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Italian Beef Sandwiches

Italian Beef Sandwiches

  • Author: Christopher
  • Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 sandwiches 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free (if gluten-free rolls are used)

Description

Italian Beef Sandwiches feature tender, slow-cooked roast beef soaked in a rich, savory au jus and served on soft Italian rolls. This classic Chicago-style sandwich is bursting with bold flavors and customizable toppings like spicy giardiniera and shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal). Perfect for a hearty lunch or satisfying dinner, it combines simple ingredients to create an irresistibly juicy and flavorful handheld meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef and Cooking Liquid

  • 3 to 4 pounds lean beef roast (such as chuck roast)
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 large onion, sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Bread and Toppings

  • 6 Italian bread rolls, soft but sturdy
  • Giardiniera (spicy pickled vegetable mix), optional and to taste
  • Shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal), optional
  • Smoked turkey bacon, crispy, optional for extra crunch

Garnishes (Optional)

  • Chopped fresh parsley
  • Sliced banana peppers or roasted red peppers

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Beef: Trim any excess fat from the beef roast. Generously season it with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and the dried Italian herbs. Place the roast in a slow cooker or heavy pot, surrounding it with sliced onions and minced garlic.
  2. Create the Au Jus: Pour in the beef broth and add a splash of vegetarian Worcestershire sauce. This mixture will slowly cook the beef, keeping it moist and infusing it with rich, savory flavors.
  3. Slow Cook the Beef: Cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours until the beef is tender enough to shred easily with a fork, developing melt-in-your-mouth texture and deep flavor.
  4. Shred the Beef and Prepare the Rolls: Remove the cooked beef and shred it finely in a bowl. Quickly dip each Italian roll into the warm cooking liquid to soak up the au jus, ensuring every bite is juicy and flavorful.
  5. Assemble the Sandwich: Pile the shredded beef generously inside the soaked rolls. Add giardiniera or your preferred toppings and sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal) if desired. Serve immediately with extra au jus on the side for dipping.

Notes

  • Use a slow cooker for consistent, juicy, and tender beef with minimal hands-on time.
  • Do not omit the au jus dipping sauce, as it is essential for authenticity and flavor.
  • Choose Italian rolls that are crusty on the outside but soft enough inside to absorb juices without getting soggy.
  • Allow the beef to rest after cooking to lock in moisture before shredding.
  • Adjust the amount of giardiniera or peppers to customize the heat level according to preference.
  • For a cheesy variation, add shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal) on top before serving.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 sandwich
  • Calories: 550
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 850mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 40g
  • Cholesterol: 110mg

Keywords: Italian Beef Sandwich, slow cooked beef, au jus sandwich, Chicago-style beef sandwich, giardiniera sandwich, shredded beef sandwich, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce

Find it online: https://easyrecipeplanet.com/italian-beef-sandwiches/