Are you a fan of bold flavors and hearty sandwiches? Look no further than the classic Chicago-style beef sandwich! This iconic dish has been a staple of Chicago’s culinary scene for generations, and its spicy kick has won over hearts (and taste buds) across the country. In this article, we’ll be counting down 20 of the most mouth-watering, tongue-tingling, and downright addictive spicy Chicago beef sandwich recipes out there.
From classic combinations to bold twists and innovative flavors, these recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings for a good ol’ fashioned Chicago-style beef sandwich. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the dish or just looking to spice up your lunch game, we’ve got you covered with this list of tantalizing treats.
So grab a napkin (you’ll need it!), get ready to drool, and let’s dive into our top 20 picks for spicy Chicago beef sandwich recipes that will leave you wanting more!
Classic Chicago Italian Beef Sandwich with Giardiniera
This iconic sandwich is a staple of Chicago’s culinary scene. Thinly sliced roast beef, simmered in a rich broth and served on a crusty roll, is elevated by the bold flavors of giardiniera, a spicy pickled vegetable mix.
Ingredients:
– 3 lbs top round or rump roast
– 1 cup beef broth
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 4 sub rolls
– Giardiniera (homemade or store-bought)
– Provolone cheese, sliced
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Season the roast with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the roast until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes per side.
3. Add the beef broth to the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Bring to a boil, then cover and transfer to the preheated oven. Roast for 2-1/2 hours or until tender.
4. Slice the roast against the grain into thin strips.
5. Assemble the sandwiches by placing the beef on the sub rolls, topping with giardiniera and provolone cheese.
Cooking Time: 2-1/2 hours (roasting time) + assembly time
Slow Cooker Chicago-Style Beef Sandwiches
Get ready to sink your teeth into tender, juicy beef sandwiches, just like the ones you’d find on the streets of Chicago. This slow cooker recipe is a twist on the classic Italian beef sandwich, with a tangy and flavorful broth that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef top round or rump roast
– 1 onion, sliced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 cup water
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 4 hoagie rolls
– Provolone cheese, sliced (optional)
Instructions:
1. Place the beef in the slow cooker. Add the sliced onion, minced garlic, beef broth, water, Worcestershire sauce, and dried oregano.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
4. Shred the beef with two forks and strain the liquid.
5. Assemble the sandwiches by placing the shredded beef onto hoagie rolls, topped with provolone cheese if desired.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours (low) or 4-6 hours (high)
Spicy Garlic Butter Chicago Beef Sandwich
Elevate your sandwich game with this mouth-watering Spicy Garlic Butter Chicago Beef Sandwich! Thinly sliced roast beef, crispy giardiniera, and creamy garlic butter come together to create a flavor explosion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound thinly sliced roast beef
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon spicy mustard (such as Dijon or whole-grain)
– 4 slices of crusty Italian bread
– 1/4 cup giardiniera (Chicago-style hot pickled vegetables)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a panini press or grill to medium-high heat.
2. Butter one side of each bread slice.
3. Spread garlic butter on the unbuttered side of two bread slices.
4. Top with roast beef, giardiniera, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
5. Place the remaining bread slices, butter-side down, on top of the filling.
6. Grill for 2-3 minutes or until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted (optional).
7. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: Approximately 10-12 minutes
Chicago Beef and Pepperoncini Hoagies
Chicago Beef and Pepperoncini Hoagies: A flavorful twist on traditional Italian beef sandwiches, this recipe combines tender roast beef with sweet and spicy pepperoncini peppers.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound Italian-style roast beef (such as Giardiniera or Chicago-style)
– 4 hoagie rolls
– 2 cups pepperoncini peppers, sliced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: giardiniera, chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Slice the roast beef thinly against the grain.
3. Split the hoagie rolls in half lengthwise.
4. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Add sliced pepperoncini peppers and cook until caramelized, about 5 minutes.
6. Assemble sandwiches by placing beef on one half of each roll, topping with caramelized pepperoncini and any additional desired toppings (such as giardiniera or parsley).
