Ultimate Chicago-Style Italian Beef Sandwich
This Ultimate Chicago-Style Italian Beef Sandwich captures the heart and essence of the Windy City’s culinary tradition. Inspired by a memorable trip to Chicago for our first anniversary, this sandwich combines tender, flavorful roast beef, richly aromatic au jus, and the delightful crunch of giardiniera—hot pickled vegetables that elevate the dish to a whole new level. Nestled in a buttery, toasted sourdough roll, every bite is a warm embrace perfect for chilly days. Make it for lunch or as a hearty snack; this recipe will transport you straight to the bustling streets of Chicago!
N/A
Servings
620
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
au jus sauce
1 (10 1/2 ounce) can (Canned, ready to heat)
sourdough roll
1 (Split and buttered)
thin-sliced roast beef
4 ounces (Not shaved)
giardiniera
1/4 cup (Coarsely chopped)
provolone cheese
1 slice (For topping)
butter
1 tbsp (For spreading on the roll)
Instructions
1
In a saucepan over medium heat, warm the canned au jus sauce.
2
Add the thinly sliced roast beef to the au jus and let it simmer gently for about 5-7 minutes until heated through and infused with flavor.
3
While the beef is heating, coarsely chop the giardiniera (hot pickled cauliflower, jalapeños, carrots, celery, and red bell peppers). This adds a delightful crunch and kick to your sandwich.
4
Carefully split the sourdough roll and generously butter the inside. If you prefer a softer roll, skip the butter and microwave it for a few seconds to steam it slightly.
5
Preheat a skillet over medium heat. Place the roll, buttered side down, onto the skillet to toast until golden brown and slightly crispy (approximately 2-3 minutes).
6
Once the roll is toasted, carefully remove it from the skillet and pile on a generous portion of the warm roast beef, alongside a few spoonfuls of the simmering au jus to ensure every bite is juicy.
7
Top the roast beef with a slice of provolone cheese. Microwave the assembled sandwich for 20-30 seconds, or until the cheese starts to melt.
8
Finish off the sandwich by adding the chopped giardiniera on top.
9
Cut in half if desired, serve immediately, and savor the flavors of this iconic Chicago delight!
Nutrition Information
34g
Fat
48g
Carbs
29g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is for the Ultimate Chicago-Style Italian Beef Sandwich.
What inspired this specific sandwich recipe?
It was inspired by a memorable trip to Chicago for a first wedding anniversary.
What are the primary components of this sandwich?
The key components are tender roast beef, aromatic au jus, and crunchy giardiniera on a sourdough roll.
What kind of bread is recommended?
A sourdough roll is used for this recipe.
How should the roast beef be sliced?
The roast beef should be thinly sliced but not shaved.
What is giardiniera?
It is a mix of hot pickled vegetables including cauliflower, jalapeños, carrots, celery, and red bell peppers.
How do I prepare the au jus?
Warm a 10.5-ounce can of au jus sauce in a saucepan over medium heat.
How long should the beef simmer in the sauce?
Simmer the beef for about 5 to 7 minutes until it is heated through.
How should I prepare the giardiniera?
The giardiniera should be coarsely chopped to add crunch and kick.
How do I prepare the sourdough roll?
Split the roll and generously butter the inside before toasting.
Is there an alternative to toasting the roll?
Yes, you can skip the butter and microwave the roll for a few seconds to steam it if you prefer it soft.
How do I toast the roll in a skillet?
Preheat a skillet over medium heat and place the roll buttered side down for 2 to 3 minutes.
What type of cheese is used?
The recipe calls for one slice of provolone cheese.
How do I melt the cheese on the sandwich?
Microwave the assembled sandwich for 20 to 30 seconds until the cheese starts to melt.
How much roast beef is needed per sandwich?
The recipe uses 4 ounces of thin-sliced roast beef.
What is the calorie count for this sandwich?
One sandwich contains approximately 620 calories.
How much protein is in the sandwich?
There are 29 grams of protein per serving.
What is the fat content?
The sandwich contains 34 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
There are 48 grams of carbohydrates.
How much butter is required?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of butter for spreading on the roll.
How much giardiniera is used?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of giardiniera.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to warm the canned au jus sauce in a saucepan over medium heat.
How do I ensure the sandwich is juicy?
Add a few extra spoonfuls of the simmering au jus when piling the beef onto the roll.
When should I add the giardiniera?
Add the chopped giardiniera as the final topping after the cheese has melted.
Is this sandwich served hot or cold?
It is served hot, immediately after assembly.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include Chicago cuisine, comfort food, lunch, and roast beef.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 6 ingredients.
What is the recommended serving suggestion?
Serve immediately, and you can cut it in half if desired.
Can I use any type of au jus?
The recipe specifically mentions using a 10.5 ounce can of ready-to-heat au jus sauce.
Is this a good recipe for cold weather?
Yes, it is described as a warm embrace perfect for chilly days.