Craving a truly satisfying and flavorful meal that transports you straight to the heart of Chicago? Look no further! This Chicago beef sandwich recipe is your ticket to a delicious culinary adventure. Forget complicated techniques and long prep times; this recipe is surprisingly easy and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying weekend lunch. Get ready to experience the juicy, tender beef, the vibrant peppers, and the irresistible combination of flavors that define this iconic sandwich. This recipe is a celebration of simple, homemade cooking at its finest, and it's sure to become one of your new favorite easy recipes.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs lean beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 green bell peppers, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 1 baguette or hoagie rolls
- Your favorite toppings (e.g., melted cheese, sport peppers, pickled onions)
Instructions:
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Sear the Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the beef cubes in batches over medium-high heat. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside. This step adds incredible depth of flavor to your delicious dish.
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Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and bell peppers to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Simmer the Beef: Return the beef to the pot. Add the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, paprika, oregano, thyme, and black pepper. Season with salt to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 2 hours, or until the beef is incredibly tender. The longer it simmers, the more flavorful it becomes!
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Assemble the Sandwiches: While the beef simmers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the baguette or hoagie rolls lengthwise. Spoon the tender beef mixture onto the bottom halves of the rolls. Top with your favorite additions, such as melted cheese, sport peppers, or pickled onions.
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Bake (Optional): For extra melty cheese and a warm, toasted roll, place the assembled sandwiches on a baking sheet and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the rolls are lightly toasted.
Tips for the Best Chicago Beef Sandwich:
- Use a good quality beef chuck roast: This cut is perfect for slow cooking and becomes incredibly tender.
- Don't be afraid to adjust the seasonings: Taste the beef mixture as it simmers and adjust the seasoning to your liking.
- For a thicker sauce, simmer uncovered for the last 30 minutes: This allows some of the liquid to reduce.
- Prepare the ingredients ahead of time: The beef mixture can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator, making this a great make-ahead meal for busy weeknights.
Variations:
- Spicy Chicago Beef: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the simmering mixture for an extra kick.
- Vegetarian Chicago Beef: Substitute the beef with hearty mushrooms or portobello mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian adaptation.
- Italian Beef Sandwich: Omit the paprika and add Italian seasoning for a twist on a classic.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and will vary based on the specific ingredients used and serving size.
- Calories: Approximately 500-600
- Protein: 30-40g
- Fat: 20-30g
- Carbohydrates: 40-50g
This easy Chicago beef sandwich recipe is a fantastic example of a healthy meal that's also incredibly delicious and satisfying. Enjoy the taste of the Windy City from the comfort of your own kitchen!