Introduction
The Italian beef sandwich is a classic Italian-American sandwich originating from Chicago. It is made from thin slices of beef that are slow cooked in a flavorful broth and served on a long Italian-style roll with a variety of toppings. This sandwich is not only delicious but it is also easy to make and perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. If you're looking for a simple but delicious sandwich recipe, then this Italian beef sandwich is the perfect choice!
Ingredients
For the sandwich:
- 1 pound thinly sliced beef chuck
- 1 onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup red wine
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 4 long Italian-style rolls
- Sliced provolone cheese
- Sliced sweet or hot peppers
- Giardiniera mix
- Celery salt
- Mayonnaise
Instructions
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until the onion is softened and lightly browned, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the sliced beef to the skillet and season with Italian seasoning, oregano, basil, sugar, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is lightly browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the red wine, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and tomato paste and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the liquid is reduced and the beef is tender, about 30 minutes.
4. Add the chopped parsley and stir to combine. Remove the skillet from the heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
5. To assemble the sandwiches, spread a generous amount of mayonnaise onto each of the rolls. Top with a few slices of provolone cheese and the beef mixture. Add the desired toppings such as sweet or hot peppers, giardiniera mix, and celery salt. Serve immediately.
Tips and Variations
This Italian beef sandwich is best served fresh, but you can also make it ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the sandwich in the microwave or on a skillet over medium heat until the cheese is melted and the sandwich is heated through.
You can also switch up the type of meat used in this recipe. Thinly sliced turkey, chicken, or pork would all work well in this sandwich.
If you want to give the sandwich a kick, add a few drops of hot sauce to the beef mixture before serving.
Conclusion
The Italian beef sandwich is a classic Italian-American sandwich that is sure to please. It is made with thinly sliced beef that is slow cooked in a flavorful broth and served on a long Italian-style roll with a variety of toppings. This sandwich is not only delicious but it is also easy to make and perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. So next time you're looking for a simple but delicious sandwich recipe, give this Italian beef sandwich a try!
