Frequently Asked Questions
What is Nate's Ultimate Italian Beef Sandwich?
It is a robustly flavored Italian-American comfort food dish featuring slow-cooked, shredded beef served on crusty rolls with melted cheese.
What cut of beef is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for a 4 to 5 pound boneless beef chuck roast with the butcher twine removed.
How long does the beef need to cook?
The beef should be cooked in a crockpot on low heat for 8 to 10 hours until it is fork-tender.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
This recipe yields approximately 10 servings.
What type of cheese is used for the sandwich?
Provolone cheese is used to top the beef for a melty, savory finish.
What makes this a Chicago-style sandwich?
The addition of a hearty scoop of chopped giardiniera provides the quintessential Chicago-style experience.
How much water is added to the crockpot?
Two cups of water are combined with the seasonings to create the cooking liquid.
What brand of Italian seasoning is suggested?
The recipe suggests using a 2/3 ounce packet of Good Seasons Italian seasoning mix.
How do I shred the meat?
Once the beef is fork-tender, remove it from the crockpot and use two forks to shred it before returning it to the juices.
Can I adjust the spiciness of the beef?
Yes, you can adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to taste; the recipe suggests 2 teaspoons.
What dry herbs are included in the spice blend?
The blend includes oregano, basil, and dried parsley.
How much salt and pepper is used?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of salt and 2 teaspoons of black pepper.
What aromatics are used in powder form?
Onion powder and garlic powder are both used in 2-teaspoon measurements.
Are there any whole spices in the recipe?
Yes, two bay leaves are added to the cooking liquid.
What type of bread should I use?
Crusty rolls are recommended to hold up to the shredded beef and juices.
Should the beef be fully covered by liquid during cooking?
Yes, you should ensure the roast is fully immersed in the flavorful liquid mixture in the crockpot.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, 'meal prep' is one of the designated tags for this recipe.
How should the beef be served?
Pile generous amounts of beef onto rolls, top with Provolone and giardiniera, and serve with plenty of napkins.
What happens to the beef after it is shredded?
It is returned to the crockpot and stirred into the savory juices for maximum flavor.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 total ingredients listed for the beef preparation.
Does the recipe provide nutritional information?
Calories, fat, and other macronutrient details are currently not specified in the recipe data.
What is the preparation required for the chuck roast?
You only need to ensure the butcher twine is removed before placing it in the slow cooker.
Can this be cooked on high heat instead of low?
The recipe specifically recommends cooking on low heat for 8 to 10 hours for the best texture.
Is this a messy sandwich?
Yes, the description warns that it is a messy yet satisfying experience.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to combine the water and all the spices/seasoning in a large crockpot and stir well.
What category does this recipe fall into?
While the category field is empty, the tags identify it as comfort food, a sandwich, and beef.
How much oregano is used?
The recipe requires 2 teaspoons of oregano.
How much basil is required?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of basil.
What is the purpose of the bay leaves?
They are added to the crockpot to infuse the cooking liquid with additional flavor during the long simmer.
Is this an easy recipe to follow?
Yes, it is tagged as an 'easy recipe' and involves simple slow cooker steps.