Italian beef

An Italian beef sandwich is a crowd-pleaser originating from Chicago. This delectable creation features thinly sliced, seasoned roast beef heaped onto a long Italian-style roll, served with a flavorful au jus. The origins of this sandwich date back to the 1930s, and it’s typically topped with either Chicago-style giardiniera or sautéed green Italian sweet peppers. While it's a staple in northeastern Illinois, southeastern Wisconsin, northwestern Indiana, Fort Wayne, and Indianapolis, spots serving this tasty treat can be found nationwide.

The preparation of an Italian beef sandwich involves roasting beef cuts in a broth infused with garlic, oregano, and various spices. This process not only cooks the meat but also creates a rich jus or gravy. The cooked beef is then thinly sliced and reheated in the broth, absorbing all those wonderful flavors. While some modern methods might expedite the process, they can sometimes fall short of that authentic taste. The sandwich's roots trace back to Italian immigrants in Chicago's Union Stock Yards in the early 1900s. These workers would slow-roast tougher cuts of beef and simmer them in a spicy broth before tucking them into Italian bread.

There are plenty of variations to enjoy. You can choose your preferred level of juiciness, mix it up with Italian sausage, or even add cheese or serve it on garlic bread. Outside of Chicago, you might come across similar sandwiches, such as the "roast beef hero" in Brooklyn.