Chicago-Style Beef Sandwiches

Indulge in the authentic and mouthwatering flavors of Chicago with these delectable Chicago-Style Beef Sandwiches. Hailing from the Windy City herself, Lois Szydlowski brings this classic recipe to life, delivering tender and flavorful sandwiches that pay homage to the iconic Chicago-style beef. The best part? These delightful sandwiches are a breeze to prepare, thanks to the convenience of a slow cooker.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 boneless beef chuck roast (4 pounds)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¾ teaspoon pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ pound fresh mushrooms
• 2 medium carrots, cut into chunks
• 1 medium onion, cut into wedges
• 6 garlic cloves, halved
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 carton (32 ounces) beef broth
• 1 tablespoon beef base
• 12 Italian rolls, split
• 1 jar (16 ounces) giardiniera, drained

PREPARATIONS:

1. Cut the beef chuck roast in half and sprinkle it with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, brown the meat in olive oil on all sides and then drain. Transfer the browned meat to a 5-qt. slow cooker.
2. In a food processor, combine the fresh mushrooms, carrots, onion, garlic, and dried oregano. Cover and process the mixture until finely chopped. Transfer the chopped vegetables to the slow cooker.
3. Combine the beef broth and beef base, and pour the mixture over the meat and vegetables in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or until the beef is tender.
4. Remove the cooked beef from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Skim the fat from the cooking juices. Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker and heat it through.
5. Using a slotted spoon, serve the flavorful beef on the split Italian rolls and top each sandwich with giardiniera for an authentic and tangy twist.

YIELD:

• Makes 12 servings.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

• Look for beef base near the broth and bouillon in your grocery store.

Tips:

• For a classic Chicago-style experience, enjoy the beef sandwiches with a side of hot and tangy giardiniera, adding an extra layer of flavor to each bite.

In conclusion, embrace the mouthwatering and authentic taste of Chicago with these delightful Chicago-Style Beef Sandwiches. Crafted by Lois Szydlowski, who hails from the Windy City herself, this recipe brings the iconic Chicago-style beef experience right to your plate, with tender and flavorful beef showcased in a slow-cooked symphony of taste.

With the convenience of a slow cooker, preparing these sandwiches is a breeze. The boneless beef chuck roast, seasoned with salt and pepper, is perfectly browned in olive oil before finding its home in the slow cooker alongside finely chopped fresh mushrooms, carrots, onions, garlic, and oregano. The combination is elevated by the richness of beef broth and beef base, creating a luscious and savory cooking liquid that transforms the beef into tender perfection over 8-10 hours.

Once cooked to tender perfection, the beef is shredded and returned to the slow cooker for a final heating. Serving the succulent beef on split Italian rolls and topping each sandwich with tangy giardiniera brings the iconic Chicago-style experience to life with every flavorful bite.

For a delightful lunch or dinner that transports you to the streets of Chicago, indulge in these Chicago-Style Beef Sandwiches. Don’t forget to pick up some giardiniera at your local grocery store to elevate the flavors even further. Whether you’re a Chicago native or simply a fan of bold and hearty sandwiches, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.