7. Place assembled hoagies in the oven for 5-7 minutes to warm and melt cheese (if using).
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Juicy Chicago Beef Sandwich with Au Jus
Experience the flavors of the Windy City with this mouthwatering sandwich recipe, featuring tender and juicy roast beef served on a crusty bun with a rich au jus.
Ingredients:
– 3 lbs top round roast beef
– 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 hoagie buns
– Provolone cheese slices (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together Worcestershire sauce, olive oil, garlic, and oregano.
3. Rub the mixture all over the roast beef, making sure to coat evenly.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Roast the beef in the preheated oven for 2-1/2 hours or until tender and easily shredded.
6. Slice the beef thinly against the grain.
7. Assemble sandwiches by placing beef on hoagie buns and topping with cheese slices (if using).
8. Serve immediately, offering au jus on the side for dipping.
Cooking Time: 2-1/2 hours
Chicago-Style Beef Sandwich with Melted Provolone
A classic Chicago-style sandwich gets a creamy twist with melted provolone cheese and tender beef. This recipe is perfect for a quick and satisfying lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound thinly sliced roast beef (such as top round)
– 4 hoagie rolls
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup provolone cheese, sliced
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic; cook until caramelized, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the roast beef to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until heated through.
4. Meanwhile, toast the hoagie rolls by placing them on a baking sheet and heating in the oven for 2-3 minutes.
5. Assemble the sandwiches by spreading the beef mixture onto the toasted rolls, followed by melted provolone cheese.
6. Season with salt, pepper, and dried oregano.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Chicago Beef Sandwich with Caramelized Onions
Experience the classic flavors of Chicago’s iconic sandwich, elevated by sweet and savory caramelized onions.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef (such as Italian sausage or thinly sliced roast beef)
– 4-6 slices of rye bread
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: giardiniera (spicy pickled vegetables) for added flavor
Instructions:
1. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Cook the beef according to your preference (e.g., grilled, pan-fried, or slow-cooked).
3. Meanwhile, caramelize the onions by cooking them in olive oil over low heat for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Assemble the sandwiches by placing the cooked beef on rye bread, topping with caramelized onions, and adding a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
5. Add giardiniera if desired for an extra kick.
Cooking Time: 45 minutes (including onion caramelization)
Hot and Tangy Chicago Beef Sandwich
Experience the bold flavors of the Windy City with this mouthwatering hot and tangy Chicago beef sandwich recipe. Tender, slow-cooked roast beef is paired with melted provolone cheese, crunchy giardiniera, and a hint of tangy mustard on a crusty Italian roll.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef roast (such as rump or round)
– 1 cup giardiniera
– 4 slices provolone cheese
– 2 tbsp yellow mustard
– 4 Italian rolls
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Slice the roast beef into thin strips.
3. Place the beef on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, drizzle with giardiniera, and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
4. Bake for 2 hours or until tender.
5. Assemble the sandwiches by spreading yellow mustard on each roll, topping with melted provolone cheese, then adding sliced roast beef.
6. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 2 hours (beef), 5 minutes (assembly)
Chicago Beef and Mozzarella Stuffed Sandwich
Get ready to savor a flavorful twist on the classic Italian sub! This Chicago-style beef and mozzarella stuffed sandwich is packed with tender roast beef, melted mozzarella cheese, and crunchy giardiniera for a taste bud explosion.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb. thinly sliced roast beef
– 4 Italian sub rolls
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 cup giardiniera (hot peppers in vinegar)
– 2 tbsp. mayonnaise
– Lettuce and tomato, optional
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Slice the roast beef into thin strips and layer on the bottom half of each sub roll.
3. Top the beef with a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese.
4. Spoon giardiniera over the cheese, followed by a dollop of mayonnaise.
5. Place the top half of the sub roll over the filling.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the bread is toasted.
7. Remove from oven and add lettuce and tomato if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Chicago Beef Sandwich with Spicy Mayo
Experience the classic flavors of Chicago’s street food scene with this mouthwatering sandwich recipe that combines tender beef, crispy giardiniera, and a tangy kick from spicy mayo.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound thinly sliced roast beef
– 4 crusty sub rolls
– 1/2 cup giardiniera (hot pepper relish)
– 8 ounces melted Provolone cheese
– Spicy Mayo (see below for recipe)
– Lettuce, tomato, and pickle slices (optional)
Spicy Mayo Recipe:
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon hot sauce (such as Sriracha)
– 1 minced garlic clove
Instructions:
1. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Grill the sliced beef for 3-4 minutes per side, or until caramelized and tender.
