Craving a hearty, flavorful meal that’s surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than this incredible Italian Beef Au Jus recipe! This classic Chicago-style dish is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a fun gathering with friends and family. Forget complicated recipes; this one delivers big on taste with minimal fuss. Prepare for tender, juicy beef swimming in a rich, savory au jus – a truly satisfying experience for your taste buds. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients:
- 3 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 2-inch cubes
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup dry red wine (such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot)
- 1/4 cup Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can of diced tomatoes, undrained
- French bread rolls, for serving
- Giardiniera (optional, for serving)
Instructions:
Step 1: Browning the Beef
Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium-high heat. Season the beef cubes generously with salt and pepper. Working in batches, brown the beef on all sides until nicely seared. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
Step 2: Sautéing Aromatics
Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Building the Au Jus
Pour in the red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Add the beef broth, water, Italian seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, and diced tomatoes (undrained). Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Step 4: Slow Cooking the Beef
Return the seared beef to the pot. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 2-3 hours, or until the beef is incredibly tender and easily shreds with a fork. The longer it simmers, the more tender and flavorful the beef becomes. This is a perfect recipe for a slow cooker too!
Step 5: Shredding and Serving
Once the beef is cooked through, remove it from the pot and shred it using two forks. Skim off any excess fat from the au jus. Return the shredded beef to the pot, stirring it into the au jus to coat. Serve the Italian beef on warm French bread rolls, generously drizzled with the delicious au jus. Top with giardiniera for an extra kick of flavor, if desired.
Cooking Tips for the Best Italian Beef:
- Use a good quality beef chuck roast: This cut is ideal for slow cooking because it becomes incredibly tender and flavorful.
- Don't overcrowd the pot: Browning the beef in batches ensures that it sears properly and doesn’t steam.
- Taste and adjust seasonings: Adjust the salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to your liking.
- Make it ahead: This dish tastes even better the next day! Make it ahead of time and reheat before serving.
Variations:
- Spicy Italian Beef: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the au jus for a spicy twist.
- Hearty Vegetable Italian Beef: Add carrots, celery, and bell peppers along with the onions for extra vegetables.
- Slow Cooker Italian Beef: Follow the same instructions, but cook the beef in a slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 400-500 (depending on serving size and additions)
This recipe provides a delicious and satisfying meal, packed with protein and flavor. It’s perfect for a family dinner, a casual get-together, or even a satisfying lunch. Enjoy!