• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
white house black shutters
  • About This Site
  • Project Gallery
  • Decluttering Guides
  • About 40 BAGS IN 40 DAYS™
  • House Tour
  • Most Recent Projects & Posts
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • About This Site
  • Project Gallery
  • Decluttering Guides
  • About 40 BAGS IN 40 DAYS™
  • House Tour
  • Most Recent Projects & Posts
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×

    Chicago Style Italian Beef

    September 16, 2013 |

    There's no dish that reminds me of my hometown more than juicy, sloppy Chicago style Italian beef sandwiches. Chi-cahhh-go. Daaaaa Bears. Daaaa beef.

    make Chicago style Italian beef sandwiches, with a slow cooker! Perfect for tailgating and watching sports.

    If I had to think of the perfect tailgating food to it'd be those same Italian Beef sandwiches. I've been a Chicago Bears fan all my life, they started their 1985 Super Bowl run shortly after I was born, and I can remember Sundays devoted to hanging out with family, watching the game, and getting scared when everyone would start cheering at a good play. When I moved to Indiana to go to school, I especially felt homesick when watching the game and missing a good Italian meal.

    The recipe is from my mother-in-law (who also has a great homemade giardiera recipe). While the traditional recipe calls for sliced beef, this uses a pulled beef roast that's been cooked for hours and hours and hours. And hours. The recipe is perfect for tailgating or noon games: you start it the night before and it's ready when you wake up. You can easily grab the whole crock pot and bring it with you to the game.

    make Chicago style Italian beef sandwiches, with a slow cooker! Perfect for tailgating and watching football.

    When it's done, you'll have meat that is so tender it falls right apart, and if you do it the right way, a sandwich that falls right apart. Soak your bread with the juices to really make it Chicago style - the wetter the better!

    make Chicago style Italian beef sandwiches, with a slow cooker! Perfect for tailgating and watching football.

    Print
    Chicago Style Italian Beef

    Ingredients

    • 3-4 lbs beef roast, rump or chuck
    • 2 cups broth
    • 16 oz (1 jar) giardiniera
    • 3-4 red bell peppers, sliced
    • 6-8 cloves of garlic, crushed
    • 1 T oregano
    • 1 packet Italian salad dressing mix
    • sliced mozzarella
    • rolls or loaf of Italian bread, sliced

    Instructions

    1. Combine broth, giardiniera, sliced red peppers, crushed garlic, oregano, and salad dressing mix into a crock pot and mix well.
    2. Slice beef roast into 3-4 thick slices to reduce cook time.
    3. Add beef roast to crock pot and cover with the mixture.
    4. Cook for 10-14 hours on low.
    5. Take beef out, shred it with two forks, and add it back to the crock pot for 1-2 more hours.
    6. Serve on rolls or Italian bread.
    7. Spoon juices over the bread, add beef, top with mozzarella, and serve.
    8. Grab some napkins!
    3.1
    https://www.whitehouseblackshutters.com/chicago-style-italian-beef/

    I had three sandwiches the day after I made this: breakfast Italian beef, lunch Italian beef, and dinner Italian beef. They're that good. 

    make Chicago style Italian beef sandwiches, with a slow cooker! Perfect for tailgating and watching football.

    If you've ever lived in or been to Chicago, this recipe will take you and your tailgating crew right back. GO BEARS!

    make Chicago style Italian beef sandwiches, with a slow cooker! Perfect for tailgating and watching football.


    More recipes

    • Game Day Food Ideas
    • Coconut Mason Jar Mojito Recipe
    • Best Waffle Recipe Ever
    • Spicy Sriracha Deviled Eggs

    Subscribe

    for updates, tips, and free decluttering guides

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Elle

      April 09, 2017 at 9:40 pm

      This looks amazing! My whole family's from Chicago but my parents moved to the south about a decade ago. Last year I thought it might not be a bad idea to relocate closer to them, at least for a little while, and it's definitely impossible to find Italian beef. I think I'm going to make this and bring it over for them - I know they miss it!

