Homemade Chicago-Style Italian Beef Sandwich Recipe

Homemade Chicago-Style Italian Beef Sandwich Recipe

Italian Beef sandwiches date back to the 1930s and remain a staple at Italian delis nationwide, including the famous Portillo’s chain, known for its enduring popularity.

Here’s Anthony’s take on it.

Homemade Chicago-Style Italian Beef Sandwiches

Recipe by Anthony Blackies
Servings

6

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

9

hours 
Calories

542

kcal

Ingredients

  • The Beef
  • 3 to 4 lb chuck roast or round roast, trimmed of excess fat

  • 14.5 oz can beef broth, divided

  • 8 oz pepperoncini pepper slices, plus 1/4 cup juice and extra peppers for serving

  • 8 oz chopped giardiniera (mild or spicy), drained, plus extra for serving

  • Provolone cheese slices, for serving

  • Hoagie buns, for serving

  • Seasoning
  • 1 tbsp Italian seasoning

  • 2 tsp granulated sugar

  • 1 tsp garlic powder

  • 1 tsp onion powder

  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt

  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

  • 1/4 tsp dried ground thyme

Directions

  • Let the meat rest at room temperature for 15 minutes. Season the beef all over with kosher salt.
  • Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the meat on all sides until golden brown, about 10 minutes. Transfer the meat to a slow cooker.
  • Reduce the skillet heat to medium. Add a splash of beef broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan (this adds flavor). Pour this liquid and bits into the slow cooker over the beef.
  • In a small bowl, combine Italian seasoning, granulated sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and thyme. Sprinkle this seasoning mixture over the beef.
  • Add the pepperoncini peppers and their juice. Add the drained giardiniera (without the liquid).
  • Pour in the remaining beef broth.
  • Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 8 to 10 hours, or until the meat shreds easily with a fork. Stir the shredded beef together with the juices, cover, and cook on low for an additional 30 minutes.
  • To serve, split the hoagie buns and toast them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 to 7 minutes if desired. Fill the buns with the shredded Italian beef, ensuring to include plenty of the flavorful juices. Top with provolone cheese, pepperoncini peppers, and additional giardiniera as desired. Enjoy!
anthony profile picture
About Author

Anthony Blackies

Meet Anthony Blackies, the passionate Italian-American behind "Blackies Chicago." Inspired by his heritage and Chicago's vibrant food scene, Anthony shares authentic recipes and explores the city's culinary treasures on his blog. From iconic deep-dish pizza to neighborhood delicatessens, he invites readers to savor Chicago's flavors through his flavorful stories and homemade dishes.

4 Comments

  • Love this walk down memory lane! Italian beef sandwiches are a family favorite here, especially from Portillo’s. Thanks for the great article, Anthony!

  • portillo’s is the bomb but homemade is where it’s at. gotta get the beef and giardiniera just right tho

    • Absolutely! Nailing the giardiniera mix makes all the difference. Do you make yours or buy?

    • make it! nothing beats homemade 🙂

Comments are closed.