3. Meanwhile, toast the sub rolls by grilling them lightly or baking at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes.
4. Assemble the sandwiches by spreading spicy mayo on each roll, followed by a layer of melted cheese, giardiniera, and grilled beef.
5. Add lettuce, tomato, and pickle slices if desired.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Chicago Beef and Roasted Red Pepper Sandwich
A classic Chicago-style sandwich gets a flavorful twist with the addition of roasted red peppers. This savory delight is sure to please even the most discerning palates.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb Italian beef, thinly sliced
– 4 hoagie rolls
– 2 large red bell peppers
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Provolone cheese, sliced (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Roast the red bell peppers by placing them on a baking sheet, drizzling with olive oil, and sprinkling with garlic. Roast for 30-40 minutes, or until charred and blistered.
3. Meanwhile, cook the Italian beef according to package instructions.
4. Assemble the sandwiches by slicing the cooked beef onto the hoagie rolls, followed by roasted red peppers, salt, and pepper. Add provolone cheese if desired.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Chicago Beef Sandwich with Horseradish Sauce
This classic sandwich from Chicago’s South Side is a staple of Midwestern cuisine. Thinly sliced roast beef, crispy giardiniera, and creamy horseradish sauce all come together to create a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound thinly sliced roast beef
– 4 hoagie rolls
– 1 cup giardiniera (hot or mild)
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a griddle or skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Slice the roast beef into thin strips and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until caramelized.
3. Meanwhile, toast the hoagie rolls by placing them on the griddle or in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 2-3 minutes.
4. Assemble the sandwiches by spreading mayonnaise on each roll, followed by a layer of roast beef, giardiniera, and finally a dollop of horseradish sauce.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: Approximately 15-20 minutes.
Chicago Beef and Swiss Cheese Panini
A classic Italian-inspired sandwich with a Chicago twist, this panini combines tender beef, melted Swiss cheese, and crispy bread for a satisfying snack or meal.
Ingredients:
– 4 slices of Italian-style bread
– 1 pound thinly sliced roast beef (such as thinly sliced prime rib or top round)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
– 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a panini press or grill to medium-high heat.
2. Slice the roast beef into thin strips and season with salt and pepper.
3. Butter one side of each bread slice with olive oil.
4. Place a few slices of beef on each bread slice, followed by a sprinkle of Swiss cheese.
5. Spread mayonnaise on top of the cheese.
6. Top with another bread slice (buttered side down).
7. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted.
Cooking Time: 2-3 minutes
Chicago Beef Sandwich with Pickled Jalapeños
Experience the classic flavors of Chicago’s famous Italian beef sandwiches with a spicy twist! This recipe combines tender, slow-cooked roast beef with crunchy pickled jalapeños and crispy bread.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound Italian-style roast beef
– 4 crusty sub rolls
– 1/4 cup giardiniera (Italian-style relish)
– 8-10 slices provolone cheese
– 1/2 cup pickled jalapeños, sliced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F.
2. Slice the roast beef thinly against the grain.
3. Place the beef on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and drizzle with olive oil.
4. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until heated through.
5. Assemble the sandwiches by placing the beef on the sub rolls, topping with giardiniera, provolone cheese, and pickled jalapeños.
6. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Chicago Beef and Garlic Aioli Sub
This mouthwatering sub sandwich combines the flavors of Chicago-style beef with a creamy garlic aioli, all piled high on a crusty sub roll. Perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound thinly sliced roast beef
– 4-6 slices of Italian deli ham
– 2 tablespoons butter, softened
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 crusty sub roll
Instructions:
1. Preheat a panini press or grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together softened butter, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
3. Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly onto the slices of roast beef.
