Italian beef sandwiches are a beloved Chicago staple, with juicy roasted beef soaked in rich gravy served on a French roll. While you can find mass-produced frozen Italian beef nationwide, nothing beats the flavor of authentic versions made with high-quality ingredients. For Chicago transplants across America longing for a taste of home, I’ve rounded up the best places to buy Italian beef meat online to recreate the perfect sandwich.
Shop Italian Food Distributors for Quality Meat
To make tender, fall-apart Italian beef at home start with the right cut of meat. Opt for good quality top round roast, rump roast or eye round roast. I recommend ordering beef online through Italian food distributors like Ferraro Foods which offers premium wholesale meats.
As one of the largest Italian food distributors in the US with over 8,000 customers, Ferraro Foods has the buying power to source excellent beef for the lowest prices. Their extensive network of suppliers and focus on Italian ingredients means you can trust their beef is high caliber for authentic sandwiches. Ferraro Foods distributes to retailers nationwide, so you can get a case of quality pre-sliced Italian beef delivered directly to your door.
Order Chicago’s Favorite Brands for Authentic Flavor
For the true taste of Chicago, go straight to the source and buy Italian beef online from Chicago’s most iconic brands. Portillo’s and Buona Beef have perfected the art of Chicago-style Italian beef after decades serving sandwiches across the Windy City. Now you can get their signature roasts and gravy shipped nationwide.
Portillo’s Famous Italian Beef
Portillo’s has built an empire on their popular beef sandwiches blanketed in sweet peppers since 1963 Their Italian Beef Crock packs sliced top round roast brisket seasoned with their signature spice blend, ready for you to simmer into tender perfection Pour over the gravy, made with beef stock and Italian spices, for an authentic sandwich. Order the kit and recreate the Portillo’s experience at home.
Buona Beef’s Original Recipe
Buona Beef has been serving their Italian beef sandwiches since the 1930s. Their online shop lets you buy their same slow-roasted rump roast sliced thin and marinated in a secret blend of herbs and spices. For the gravy, they simmmer beef stock and tomatoes for over 8 hours. You just heat, assemble on bread and dig in for a taste of authentic Chicago Italian beef.
Shop Specialty Online Retailers
Several online stores specialize in shipping the best of Chicago’s foods nationwide. They offer all the ingredients and kits needed to DIY authentic Italian beef sandwiches. I recommend checking out:
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Tastes of Chicago – This is my go-to for all things Chicago food. Their Italian beef kits include meat, gravy and even the bread and peppers to construct the full sandwich.
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Goldbelly – This site lets you order regional specialties from across America. Choose from Italian beef kits from Portillo’s, Buona Beef and other Chicago restaurants.
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Chicago Food Planet – Based in Chicago, they offer kits with Vienna Beef meat and gravy mixes for easy homemade Italian beef.
Tips for Making Great Italian Beef at Home
Once you’ve ordered high-quality Italian beef, follow these tips for sandwich success:
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Choose the right bread – Opt for soft French rolls or Italian bread to soak up the delicious juices without getting soggy.
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Slice it thin – Use a sharp knife or meat slicer to cut the cooked roast as thin as possible for tender, easier to chew meat.
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Simmer the meat in gravy – Letting the beef soak in the gravy amps up the flavor. Cook low and slow.
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Add giardiniera – Top with pickled veggies for a tangy crunch. Opt for mild or hot peppers according to your spice preference.
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Serve the extras – Offer roasted peppers, mozzarella, and gravy on the side for guests to customize.
With the right ingredients and these handy tips, you can make restaurant-quality Italian beef sandwiches at home for a taste of Chicago wherever you live. Order the meat online from these exceptional sources to craft the perfect sammie.
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First question: Sweet or hot?
If you order a beef (thats what many of us call it — just “beef”), youve got the option of two types of peppers you can add, referred to as “sweet” or “hot.”
- Sweet: Refers to slivers of green or red bell peppers (typically green, but Ive seen both) that have been roasted until soft. Sometimes theyre simmered with the beef up until the moment theyre put on a sandwich.
- Hot: Refers to hot giardiniera, a spicy mix of pickled serranos, jalapeños, carrots, celery, green olives, onion, garlic, and cauliflower (or some variation on all of these) steeped in some form of vegetable oil. The oil left behind is absolutely delicious — do not feel guilty about enjoying this delicacy straight up.
You can order either of these toppings on your beef sandwich by saying “sweet,” “hot,” or, if youd like both, you say “sweet and hot.” There are no judgements when it comes to your choice of peppers (or lack thereof) on a beef.
