Classic Chicago-Style Italian Beef Sandwiches at Home

How to Make Classic Chicago-Style Italian Beef Sandwiches at Home

If you’re craving an authentic Chicago-style Italian beef sandwich, you’re in for a treat. This recipe covers everything from scratch—the spicy giardiniera, the perfect sandwich rolls, tender beef, and the flavorful jus. Let’s dive into the process step by step.

1. Homemade Giardiniera: The Perfect Spicy Pickle

This tangy, spicy, and crunchy pickled vegetable mix is essential for topping your Italian beef sandwich.

Ingredients:

150g each: cauliflower, celery, green bell peppers, baby carrots

75g serrano chilis (or jalapeños for less heat)

400g white distilled vinegar

200g water

24g salt

Instructions:

1. Dice all vegetables into small, uniform pieces.

2. In a pot, bring vinegar, water, and salt to a rolling boil.

3. Add the chopped veggies, turn off the heat, and let the mixture cool to room temperature.

4. Transfer the cooled mixture into a quart container and refrigerate for two days.

5. After two days, drain the brine and replace it with:

300g neutral oil (like light olive oil)

150g extra virgin olive oil

6. Stir well and refrigerate. The flavor intensifies the longer it marinates.

2. French Rolls: The Perfect Sandwich Bread

Soft yet sturdy, these homemade rolls hold up to all the juicy goodness of the sandwich.

Ingredients:

225g warm water

9g yeast

20g olive oil

15g sugar

350g bread flour

9g salt

Instructions:

1. In a stand mixer bowl, combine water, yeast, olive oil, sugar, flour, and salt.

2. Mix on low for 3 minutes, then on high for 6 minutes until a strong, elastic dough forms.

3. Cover the dough and let it ferment for 90 minutes.

4. Divide into two 300g portions, pre-shape into balls, and rest for 15 minutes.

5. Shape each ball into a baguette-like cylinder, flatten the ends, and place them on a cornmeal-dusted tray.

6. Proof for 45 minutes, score the tops, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes.

7. Let cool at room temperature—no need to toast before assembling the sandwich.

3. The Beef: Tender, Flavorful, and Juicy

Top round roast is the cut of choice for this sandwich.

Ingredients:

2 top round roasts (2 lbs each)

Neutral high-temp cooking oil

1 quart high-quality beef stock

Beef spice blend (see below)

Beef Spice Blend:

Mix 5g each of:

Dried oregano

Garlic powder

Onion powder

Toasted coriander seed

Chili flakes

Paprika

Toasted fennel seed

Black pepper

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a Dutch oven and sear the beef on all sides. No need to season at this stage.

2. Deglaze the pot with 1 quart of beef stock.

3. Add the spice blend and submerge the beef in the liquid.

4. Top with parchment paper and roast in a 250°F (120°C) oven for 60 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).

5. Wrap the warm beef tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate to cool.

6. Strain the jus and refrigerate until ready to use.

4. Slicing the Beef: Tissue-Thin for the Perfect Bite

If you have a deli slicer, slice the cooled beef as thin as possible.

If using a knife, slice carefully into the thinnest slices you can manage.

Alternatively, you can buy shaved roast beef from the deli, but you’ll need to boost the jus flavor with beef bouillon paste.

5. Assembling the Sandwich: Time to Feast!

Ingredients:

Fresh French rolls

Thinly sliced beef

Jus

Giardiniera

Instructions:

1. Heat the jus to 145°F (62°C).

2. Add sliced beef to the hot jus and let it bathe for 30 seconds.

3. Slice the rolls and liberally ladle some jus onto the bread.

4. Load up with juicy beef and top with a generous helping of giardiniera.

5. Add more jus if desired.

For the authentic Chicago experience, wrap the sandwich tightly in parchment paper before cutting. If you’re feeling bold, dip the entire sandwich in the jus—just be prepared for a glorious mess!

Final Thoughts

This Chicago-style Italian beef sandwich is the ultimate comfort food—spicy, juicy, and packed with flavor. Whether you're making everything from scratch or using some store-bought shortcuts, this sandwich will transport your taste buds straight to the Windy City.

Give it a try and enjoy every bite!