Italian Beef Sandwich | Hearty Beef Sandwich Recipe

Bursting with savory flavors and tender beef, an Italian Beef Sandwich is a hearty treat that originated in Chicago but have captured the hearts (and taste buds) of food lovers worldwide.

Why This Will Be Your New Favorite Sandwich

• Easy. Slowly braise the beef chuck roast, shred, and top a crusty roll with tender meat, zesty giardiniera, and melty provolone cheese.
• Delicious. Bursting with flavorful braised beef, crunchy pickled vegetables, and creamy provolone cheese.
• Versatile. Use one of the tasty variations below to customize your next Italian Beef Sandwich to perfectly suit your tastebuds.

Whether enjoyed as a comforting weeknight dinner or a show-stopping party treat, this Italian classic is sure to win over friends and family with its hearty, satisfying taste.

What Is The Difference Between An Italian Beef Sandwich And A Philly Cheesesteak?

While both the Italian Beef Sandwich and the Philly Cheesesteak are popular and mouthwatering sandwiches, they have distinct differences in terms of origin, meat used, toppings, and overall flavor profile.

1. Origin:
   • Italian Beef Sandwich- It originated in Chicago, Illinois, in the early 20th century. It is deeply rooted in Italian-American culture and was first served at Italian-American weddings and banquets.
   • Philly Cheesesteak- Originated in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It emerged in the 1930s when Pat Olivieri, a hot dog vendor, decided to grill some chopped beef on his hot dog grill and added cheese.
2. Meat Used-
   • Italian Beef Sandwich- The key ingredient is thinly sliced, slow-cooked beef, typically using cuts like beef chuck roast. The beef is seasoned with a blend of Italian herbs and spices for a rich and flavorful taste.
   • Philly Cheesesteak- The centerpiece of the Philly Cheesesteak is thinly sliced ribeye steak. Traditionally, the beef is cooked on a griddle with onions, often chopped, to create a juicy and savory filling.
3. Cheese and Toppings-
   • Italian Beef Sandwich- It is usually served with giardiniera, which provides a tangy and spicy kick. Sweet or hot peppers and melted provolone cheese are also common toppings.
   • Philly Cheesesteak- The classic Philly comes with melted cheese, typically Cheez Whiz, American, or provolone. Additional toppings may include sautéed onions, peppers, and mushrooms.
4. Bread-
   • Italian Beef Sandwich- The bread used for an Italian Beef Sandwich is typically a crusty Italian roll, providing a sturdy and chewy base to hold the juicy beef and toppings.
   • Philly Cheesesteak- The Philly Cheesesteak is traditionally served on a long, soft roll. The softness of the roll complements the tender, thinly sliced beef.

What Is The Best Cut Of Meat To Use For Italian Beef?

The best cut of meat to use for Italian Beef is beef chuck roast. Chuck roast is a flavorful and tender cut of beef that comes from the shoulder area of the cow.

It is well-marbled with fat, which helps keep the meat moist and juicy during the slow-cooking process.

What Is An Italian Beef Sandwich Made Of?

• Beef Chuck Roast
• Olive Oil
• Onion
• Garlic
• Oregano
• Basil
• Thyme
• Rosemary
• Marjoram
• Sage
• Salt
• Black Pepper
• Beef Broth
• Dry Red Wine
• Giardiniera
• Italian Rolls
• Provolone Cheese

How to Make An Italian Beef Sandwich

1. Season and Sear the Beef. First, preheat your oven to 325F. Pat the chuck roast dry and season it with salt and black pepper. In a Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the beef until browned and caramelized. Remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics. Then, in the same pot, add the sliced onions and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions are soft and translucent.
3. Slow Cook the Beef. Next, return the seared beef to the pot with the onions and garlic. Add the dried oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary, marjoram, and sage. Pour in the beef broth and red wine, covering the beef partially. The liquid should come about two-thirds of the way up the meat. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and transfer it to the preheated oven. Allow the beef to slow-cook for about 3 to 4 hours until it becomes tender and easily shreds with a fork.
4. Shred and Flavor the Beef. Remove the pot from the oven and transfer the cooked beef to a cutting board. Using two forks, shred the beef into thin, flavorful strands. Return the shredded beef to the pot, mixing it well with the remaining liquid.
5. Assemble the Italian Beef Sandwiches. Then, slice the Italian rolls in half lengthwise. Melt provolone cheese on the bottom halves of the rolls under the broiler for an extra indulgent touch. Pile the succulent Italian beef onto the rolls. Top the beef with giardiniera. Place the top halves of the rolls over the fillings.
6. Garnish and Serve. Finally, serve the Italian Beef Sandwiches warm, accompanied by extra giardiniera and the flavorful liquid left from cooking the beef on the side for dipping.

Tips And Tricks

Making Italian Beef Sandwiches at home can be a rewarding and delicious experience. To ensure your Italian Beef turns out tender, flavorful, and authentically scrumptious, follow these tips and tricks:

• Choose the Right Cut of Meat: As mentioned earlier, opt for beef chuck roast for the best results. Its marbling and connective tissues make it perfect for slow cooking, resulting in tender and juicy Italian Beef.
• Season the Meat Generously: Before searing or slow-cooking the beef, season it generously with salt and black pepper. You can also add a sprinkle of garlic powder or onion powder for additional flavor.
• Slice Beef Thinly: Once the beef is cooked and tender, use a sharp knife to thinly slice the meat against the grain. Thin slices will ensure each bite is tender and easy to chew.

What Goes Best With Italian Beef Sandwiches?

Italian Beef Sandwiches pair wonderfully with a variety of delicious sides and accompaniments that enhance the overall dining experience. Here are some classic and tasty options to serve alongside them:

• Coleslaw: A refreshing coleslaw with a tangy dressing can provide a nice contrast to the savory Italian Beef. Its crisp texture and hint of acidity balance out the richness of the beef.
• Fries: Crispy french fries are always a crowd-pleaser. Whether they're classic potato fries or sweet potato fries, they're a fantastic option to serve with Italian Beef Sandwiches.
• Mixed Green Salad: A light and refreshing mixed green salad with a simple vinaigrette can provide a fresh contrast to the hearty sandwich.

How Long Does It Last?

If you have leftover Italian Beef Sandwiches, promptly store them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. When stored correctly, Italian Beef Sandwiches can last in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.

For the best quality and taste, it is recommended to consume them within 2 to 3 days.

Can You Freeze It?

If you want to extend the shelf life of Italian Beef Sandwiches, you can freeze them. To freeze, wrap the sandwiches tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place them in an airtight freezer-safe container or ziplock bag.

When frozen, they can last in the freezer for up to 2 to 3 months.

More Easy Beef Recipes

• Instant Pot Beef Curry
• Beef Bulgogi
• Mexican Ground Beef Casserole
• Cheeseburger Casserole
• Low Carb Beef Stroganoff

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