    2. Susan

      February 03, 2017 at 12:43 pm

      This Chicago Style Italian Beef was a major hit! No one could eat just one sandwich! We all went back for more! Thanks so much for posting this recipe, Ann!

      • Ann Marie Heasley

        February 03, 2017 at 1:26 pm

        This made my day, Susan! I'm so glad you all liked it!!

    3. Susan

      February 02, 2017 at 9:59 am

      It's been in the crockpot for about 5 hours now. Absolutely love the smell. Mmmmmmm! I'll leave a review later, but it's almost worth it just to enjoy the aroma!!

    4. Whitney Bond

      August 29, 2016 at 12:41 pm

      Definitely trying this, YUM!

    5. Heidi

      April 15, 2016 at 2:03 am

      This does look good. I would consider making it if you could guesstimate the number of servings from this recipe. I usually cook for 4.

      • Ann Marie Heasley

        August 29, 2016 at 12:53 pm

        Sorry for the delayed response, I hadn't seen your comment. I suppose it all depends on the size of the roast you use! If you use a smaller roast or cut the roast in half, use maybe half the peppers, keep the other dimensions the same/similar.

        We have a family of 7, with most our kids on the small size. I usually grab one of the largest roasts I can find and I find that it lasts us 1-2 meals plus a few lunches worth of leftovers. But we really, really like the recipe. 🙂 I will try to pay attention next time I make this and amend the post with roast weight/serving size.

      • S

        February 03, 2017 at 1:33 pm

        Sharing on Facebook now!!

    6. Phil Hoffmann

      April 11, 2016 at 9:50 am

      OMG! Was just telling my wife ( a native Texan) who has never been to Chi-town, about he Italian beef sandwich that I miss so much. I am going to make some tonight. I've introduced her to Chicago style pan pizza , White Castle, and Gonnolla Bread, and da Bears...now for some hot, wet, running down your arms Italian Beef. Thanks for the recipe.

    7. Eric

      January 17, 2015 at 11:32 pm

      Crock pot is officially on! Can't wait for tomorrow. Going to be a great nfl championship football Sunday. Go Pack Go!!!

    8. Meghan L

      December 03, 2014 at 8:39 am

      This looks great! How many servings would you say this makes?

    9. Jennifer

      November 12, 2014 at 12:47 pm

      I love love love this recipe!! I am going to make it for a large crowd this weekend. Just wanted to know if you have ever doubled the recipe and if it came out the same. I think it would but some recipes don't double well.

      • Ann Marie Heasley

        November 12, 2014 at 4:16 pm

        Oh that makes me SO happy to hear! I actually just doubled it a few weeks ago and it worked perfectly. 🙂 Have a great weekend!

      • Billy

        January 27, 2015 at 11:05 pm

        What kind of broth do you recommend using? Go Bears!

      • Ann Marie Heasley

        January 28, 2015 at 4:05 pm

        I've used homemade chicken broth or beef broth out of the box (I like Trader Joe's, Aldi, or Pacific brand). Go Bears is right!! Although we might be the only two cheering these days, haha!

    10. kate

      November 03, 2014 at 8:57 pm

      Do you think a bottom round roast would work?

      • Ann Marie Heasley

        November 04, 2014 at 6:17 am

        Yes, absolutely! I've used one a couple of times with the same results.

    11. Helen

      October 16, 2014 at 10:22 pm

      we moved to Minneapolis 4 years ago from Chicago and haven't had a good Itilain beef since. Will definitely try this.

    12. Jackie

      October 16, 2014 at 5:34 pm

      I'm from Chicago but haven't lived there for many years! I have missed these sandwiches for a long time! Can't wait to try this! I think my souther husband may even like it! Thanks so much!

