Description
Quick Chicago Beef Sandwiches offer a flavorful and easy way to enjoy a classic Chicago-style beef sandwich at home. Tender thinly sliced beef cooked with aromatic onions, garlic, and a savory blend of beef broth, Italian dressing, Worcestershire sauce, and spices creates a rich au jus sauce. Served on toasted hoagie rolls and topped with tangy giardiniera, these sandwiches capture the authentic taste of Chicago’s famous beef sandwiches in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb beef sirloin or chuck roast, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing (zesty preferred)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 4 hoagie rolls or sub rolls
- 1/2 cup giardiniera (pickled vegetable mix)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced beef and cook for 2-3 minutes until browned. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Au Jus: In the same skillet, sauté the thinly sliced onion and minced garlic for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant. This forms the flavorful base of the sauce.
- Add Liquid and Seasonings: Pour in the beef broth, Italian dressing, Worcestershire sauce, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer the Beef: Return the browned beef to the skillet. Reduce the heat to low and let the beef simmer in the au jus for 5-7 minutes to absorb all the flavors. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Prepare the Rolls: Slice the hoagie rolls in half and place them under the broiler for a few minutes until golden and crispy on the edges. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Pile the warm beef mixture generously onto the toasted rolls. Top each sandwich with a spoonful of tangy giardiniera.
- Serve: Serve the sandwiches immediately with extra au jus from the skillet on the side for dipping, enhancing every bite.
Notes
- Use thinly sliced beef for quick cooking and easier sandwich assembly.
- Giardiniera adds authentic tang and crunch; mild or hot versions can be used based on preference.
- For extra richness, you may add provolone cheese slices on the sandwich during assembly, allowing them to melt over the hot beef.
- Broiling the rolls quickly to toast intensifies flavor and texture but monitor closely to prevent burning.
- Leftover au jus can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated for dipping later.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Sandwiches
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
