Italian Roast Beef

Posted byNoriePosted inbeef, RecipeTags:,

(Chicago Style Roast Beef)

Italian Roast Beef
Chicago Food Truck Style

This was one of my favorite lunches when I lived in Chicago many years ago. I worked in downtown Chicago and sometimes my co-workers and I would go out and walked around at lunch. I noticed a caterer or a food truck (same as a Taco Truck) parked on a busy street selling sandwiches so I thought I’d try one and to my delight I liked it a lot. It became a favorite that I would buy that same sandwich from that vendor when I did not bring my lunch if he was there that day. It is called Italian Roast Beef sandwich.

I could not find it here in Texas so, I had to learn to make it myself because I was missing it and it is so good that I have to share how to make it with you.

From the store:

  • 1 roast (about 3 to 5 lb. pkg. of chuck or rump)
  • 1 (.7 oz.) Dry Italian Salad Dressing mix
  • 1 cup sliced pepperoncini plus juice

Boil together:

  • 2 to 3 cups water
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1 tsp. ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp. dried oregano
  • 1 tsp. dried basil
  • 1 tsp. onion powder
  • 1 tsp. dried parsley
  • 1 tsp. garlic powder
  • 2 cubes beef bouillon
  • 1 bay leaf

Place the roast in a slow cooker with the boiled seasonings with water above, and sprinkle the dry Italian style salad dressing mix over the meat then top with the pepperoncinis.

Cover and cook in a slow cooker on low for 10 to 12 hours, or on high for 4 to 5 hours. When done, shred with a fork.

This can also be cooked in Instant Pot for 60 minutes.  De-pressurize naturally.

Fill warmed French or Italian or any crusty bread with the meat, thinly sliced onions and some Tabasco peppers (pickled) or Pepperoncini. Spoon a little of the cooking juice or gravy and enjoy.

If there are any leftovers of this dish and you are tired of eating it this way, do not throw them away because it is very good converted to a wonderful beef vegetable soup (find recipe). All you need to do is return the pot with the shredded or cubed meat with the juice on the stove. Add a can of diced tomatoes or whole tomatoes cut up and include the juice. Simmer for a few minutes and you may want to add a can of beef broth or water and beef bouillon cube. Add your vegetables and some macaroni or any pasta.

There! You have a hearty soup for another meal.