Portillo's Italian Beef Sandwich features tender, slow-roasted beef sliced thin and piled high on a soft, toasted Italian roll, topped with flavorful giardiniera and savory au jus, delivering a juicy, spicy, and satisfying taste experience.
Equipments
- Roasting pan
- Oven
- Carving knife
- Cutting board
- Saucepan
- Tongs
- Slicer (optional/meat slicer)
- Mixing bowl
- Serving ladle
- Bread knife
- Toaster/oven (for rolls)
- Serving tray/plate
Ingredients
- 4 lbs (1.8kg) beef chuck roast
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion
- 5 cloves garlic
- 6 Italian sandwich rolls
- 1 cup giardiniera (Chicago-style, hot or mild)
When selecting ingredients for your Portillo's Italian Beef Sandwich, choose a beef chuck roast with good marbling to ensure tenderness and flavor during the slow roasting process. Fresh garlic and onions enhance the depth of the au jus, while authentic giardiniera--whether hot or mild--adds the signature spicy, tangy kick. Using dried Italian seasoning combined with crushed red pepper flakes creates a balanced seasoning that complements the savory broth made from beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Toasting the Italian sandwich rolls just before assembling helps maintain structure and adds a satisfying crunch. Your homemade version of Portillo's Italian Beef Sandwich will capture the juicy, spicy, and satisfying taste experience of the original restaurant favorite.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Season beef roast with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes.
- Heat olive oil in a roasting pan over medium-high heat.
- Sear beef roast on all sides until browned.
- Add sliced onion and whole garlic cloves to roasting pan.
- Pour in beef broth, water, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Cover roasting pan tightly with foil or lid.
- Transfer pan to oven; roast for 3 hours or until beef is fork-tender.
- Remove beef from pan and let rest on cutting board.
- Strain cooking juices into a saucepan to make au jus; simmer gently.
- Slice beef thinly using carving knife or meat slicer.
- Return sliced beef to au jus to soak and reheat.
- Split Italian rolls using bread knife.
- Toast rolls in toaster or oven until lightly crisp.
- Use tongs to pile hot sliced beef onto rolls.
- Spoon extra au jus over beef on each sandwich.
- Top with Chicago-style giardiniera.
- Serve sandwiches hot on serving tray or plate.
Substitution
Portillo's Italian Beef Sandwich copycat uses slow-roasted beef chuck that can be substituted with top round or sirloin roast for a leaner option, adjusting cooking time accordingly. Giardiniera adds essential heat and tang, but you can replace it with pickled pepperoncini or a mix of chopped pickles and hot peppers if unavailable. When slicing the beef, using a meat slicer ensures thin, even slices, but a sharp carving knife works well if a slicer isn't accessible. Toasting the Italian rolls enhances texture and prevents sogginess when ladling the au jus; if you lack a toaster, broiling briefly in the oven is a good alternative. Your kitchen setup can be streamlined by using the roasting pan for both cooking and collecting au jus, minimizing cleanup.
Tips
Ensure the beef chuck roast is seasoned evenly using the salt, pepper, and spices to enhance its flavor throughout the cooking process. Use a sharp carving knife or meat slicer to slice the roast thinly for tender, juicy pieces that soak well in the au jus. Toast the Italian rolls just enough to crisp without drying them, providing a sturdy base for the hot beef and giardiniera. Remember to use tongs when assembling your sandwich to keep the beef warm and maintain its texture before serving.
Nutritions
Portillo's Italian Beef Sandwich provides a rich source of protein from the slow-roasted beef chuck roast, essential for muscle repair and maintenance. The beef broth and au jus contribute minerals like iron and potassium, supporting oxygen transport and electrolyte balance. The giardiniera adds a small amount of dietary fiber and vitamins from pickled vegetables, enhancing digestion and immune function. Your sandwich offers a flavorful meal with balanced nutrients while delivering a satisfying savory and spicy experience.
Storage
Store leftover Italian beef and au jus in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and flavor. Keep sandwich rolls separately in a sealed bag at room temperature for 1-2 days to prevent sogginess. When reheating, immerse the beef in warm au jus to restore juiciness before assembling your sandwich.
Variation or Alternatives
Try substituting beef chuck roast with boneless brisket for a slightly different texture and richer flavor. Use slow cooker cooking instead of oven roasting to tenderize the beef over 8 hours on low heat, freeing up your oven for other dishes. Swap out giardiniera for pickled jalapenos or pepperoncini for a milder tangy kick that suits your taste preferences. When toasting rolls, brushing them lightly with garlic butter before heating enhances the sandwich with additional savory layers.
Allergies
Portillo's Italian Beef Sandwich may pose allergy risks due to ingredients like wheat in the Italian sandwich rolls and potential sulfites in the giardiniera. The Worcestershire sauce could contain anchovies, which are common allergens for some individuals. If you have sensitivities to these or other components like garlic or onion, exercise caution when consuming this sandwich.
Why this recipe?
Portillo's Italian Beef Sandwich features tender, thinly sliced roast beef soaked in savory au jus, creating a juicy and flavorful experience that draws countless fans. The sandwich is topped with authentic giardiniera or sweet peppers, adding a perfect balance of heat and crunch, appealing to diverse taste preferences. Making a copycat version allows you to control ingredient quality and customize flavors exactly to your liking, delivering an elevated version identical to the beloved classic. You'll appreciate how this iconic Chicago dish combines rich textures and bold seasonings, making it a must-try for beef sandwich enthusiasts.