of Meat Is Best For Italian Beef Sandwiches? – Food RepublicDec 1, 2024 — According to Mirabile, his favorite cut of meat differs a little from traditional recipes. “Most recipes call for a top round as it can stand up to d…
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amazingribs.comhttps://amazingribs.comClassic Chicago Italian Beef Sandwich Recipe Done At HomeMar 8, 2025 — 1) Al’s #1 Italian Beef. Reviewed: 1079 W. Taylor St., Chicago. Now franchised to several locations, the original, founded in 1938 in Little Italy, i…
What’s on a Chicago Italian beef?
… has it all: Piles of thinly sliced, hot beef nestled in a soft bread smothered in tasty “beef juice” topped with sautéed peppers and spicy giardiniera …Jan 30, 2020
What kind of bread does Portillo’s use for Italian beef?
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Portillo’shttps://www.portillos.comItalian Beef Sandwich | Portillo’sOur famous, homemade, Italian beef is slow-roasted for 4 hours, with a blend of Italian spices, thinly sliced, and served on fresh baked Turano French bread.
What is Chicago-style Italian beef?
Chicago-style Italian beef is a delicious roasted beef sandwich dripping with spicy, garlic-forward juices. This iconic Chicago specialty has a rich history in the city’s Italian-American communities. While recipes vary from restaurant to restaurant, there are some key steps you need to follow to make authentic, juicy Italian beef at home.
How much does Italian beef cost in Chicago?
There are scores of Italian beef stands in Chicago, and Italian beef sandwiches are available at most hot dog stands. Some purchase pre-cooked beef and juice from Scala’s, but the best make it from scratch. Prices typically range from $3.50 to $6.50 for a sandwich. Below are some of my faves listed in order of preference. Let the arguments begin!
How to make Italian beef?
To make delicious Italian beef, you need to start with the correct cut of meat. Top round or bottom round roasts are traditional. These are lean, tough cuts that become succulent and sliceable after long, slow cooking. Chuck roast can also work in a pinch. Do not use cuts like sirloin or tenderloin.
What is a Chicago Italian beef sandwich?
Created on the Sout Side of Chicago (they say Sout on the South Side), in the Italian enclaves around the now defunct Stockyards, the classic Chicago Italian Beef Sandwich (pronounced sangwitch) is a unique, drippy, messy variation on the French Dip (which is not a sex act).
Where to eat Italian beef in Chicago?
Italian beef is one of those iconic Chicago foods and just like Philly cheesesteaks, everyone has their favorite Italian beef stand like Mr. Beef, Portillo’s or any place along North Avenue. This post contains links to affiliate websites including Amazon. I make a small commission for any purchases made using these links. Thank you!
What makes an Italian beef sandwich good?
The backbone of a good Italian beef sandwich is au jus. It’s made by combining beef stock with a homemade Italian seasoning mixture. The whole roast cooks in the au jus, which is then used to reheat the beef slices and to dunk the sandwich.