    13. Peggy Jannotta

      September 22, 2014 at 4:30 pm

      I've tried so many recipes for Italian Beef and my husband still insists on getting the "real thing" for the holidays. I'm going to give this a try. It sounds great and who knows, maybe this will be the year I won't have to order it to be delivered to Virginia. Thanks for sharing.

      • Ann Marie Heasley

        September 23, 2014 at 3:01 pm

        Best of luck! He might not be happy that it is shredded/pulled beef, but this makes it SO much more tender, kinda like how they have it at the places. If he doesn't care for this one, try making it with roast beef from the deli counter. Not as good (in my humble opinion, haha!), but more similar to how it's served. Let me know how it goes! 😉

    14. Todd

      August 24, 2014 at 6:22 pm

      Made these last night but just used a standard braising method in a 6Q cast dutch oven with the meat first, then onions and green peppers, then added the rest of the ingredients. Brought it to a boil on the stovetop and put it in a 300* oven for 3 hours. A 3-4 pound roast was "shreddable" in just that amount of time. The beef tastes amazing, I had to add salt to the broth to get it to brighten up but it did. I put the juice in two halves - "mild" for my wife and added diced cayenne and serano peppers from the garden to my half 🙂 So far I've just snacked on the beef but will be doing sandwiches here in a few minutes. Great recipe!

      • Ann Marie Heasley

        November 12, 2014 at 4:15 pm

        Ohh, yum! I will add that in about the salt. We normally salt a bit on the heavier side and I forgot to add that in. I'm so glad you liked it (even though it was back in August when you wrote this). Thanks for coming back to let us know!!

    15. Tania P

      February 01, 2014 at 6:57 pm

      Do you drain the giardiniera?

      • Ann Marie Heasley

        November 12, 2014 at 4:13 pm

        I'm so sorry, Tania! I meant to reply much sooner. Nope! I keep the juices in there. 🙂

    16. jbjohnson

      November 29, 2013 at 3:40 pm

      Made it today with chuck roast and it's great! I threw some red potatoes in at the end and they were killer too..Thanks!

      • Ann Marie Heasley

        January 29, 2014 at 11:58 am

        ohhhh, YUM! I will have to try that, thanks for the suggestion! I'm glad you enjoyed it.

    17. Trevor LaRene

      November 04, 2013 at 6:32 pm

      I'm from Green Bay, but I'd still eat these sandwiches. In fact, I will make them this week! Thanks for the recipe! When I make it, I am going to post it on my blog, but will put a link to yours as the source of the recipe.

      Thanks!

      Trevor

    18. Chautona

      October 25, 2013 at 6:32 pm

      Question re: giardiniera

      What size jar? I keep seeing jars from tiny to 28oz.

      • Ann Marie Heasley

        October 28, 2013 at 10:21 am

        I used 16oz of the mild! Thanks for reminding me to add that to the post, I forgot. Let me know if you try it and how your family likes it!

    19. Alicia

      September 24, 2013 at 9:47 pm

      Those sandwiches look so delicious! My husband would love those. But you'll have to fill me in on what giardiniera is? I've never heard of it, is it is a Chicago thing too?

      • Ann Marie Heasley

        September 25, 2013 at 8:22 am

        I'm trying to think of how to describe it, haha! Think pickled green, red, hot peppers, carrots, cauliflower, and onions, mixed with italian dressing and seasonings. They sell it hot or mild, we prefer the mild. It's usually by the Italian or ethnic foods aisle! Now I'm wondering if they sell it across the country, or if it's just a Chicago thing? You'll have to check and let me know! 🙂

      • Kendra

        December 16, 2013 at 8:06 pm

        Walmart carries it so it's all over 🙂

      • Ann Marie Heasley

        December 17, 2013 at 9:58 am

        Walmart for the win! Thanks, Kendra. 🙂

      • Mike

        January 26, 2014 at 9:38 am

        I had never heard it referred to as giardiniera before I started talking food with non-Italians. To me, growing up, it was grandma's pickled veggies. Gimmie more! Red peppers are mine, called it! When dad opened up a jar, my sister and I fought for every bite. Dad would then tell us there was no more, we'd leave, then he'd open another jar for himself.

