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December 10, 2024
Portillo’s Italian Beef is a classic dish that originated in Chicago and has become a beloved staple in American cuisine. This flavorful and tender sandwich is made with thinly sliced beef that is slow-cooked in a savory broth. The meat is then piled high on a soft roll and topped with giardiniera and sweet peppers.
Making Portillo’s Italian Beef at home allows you to enjoy this delicious sandwich anytime you want, without having to make a trip to Chicago. While the traditional recipe calls for using a special seasoning mix sold by Portillo’s, you can easily recreate the flavors using common pantry ingredients.
To start, you will need a beef roast, such as top round or chuck, that has been trimmed of excess fat. The roast is then seasoned with a blend of Italian herbs and spices, including oregano, thyme, and garlic powder. It is important to let the meat marinate in these flavors for at least a few hours, or preferably overnight, to enhance the taste.
The next step is to slow-cook the beef in a flavorful broth. This can be done in a slow cooker or on the stovetop, depending on your preference. The meat should be cooked until it is tender and easily shreds apart with a fork. Once the beef is cooked, it is important to let it cool slightly before slicing it thinly against the grain.
Tip: To achieve the authentic Portillo’s taste, it is recommended to freeze the sliced beef for a short period of time. This allows for easier assembly of the sandwich and recreates the texture that Portillo’s is known for.
Finally, assemble the sandwiches by piling the sliced beef onto a soft roll. Top it with giardiniera, a mixture of pickled vegetables, and sweet peppers. You can also choose to add melted provolone or mozzarella cheese for an extra indulgent touch. Serve the sandwiches warm with a side of au jus for dipping, and enjoy the taste of a classic Portillo’s Italian Beef in the comfort of your own home.
Ingredients for Portillo’s Italian Beef
- 1 (3 to 4 pound) beef roast (preferably top or bottom round)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 package of Italian dressing mix
- 1 package of au jus mix
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 4 to 6 French bread rolls
- Pepperoncini peppers, sliced (for serving)
These are the ingredients you’ll need to make Portillo’s Italian Beef. Adjust the spices and seasonings to your taste preferences.
Preparing Portillo’s Italian Beef
Portillo’s Italian Beef is a delicious and popular Chicago-style sandwich that can be easily prepared at home. Follow these simple steps to create your own mouthwatering Italian beef sandwich.
Ingredients:
- 3 pounds beef roast (preferably sirloin)
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 package Italian beef seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 6 to 8 Italian-style rolls
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- In a large Dutch oven or deep roasting pan, combine the beef broth and water. Place the beef roast in the liquid.
- In a small bowl, mix together the Italian beef seasoning, dried oregano, dried basil, dried thyme, garlic powder, and onion powder. Rub this mixture evenly over the beef roast.
- Cover the pan with aluminum foil and roast the beef in the preheated oven for about 3 to 4 hours, or until the meat is tender and falls apart easily.
- Remove the beef from the liquid and let it cool slightly. Reserve the cooking liquid.
- Using two forks, shred the beef into thin slices.
- Return the shredded beef to the cooking liquid and season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer the beef in the liquid over low heat for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- While the beef is simmering, slice the Italian-style rolls in half lengthwise, but not all the way through. Place the rolls on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for a few minutes until lightly browned.
- Remove the rolls from the oven and fill each one with a generous amount of the shredded beef.
- Serve the Portillo’s Italian beef sandwiches hot with a side of the cooking liquid for dipping.
Enjoy your homemade Portillo’s Italian Beef sandwiches! They are perfect for a casual lunch or dinner, and the authentic flavors will surely impress your family and friends.
Cooking Portillo’s Italian Beef
Portillo’s Italian Beef is a classic Chicago sandwich that is known for its juicy and flavorful meat, savory spices, and crusty Italian bread. While it may seem daunting to recreate this sandwich at home, it is actually quite simple and requires just a few ingredients. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cook Portillo’s Italian Beef:
- Start by preheating your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (163 degrees Celsius).
- Season a 3-4 lb (1.4-1.8 kg) beef roast with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. You can use a chuck roast or a similar cut of beef.
- Heat a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of vegetable oil and sear the beef on all sides until browned.
- Remove the beef from the pot and set it aside. In the same pot, add a sliced onion and cook until it becomes translucent.
- Add 4 cloves of minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Pour in 2 cups (480 ml) of beef broth, 1 cup (240 ml) of water, and 1 package of Italian beef seasoning. Stir well to combine.