4. Layer the sliced beef, ham, and a dollop of aioli (made by mixing mayonnaise and Dijon mustard) onto the sub roll.
5. Place the sandwich in the panini press or grill for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the bread is toasted.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Chicago Beef Sandwich with Crispy Onion Strings
Experience the classic flavors of Chicago’s South Side with this mouthwatering sandwich. Thinly sliced roast beef, crispy onions, and melted cheese are piled high on a crusty roll, making for a satisfying meal or snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb thinly sliced roast beef
– 4 hamburger buns
– 2 large onions, thinly sliced
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 4 slices American cheese (or your preferred variety)
– Optional: mustard, pickles, and/or sport peppers for added flavor
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix flour, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Dip onion slices in the mixture, shaking off excess.
4. Fry onions in hot oil until crispy (about 5-7 minutes). Drain on paper towels.
5. Slice roast beef to desired thickness.
6. Assemble sandwiches by placing beef, cheese, and crispy onions on buns.
7. Serve immediately, or toast the rolls for a few extra seconds.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Chicago Beef and Cheddar Cheese Melt
A classic comfort food sandwich that combines the flavors of Chicago-style beef, melted cheddar cheese, and crispy bread.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb thinly sliced roast beef (such as Au Jus-style)
– 4 slices of white bread
– 2 tablespoons butter, softened
– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Butter one side of each bread slice.
3. Place two slices of bread, butter-side down, on the grill.
4. Top with sliced roast beef, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges.
5. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the beef.
6. Spread Dijon mustard over the cheese.
7. Top with remaining bread slices, butter-side up.
8. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
9. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 4-5 minutes
Chicago Beef Sandwich with Spicy Mustard
Get ready to taste the authentic flavors of Chicago’s iconic sandwich! This recipe combines tender Italian beef, crispy giardiniera, and spicy mustard on a soft bun.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound Italian-style roast beef
– 4 hoagie rolls
– 2 cups giardiniera (Chicago-style hot peppers)
– 1/4 cup spicy mustard
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional toppings: cheese, pickles, onions
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Slice the roast beef against the grain into thin strips.
3. Place the beef on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and drizzle with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until warm and tender.
5. Meanwhile, toast the hoagie rolls by grilling them lightly or toasting in the oven for 2-3 minutes.
6. Assemble the sandwiches by placing a few slices of beef on each roll, followed by giardiniera and a dollop of spicy mustard.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Chicago Beef and Pepper Jack Panini
A flavorful twist on the classic Italian sub, this panini combines tender Chicago-style beef with spicy pepper jack cheese and crispy bread for a satisfying sandwich experience.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb thinly sliced Chicago-style roast beef
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 4 slices of pepper jack cheese
– 4 slices of crusty Italian bread
– 1 tablespoon butter, softened
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional toppings: lettuce, tomato, onion, mustard
Instructions:
1. Preheat a panini press or grill to medium-high heat.
2. Slice the roast beef against the grain into thin strips.
3. Assemble the sandwiches by spreading a slice of bread with butter, then adding a few slices of beef, followed by a slice of pepper jack cheese and any desired toppings.
4. Place the sandwiches in the panini press or grill for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the bread is toasted.
5. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 3-5 minutes
Chicago Beef Sandwich with Homemade Giardiniera
Experience the flavors of the Windy City with this mouthwatering sandwich, featuring tender beef and spicy giardiniera on a crusty Italian roll.
Ingredients:
For the beef:
– 1 pound thinly sliced roast beef
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
For the giardiniera:
– 1 cup chopped fresh bell peppers (any color)
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh onions
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh hot peppers (such as jalapeño or serrano)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
For the sandwich:
– 4 Italian-style sub rolls
– Provolone cheese, sliced (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Season the beef with Worcestershire sauce, oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. Grill the beef for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. Meanwhile, combine giardiniera ingredients in a bowl and stir to combine.
5. Assemble sandwiches by placing grilled beef on rolls, topping with giardiniera, and adding cheese (if using).
6. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Summary
Get ready to ignite your taste buds with these 20 spicy Chicago beef sandwich recipes! From classic combinations to bold twists, these mouth-watering sandwiches feature tender beef, tangy sauces, and crunchy toppings. Discover how to make iconic Chicago-style sandwiches like Italian beef with giardiniera, slow-cooked beef subs, and more. With a variety of spice levels and flavor profiles, there’s something for every foodie to enjoy.
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