These Italian Beef Sandwiches are incredibly juicy, tender, and flavorful, with shredded beef slow-cooked in a savory broth with Italian seasonings and pickled vegetables. Served on toasted rolls with roasted garlic aioli, provolone cheese, pepperoncini peppers, and giardiniera, these sandwiches are truly perfection. Ideal for any sandwich lover, they also come with a side of flavorful broth for dipping.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Italian Beef:

• 1-2 lbs chuck roast

• Salt and pepper to season

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 3 cups beef broth

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

• ½ cup sliced pepperoncini peppers + ¼ cup brine

• ½ cup giardiniera, chopped

• ½ tablespoon Italian seasoning

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

For the Roasted Garlic Aioli:

• 1 large garlic bulb

• 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil

• ½ cup mayonnaise

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 2 dashes Worcestershire sauce

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• Pinch of black pepper

For the Sandwiches:

• 4-6 crusty hoagie rolls

• 4-6 slices provolone cheese

• Giardiniera, chopped

• Pepperoncini peppers (mild or medium heat)

Directions

1. Make the Italian Beef:

   • Preheat the oven to 300°F. Season the roast with salt and pepper.

   • Heat olive oil in a dutch oven over medium-high heat and sear the roast for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.

   • Add beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, pepperoncini peppers, giardiniera, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cover and roast in the oven for about 3 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender.

   • Shred the beef with forks and return it to the broth. Cook for an additional 30 minutes uncovered.

2. Prepare the Roasted Garlic Aioli:

   • Cut the top off the garlic bulb, drizzle with olive oil, and wrap it in foil. Roast in the oven for 1 hour alongside the beef.

   • Once roasted, squeeze the garlic out and mash it in a bowl. Mix in mayonnaise, lemon juice, Worcestershire, salt, and pepper. Refrigerate until ready to use.

3. Assemble the Sandwiches:

   • Open each sandwich roll and add provolone cheese. Toast under the broiler for 1-2 minutes until the cheese is melted and the roll is golden brown.

   • Spread the roasted garlic aioli over the cheese, then add the shredded Italian beef. Top with pepperoncini peppers and giardiniera.

   • Serve with a side of the broth for dipping.

Nutrients

Each serving contains approximately:

• Calories: 831

• Protein: 38g

• Carbohydrates: 58g

• Fat: 58g

• Saturated Fat: 14g

• Fiber: 2g

• Sugar: 6g

The Star Ingredient: Slow-Cooked Italian Beef

At the heart of these Italian Beef Sandwiches is the chuck roast, which is known for its rich, tender texture when slow-cooked. The beef is seared to create a caramelized crust that locks in juices and flavor, before being slowly cooked in a savory broth made with beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and a blend of Italian seasonings. This long, slow cook ensures that the beef becomes incredibly tender, falling apart into shreds as it’s pulled apart with forks. The savory broth, rich with the flavors of pepperoncini peppers and giardiniera, infuses the meat, giving it a robust, tangy, and slightly spicy flavor profile that is the hallmark of an Italian Beef Sandwich.

The combination of soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce adds a deep umami flavor, while the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder provide a subtle background of savory herbs. The pepperoncini peppers and giardiniera bring just the right amount of acidity and heat to balance the richness of the beef, creating a symphony of flavors that will leave you craving more. As the beef finishes cooking in the broth, it absorbs all of the seasonings, resulting in an incredibly flavorful, juicy, and tender filling for your sandwich.

Roasted Garlic Aioli: Creamy and Flavorful

A key component of these Italian Beef Sandwiches is the roasted garlic aioli, which adds a creamy, savory, and slightly sweet element to the sandwich. Roasting the garlic in the oven softens its flavor, transforming it from pungent and sharp to sweet and mellow, making it the perfect addition to this creamy sauce. The garlic is mashed and combined with mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to create a smooth, velvety spread. The aioli is both rich and tangy, providing the perfect counterbalance to the hearty beef and pickled vegetables.

