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Savory Chicago-Style Italian Beef Sandwiches Recipe with Giardiniera Easy and Perfect

Chicago-Style Italian Beef Sandwiches - featured image

Juicy, spicy, and addictive Chicago-style Italian beef sandwiches featuring tender slow-cooked chuck roast, tangy giardiniera, and soft Italian rolls. Perfect for casual gatherings and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 to 4 pounds chuck roast (well-marbled for tenderness)
  • 4 cups beef broth (low sodium preferred)
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 large onion, thinly sliced
  • 34 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup giardiniera (drained)
  • 6 to 8 Italian sandwich rolls (soft, sturdy, with a slightly chewy crust)

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, basil, crushed red pepper flakes, black pepper, and salt. Rub this seasoning evenly all over the chuck roast.
  2. Optional but recommended: Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the roast on all sides until a golden crust forms, about 3-4 minutes per side.
  3. Place the sliced onion and minced garlic in the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the seared roast on top.
  4. Pour in beef broth and water to cover about half the roast, leaving room for simmering.
  5. Cover and cook on low for 8 to 9 hours, or until the beef is tender enough to shred easily with forks.
  6. Remove the beef from the slow cooker onto a cutting board. Using two forks or a sharp knife, shred or slice the beef thinly—about 1/8 inch thick.
  7. Return the sliced beef to the slow cooker to soak up the juices for 15 minutes.
  8. Drain the giardiniera from its brine using a slotted spoon. Set aside. Add a spoonful or two to the beef if extra spice is desired.
  9. Split the Italian rolls lengthwise but don’t cut all the way through. Pile on a generous amount of beef, spoon some of the cooking juices over the meat (for dipped style), and top with a hearty spoonful of giardiniera.
  10. Serve immediately for best texture. Keep some au jus warm on the side for dunking sandwiches.

Notes

Searing the roast before slow cooking adds flavor but can be skipped to save time. Thinly slice beef for authentic texture. Keep au jus warm for dipping. Toast rolls lightly if sogginess is a concern. Store beef and bread separately to maintain freshness. Instant Pot can be used on high pressure for 60 minutes as a quicker alternative.

Nutrition

Keywords: Italian beef sandwich, Chicago-style, giardiniera, slow cooker, beef sandwich, comfort food, game night recipe, easy sandwich