- Return the seared beef to the pot and bring the liquid to a boil.
- Cover the pot and transfer it to the preheated oven. Cook for 2-3 hours, or until the beef is tender and pulls apart easily with a fork.
- Once the beef is cooked, remove it from the pot and shred it using two forks.
- Return the shredded beef to the pot and let it simmer in the cooking liquid for 10-15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- While the beef simmers, prepare the Italian bread by slicing it lengthwise and toasting it in the oven or on a grill.
- Once the bread is ready, fill it generously with the shredded beef and top it with giardiniera or sweet peppers, if desired.
- Serve the Portillo’s Italian Beef sandwich warm and enjoy!
Now you can enjoy the taste of Portillo’s Italian Beef right in your own home. This delicious sandwich is perfect for a casual weeknight dinner or for serving at a special gathering. Give it a try and impress your family and friends with your homemade version of this Chicago favorite!
Serving Portillo’s Italian Beef
Portillo’s Italian Beef is typically served on a toasted Italian-style roll and topped with sweet or hot peppers, as well as a side of au jus for dipping. Here is how you can serve this delicious sandwich:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Portillo’s Italian Beef | 1 sandwich |
| Italian-style roll | 1 |
| Sweet or hot peppers | to taste |
| Au jus | for dipping |
Instructions:
- Begin by toasting the Italian-style roll until it is nice and crisp.
- Once the roll is toasted, slice it open and place the Portillo’s Italian Beef on one side of the roll.
- Add your preferred amount of sweet or hot peppers on top of the beef.
- Pour the au jus into a small bowl or ramekin for dipping.
- Serve the sandwich with the au jus on the side.
Enjoy your Portillo’s Italian Beef sandwich with a side of fries or a salad, and savor the delicious flavors of this Chicago-style favorite!
Tips for Perfect Portillo’s Italian Beef
If you want to recreate the delicious Portillo’s Italian Beef sandwich at home, here are some tips to help you achieve the perfect result:
- Choose the right cut of beef: Look for a well-marbled, lean roast such as top sirloin or bottom round. This will ensure juicy and flavorful meat.
- Slice the beef thinly: It’s important to slice the beef against the grain to keep it tender. Aim for slices that are about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick.
- Season generously: Don’t be afraid to use ample amounts of your favorite seasonings such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian herbs. This will enhance the flavor of the beef.
- Sear the beef before slow cooking: Searing the beef in a hot skillet will create a nice crust and seal in the juices. After searing, transfer the beef to a slow cooker.
- Add flavorful ingredients: To create that signature Italian beef flavor, add ingredients such as sliced onions, minced garlic, beef broth, and Italian seasoning to the slow cooker.
- Cook on low heat for several hours: For tender and flavorful meat, cook the beef on low heat for at least 6-8 hours. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the meat to become tender.
- Slice the beef thinly before serving: Once the beef is cooked, take it out of the slow cooker and slice it thinly. This will make it easier to assemble the sandwiches.
- Toast the bread and assemble the sandwich: To complete the Portillo’s experience, toast Italian-style rolls or hoagie buns and pile them high with the sliced beef. Add your desired toppings such as sweet or hot peppers.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to enjoy a mouthwatering Portillo’s Italian Beef sandwich from the comfort of your own home.
FAQ
What ingredients are needed to cook Portillo’s Italian beef?
To cook Portillo’s Italian beef, you will need beef roast, beef broth, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, dried oregano, dried basil, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
How long does it take to cook Portillo’s Italian beef?
The cooking time for Portillo’s Italian beef depends on the size of the beef roast. Generally, it takes about 4 to 5 hours to cook on low heat in a slow cooker.
Can I cook Portillo’s Italian beef in a pressure cooker?
Yes, you can cook Portillo’s Italian beef in a pressure cooker. It will significantly reduce the cooking time, and you can enjoy the delicious beef in just about 1 to 2 hours.
What is the best way to serve Portillo’s Italian beef?
The best way to serve Portillo’s Italian beef is as a sandwich. You can slice the beef thinly and pile it on a crusty Italian roll. Top it with some giardiniera or sweet peppers for added flavor.
Can I freeze the leftovers of Portillo’s Italian beef?
Yes, you can freeze the leftovers of Portillo’s Italian beef. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container or freezer bags. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it in a slow cooker or on the stovetop.