By default, beef sandwiches dont come with cheese on them. Not too many people order cheese on them even when its an option. But if youre in the mood for cheese, its typically just mozzarella (or, in rare instances, provolone). Theres no code for cheese, so if you want cheese, just ask for cheese or “mozz.”
There is a variation at the aforementioned Portillos that Ive never tried that some people swear by, and its a beef and cheddar sauce sandwich served on a croissant. This is not a common menu item anywhere else, though, and while it sounds incredible, its not really an Italian beef in the classic sense.
Where can you get the best Italian beef in Chicago area? New ranking names top 8
FAQ
What cut of meat is used for Italian beef?
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HowToBBQRight.comhttps://howtobbqright.comChicago Italian Beef Sandwich Recipe on the Grill – HowToBBQRight.comJan 30, 2020 — Meathead suggests starting with a Top Sirloin Roast in the 3-4 pound range. And I had Kevin from The Butcher Shoppe in Pensacola send me a great one…
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Serious Eatshttps://www.seriouseats.comHomemade Italian Beef Recipe – Serious EatsIngredients * 3 pounds (1.4 kg) beef necks, or other inexpensive, meaty beef bones like beef shin. * 2 pounds (900 g) oxtails. * 1 tablespoon (15 ml) vegetable…
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The Kitchnhttps://www.thekitchn.comItalian Beef Recipe (Slow Cooker Version) – The KitchnDec 31, 2021 — What Cut of Meat Is Italian Beef? Italian beef is made from a large top round roast.
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DeLallohttps://www.delallo.comThe Best Italian Beef Sandwich – DeLalloDec 3, 2022 — Italian Beef is chuck roast (the cut of meat used for pot roast) that is slowly cooked with savory Italian spices until it is soft and tender and eas…
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Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.orgItalian beef – WikipediaThe sandwich is made from beef that has been roasted in beef stock and other seasonings. A 1962 recipe calls for bay leaves, garlic powder, tomato paste, and cr…
Does Walmart sell Italian beef?
Chicago’s original Italian beef from the nation’s leading family-owned restaurant brand is now available in your grocer’s freezer. Enjoy our Regular Full size Buona Italian Beef Tub, 51 oz, Packed Meals, (Frozen).
What brand of Italian beef does Portillo’s use?
Vienna Beef is proud to have maintained a relationship with the Portillo’s Restaurant Group during this legendary climb. From the beginning in 1963 Portillo’s has been serving Vienna Beef products. We now take pride thanking, acknowledging and congratulating Dick Portillo, his family and dedicated staff.
What is the name of the Italian beef meat?
In Italy we call it Controfiletto or Roast beef (in Milan). It also goes by the name Lombata, which creates confusion. That’s because it is cut together with the short loin, and jointly called Lombata. These are the subcuts of the Lombata: Filetto is the beef tenderloin.
Where to buy Italian meat?
Paired with their Beef Bressaola from Lombardy and the Bologna will make for a delicious Italian culinary excursion. Buy meat online from Gourmet Food Store, securely packaged and delivered to your door. A smoked and dry-cured prosciutto, produced in the region of south Tyrol, with finely seasoned crust
Is Italian beef a good deli meat?
Italian Beef is a popular American deli meat. It’s traditionally served in a roll with various toppings. It’s hearty and filling, making it a perfect meal for lunch or dinner. It’s a delicious sandwich that’s perfect for any occasion. The roasts that are used to make Italian beef are nicely marbled cuts like sirloin steak.
What is Italian meat known for?
Each region of Italy is known for its own cured meats, known as salumi, based on local customs. Spice plays an important role in the curing of Italian Meats. Typically, Italian Meats from the south tend to be spicier than those from northern Italy.
Where can I buy meat online?
Buy meat online from Gourmet Food Store, securely packaged and delivered to your door. A smoked and dry-cured prosciutto, produced in the region of south Tyrol, with finely seasoned crust A sweet and delicate specialty meat from northwest Italy, using no additives or impurities.
What to eat if you have Italian beef?
Fresh and local roast-beef top round, perfectly spiced and thinly sliced for Chicago Style Italian beef sandwiches. Also commonly known as a French dip when paired with Vienna’s® Original Italian Gravy. Spice things up and pile on some giardiniera, a blend of hot peppers, olives, carrots, celery, and spices in oil.
What kind of meat does mazzellas offer?
One of our experienced team members can help make your event a memorable one! Mazzellas offers a complete selection of fresh, premium cuts of meat including Certified Angus Beef, Bell & Evans Poultry and homemade Italian Sausage. We also offer custom stuffed beef, pork, and chicken roasts.