Harry's Italian Beef from Harry Caray's features tender, thinly sliced roast beef simmered in a flavorful, savory jus, served on a soft Italian roll and topped with tangy giardiniera and melted provolone cheese, offering a hearty and satisfying blend of juicy, spicy, and cheesy flavors.
Equipments
- Oven or roasting pan
- Meat slicer or sharp carving knife
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Saucepan (for jus)
- Tongs
- Baking sheet (for melting cheese)
- Broiler or oven (for melting cheese)
- Ladle
- Cutting board
- Serving tongs or spatula
Ingredients
- 3 lbs beef top round roast
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 4 garlic cloves, smashed
- 1 yellow onion, sliced
- 6 Italian rolls
- 1 cup giardiniera
- 12 slices provolone cheese
Using a top round roast is essential for the tender, thinly sliced beef characteristic of Harry's Italian Beef. Seasoning with a blend of kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, oregano, basil, crushed red pepper flakes, and onion powder creates the savory and slightly spicy flavor profile. Simmering the roast in a mix of beef broth, water, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic, and onion develops the rich, flavorful jus. The giardiniera adds a tangy, spicy contrast, while melted provolone provides a creamy, cheesy topping. Your copy of Harry's Italian Beef from Harry Caray's captures the perfect balance of juicy beef, spicy giardiniera, and melted cheese on a soft Italian roll for an authentic taste experience.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Pat beef roast dry and rub with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, and onion powder.
- Heat Dutch oven over medium-high; sear beef on all sides until browned.
- Add beef broth, water, Worcestershire, soy sauce, Italian seasoning, smashed garlic, and sliced onion to the pot.
- Cover, transfer to oven, and roast for 2–2.5 hours or until tender.
- Remove beef from pot; let rest 15 minutes.
- Strain liquid into saucepan; simmer to keep warm for jus.
- Thinly slice beef across the grain using meat slicer or sharp knife.
- Add sliced beef to warm jus, let simmer 10–15 minutes.
- Split Italian rolls and arrange on baking sheet.
- Pile beef onto rolls, top with provolone cheese slices.
- Broil sandwiches until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from oven; top with giardiniera.
- Serve immediately with extra jus for dipping.
Substitution
Harry's Italian Beef from Harry Caray's features thinly sliced roast beef simmered in a savory jus with aromatic herbs, served on Italian rolls with giardiniera and melted provolone cheese. If top round roast is unavailable, sirloin or chuck roast can be substituted, but adjust cooking time for tenderness. When slicing the beef, freezing it slightly makes it easier to achieve thin, uniform pieces using a sharp knife or meat slicer. The giardiniera can be swapped with your favorite pickled vegetable mix or mild pepperoncini to vary the spice level. For a dairy-free option, omit the provolone and add sauteed mushrooms or roasted peppers to maintain moisture and flavor balance.
Tips
Make sure to pat your beef roast thoroughly dry before seasoning to ensure a proper sear that locks in flavor and moisture. Slicing the beef thinly across the grain is essential for tender bites and enhances the texture when soaked in the warm jus. When broiling the sandwiches, watch closely to prevent the provolone from burning while achieving a bubbly melt. Your giardiniera topping adds a crucial tangy, spicy contrast, so don't skip it for an authentic flavor experience.
Nutritions
Harry's Italian Beef provides a rich source of protein from the 3 lbs of top round roast beef, essential for muscle repair and growth. The sandwich contains healthy fats from olive oil and provolone cheese, contributing to satiety and flavor. The beef broth-based jus and giardiniera add moisture with minimal calories, while Italian herbs and spices provide antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits. You can enjoy a balanced meal combining protein, fats, and flavorful spices that support both taste and nutrition.
Storage
Store your leftover Harry's Italian Beef in an airtight container to maintain moisture and prevent spoilage. Keep the beef slices and jus together if possible, as soaking the meat in the flavorful broth helps preserve tenderness and enhance reheating quality. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days, and reheat gently in a saucepan or oven to retain the savory jus and melted cheese texture.
Variation or Alternatives
Swap the top round roast with a chuck roast for a richer, fattier texture that stays juicy during slow cooking. If giardiniera is unavailable, use pickled banana peppers or pepperoncini to maintain tang and crunch. Replace provolone with mozzarella or fontina for a milder, creamier cheese melt. You can slow-cook the beef in a slow cooker for 6-8 hours on low instead of using the oven to enhance tenderness and free your oven for other tasks.
Allergies
Harry's Italian Beef contains common allergens such as dairy from provolone cheese and soy from soy sauce, which may trigger reactions in sensitive individuals. The giardiniera and seasonings can also contain preservatives or ingredients that might cause allergies, such as peppers or garlic. You should carefully check the ingredient list and consult with your healthcare provider if you have food allergies or sensitivities before consuming this dish.
Why this recipe?
Harry's Italian Beef menu at Harry Caray's restaurant is favored for its authentic Chicago-style flavor, perfectly seasoned roast beef, and tender, juicy texture. The sandwich's signature blend of Italian spices combined with a savory au jus creates a rich, satisfying taste experience loved by locals and visitors alike. Fans appreciate the quality ingredients and traditional preparation methods that make each bite memorable. You'll find attempting a copycat recipe rewarding as it allows you to recreate this renowned dish's bold flavors and elevate your homemade sandwich game.