The aioli adds depth and moisture to the sandwich, ensuring that each bite is juicy and satisfying. The roasted garlic flavor lingers on the palate, giving the sandwich a savory and aromatic edge. This garlic aioli not only enhances the flavor of the beef but also complements the tangy giardiniera and spicy pepperoncini peppers, making each bite a harmonious blend of flavors.

The Bread: Crusty Hoagie Rolls

To support all of the delicious fillings, you need a sturdy, flavorful bread. Crusty hoagie rolls are the perfect choice for this sandwich, as they are both hearty enough to hold up to the juicy beef and flavorful aioli while providing a satisfying crunch when toasted. The rolls are toasted just before serving, melting the provolone cheese on top and ensuring that the bread becomes golden brown and crispy. This provides a delightful contrast to the tender, flavorful beef, making the sandwich even more satisfying.

The toasted rolls also absorb some of the savory broth when the sandwich is dipped, ensuring that every bite is filled with flavor. The crusty exterior holds up well to the juicy filling inside, preventing the sandwich from becoming soggy while still allowing you to savor all the delicious ingredients.

The Toppings: Tangy Giardiniera and Pepperoncini Peppers

What really sets these Italian Beef Sandwiches apart from others is the addition of giardiniera and pepperoncini peppers. Giardiniera, a mix of pickled vegetables such as carrots, cauliflower, and celery, brings a tangy, slightly spicy crunch that pairs beautifully with the rich and tender beef. The pickled vegetables add brightness and acidity to the sandwich, cutting through the richness of the beef and aioli, and providing a much-needed contrast in texture and flavor.

Pepperoncini peppers, whether mild or medium heat, add an extra layer of tang and spice. Their slightly sour flavor enhances the beef’s seasoning while adding a bit of heat to balance out the creamy aioli. The combination of giardiniera and pepperoncini peppers gives the sandwich complexity and depth, ensuring that each bite is packed with bold, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors.

Assembling the Italian Beef Sandwiches

Once all of the components are prepared, assembling the sandwich is a simple but rewarding task. Begin by opening each hoagie roll and adding a slice of provolone cheese. Toast the rolls under the broiler for a minute or two, allowing the cheese to melt and the bread to crisp up. The melted provolone adds a creamy, slightly salty element that pairs perfectly with the rich beef.

Next, spread a generous amount of roasted garlic aioli on the toasted rolls, ensuring that the garlic flavor will be present in every bite. Add the shredded Italian beef, making sure to spoon in plenty of the savory broth to keep the beef moist and flavorful. Top with a generous helping of giardiniera and pepperoncini peppers, then serve the sandwiches with a side of the broth for dipping.

The dipping broth adds another layer of flavor to the meal, allowing you to dip your sandwich and infuse each bite with extra savory goodness. The broth also helps to keep the sandwich juicy, making every bite more indulgent and satisfying.

Serving Suggestions

These Italian Beef Sandwiches are hearty enough to be a meal on their own, but they can also be served with a variety of sides. A side of crispy fries or roasted vegetables would pair beautifully with the sandwiches, providing a satisfying crunch and fresh contrast to the richness of the beef. For a lighter option, a simple salad with greens, olives, and a tangy vinaigrette can help balance out the richness of the sandwich.

For those looking to add even more flavor, a side of chips or garlic bread would complement the sandwich perfectly. The salty, crispy texture of the chips or bread would add an extra dimension to the meal, making it feel even more indulgent.

Conclusion

These Italian Beef Sandwiches are a true crowd-pleaser, offering a combination of juicy, tender beef, creamy roasted garlic aioli, and tangy, pickled vegetables, all served on a crusty hoagie roll. The slow-cooked beef absorbs all the rich flavors of the broth and seasonings, resulting in a sandwich that is both satisfying and bursting with flavor. The roasted garlic aioli adds a creamy, savory element, while the giardiniera and pepperoncini peppers provide a tangy contrast that balances out the richness of the beef. With the added bonus of flavorful broth for dipping, these sandwiches are an unforgettable meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Whether served for a casual dinner or at a gathering, Italian Beef Sandwiches are sure to be a hit with sandwich lovers everywhere.