        Each lady on the street had her own style. I ate 'em all.

      • Jill

        September 03, 2014 at 1:53 pm

        I moved to Jacksonville, FL about 4 years ago and haven't seen it in any of the stores here OR sport peppers so I can't even make a true Chicago dog 🙁 sigh....

      • David

        July 12, 2016 at 9:32 pm

        You can order all that online at vienna beef,the true Chicago hot dog and Italian beef of Chi-town.

      • Ann Marie Heasley

        July 29, 2016 at 6:45 am

        Mmmm. Vienna beef. Stop making us hungry, Haha!

      • Steve Cyboran

        February 10, 2017 at 8:50 am

        I now live in TX after 46 years in Chicago and can't find good Giardinera or sport peppers down here. It really surprised me. I think I looked at Walmart and Target and couldn't find it at either of them, but will check again.

      • Ann Marie Heasley

        February 10, 2017 at 5:08 pm

        I have a link to Amazon just below the recipe and above the comments section here, they weren't as cheap as our stores but not too bad!

      • Ann Marie Heasley

        February 10, 2017 at 5:09 pm

        The 3 packs seemed to have the best price, and then you have more for future meals!! ?

    20. Violet

      September 23, 2013 at 8:50 pm

      I'm sure that this is delicious, and I can't wait to try it, but why is the beef shredded?
      I'm definitely going to skip that step, it just wouldn't be the same to me. I lived in Chicago for the first 21 years of my life (I moved to Texas 2 years ago), and I've never seen an Italian beef made that way.

      • Ann Marie Heasley

        September 25, 2013 at 8:15 am

        Hi Violet! I hear ya, I'd never had it like this either. I wanted to slow cook the meat, used a large roast and it practically fell apart, hence the shredding. I'm guessing that the other places slice it up all nice because they have a deli-like meat slicer. You could easily get a few pounds of sliced roast beef at the deli counter and cook that with the rest of the ingredients! I would recommend lowering the cook time.

        I was a little skeptical of the shredding for the same reasons, but surprisingly, I liked it better than the sliced meat texture. It seemed a little more juicy. Let me know if you try it and what works for you. I'm glad you commented and brought that up!

    21. Kari C

      September 17, 2013 at 3:50 pm

      Looks delicious...can't wait to try!! GO BEARS!!!! 🙂

      • Ann Marie Heasley

        September 20, 2013 at 2:09 pm

        and boo Packers 😉 Let me know how you like it!

    22. Erin @ Lansdowne Life

      September 17, 2013 at 1:47 pm

      Funny, I have an Italian beef in the crock pot right now! My version is a little different (jar of pepperocinis instead of bell peppers/giardinera and a whole bunch of garlic thrown in near the end so you can put the squishy cloves on the sandwich).

      Totally understand eating it for multiple meals. So so good!

      • Ann Marie Heasley

        September 25, 2013 at 11:46 am

        Small dinner world. 🙂 I will have to try out the pepperocinis and garlic, thanks for the tip!

    Primary Sidebar

    Hi, I'm Ann Marie. I want to help you find peace in your home through simplifying your life, taking on small projects, and learning to find your style. Learn more about this site and why I started it...

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest

    CATEGORIES:

    Hi, I'm Ann Marie. I want to help you find peace in your home through simplifying your life, taking on small projects, and learning to find your style. Learn more about this site and why I started it...

    Footer

    return to the top

    About

    • About
    • House Tours
    • Projects
    • About 40 Bags in 40 Days

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Social

    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • 40 Bags in 40 Days
      Facebook Group
    • WHBS Facebook Page

    Copyright © 2023 White House Black Shutters