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Tender, juicy, thinly sliced beef simmered in a savory, seasoned broth, piled high on a crusty Italian roll. This iconic Chicago classic can be served dry, wet, or fully dipped, with a kick from spicy giardiniera.
For 4 servings
Prepare and Sear the Beef
Slow Cook the Beef
Slice the Beef and Prepare the Gravy
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Tender, juicy, thinly sliced beef simmered in a savory, seasoned broth, piled high on a crusty Italian roll. This iconic Chicago classic can be served dry, wet, or fully dipped, with a kick from spicy giardiniera.
This midwest recipe takes 260 minutes to prepare and yields 4 servings. At 1215.96 calories per serving with 79.02g of protein, it's a moderately challenging recipe perfect for lunch or dinner.
Combine Beef and Gravy
Assemble the Sandwiches
Add a slice of provolone or mozzarella cheese on top of the beef before serving. You can melt it slightly by placing the open-faced sandwich under a broiler for a minute.
For a milder version, top the sandwich with sautéed green bell peppers instead of or in addition to giardiniera.
Sear the beef in the Instant Pot on the 'Sauté' function. Add the broth and garlic, then pressure cook on high for 90 minutes. Allow a natural pressure release for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Add a few tablespoons of the oil from the giardiniera jar into the gravy for an extra layer of flavor and heat.
Beef is a complete protein source, providing all the essential amino acids your body needs for muscle repair, growth, and maintaining overall body function.
This sandwich delivers a significant amount of heme iron, which is more easily absorbed by the body than non-heme iron from plants. Iron is crucial for creating red blood cells and preventing anemia.
Beef is packed with essential B vitamins, particularly B12, niacin, and B6. These vitamins are vital for converting food into energy, supporting brain function, and maintaining a healthy nervous system.
A typical Chicago Italian Beef Sandwich made with this recipe contains approximately 650-750 calories per serving, depending on the size of the roll and the amount of beef and giardiniera used.
While delicious, it is an indulgent meal. It's high in protein and iron from the beef, but also high in sodium and saturated fat. It's best enjoyed as an occasional treat rather than a daily meal.
A well-marbled chuck roast is ideal as it becomes incredibly tender and flavorful after slow cooking. Top or bottom round roasts are also excellent, leaner choices that slice very well.
Yes, this recipe is perfect for making ahead. You can cook and slice the beef and prepare the gravy up to 3 days in advance. Store the beef and gravy separately in the refrigerator. Reheat the gravy gently on the stove and add the beef to warm through just before serving.
Giardiniera is a classic Italian relish of pickled vegetables, typically including peppers, celery, carrots, and cauliflower, packed in oil or vinegar. For an authentic Chicago Italian Beef, hot giardiniera is considered essential for its spicy, tangy crunch that cuts through the richness of the beef.