If your trusty ham and cheese sandwiches just aren't cutting it anymore in the lunch department, then you are going to love this authentic Italian beef sandwich au jus.
A crusty Italian roll, stuffed with tender, juicy beef and zesty chili peppers, served with a flavorful jus for dipping is exactly what your lunch hour needs.
Don't waste your time on boring, uninspired sandwiches. You deserve a flavorful and fulfilling option to spice up your day like this homemade sandwich.
Table of Contents
Recipe Video
Why This Recipe Works
This easy Italian beef sandwich recipe works because it combines rich flavors with convenience.
The preparation is simple—just season the beef, slow-cook it, and you’re done! It's a perfect recipe for busy days, allowing you to come home to a hot, ready-to-eat sandwich. Start it in the morning, and by dinner time, you’ll have a flavorful meal waiting for you.
Plus, it’s a versatile recipe. You can make a large batch of Italian beef, freeze it, and you have an easy, delicious meal ready for another day.
Ingredients
Sirloin Steak:
When choosing the right cut for the best Italian beef sandwich recipe, a boneless sirloin steak works best because it's lean, tender, and has a rich flavor that works well when slow-cooked. Alternatively, chuck roast, eye of round, and top round cuts can also be used.
If you are looking for a beef substitute, you can try using pork shoulder or turkey breast. While both options cook the same as beef and will render a similar texture, neither will carry the same rich flavor that you get with beef.
Seasonings:
In a traditional Italian beef sandwich recipe, the key seasonings include a blend of Italian herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, garlic, and onion. However, you can also experiment with other seasonings such as smoked paprika, cumin, coriander, fennel seeds, rosemary, and cayenne pepper.
Low-Sodium Beef Stock:
Beef stock adds savory flavor to an Italian beef sandwich and creates a rich au jus. Using a low-sodium beef broth gives you more control over the amount of sodium in this dish since you are already seasoning the meat with salt. If you are unable to use beef stock, you can substitute it for chicken stock as a lighter option or vegetable stock for a vegetarian option.
Sweet Chili Peppers:
Sweet chili peppers are mild, flavorful peppers that are both sweet and spicy. If you can’t find sweet chili peppers, substitute them with bell peppers or mild banana peppers. Both options result in a flavorful dish.
Italian Rolls:
Italian rolls are used for Italian beef sandwiches because their soft interior and slightly crisp crust make them sturdy enough to hold up to the juicy, tender beef and absorb the flavorful au jus without falling apart. French rolls, ciabatta rolls, or hoagie rolls are good alternatives, while a baguette can offer a slightly unique twist.
French Fries:
Serve this slow-cooked Italian beef sandwich alongside some crispy golden fries for some added texture and to soak up any extra au jus. Make your favorite brand of frozen fries according to the instructions on the package, or you can make your own from scratch. Simply, slice potatoes into thin strips, soak them in cold water for 30 minutes, then pat them dry. Fry your fresh-cut French fries in hot oil until they are golden and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Drain them on paper towels, season with salt, and serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
How to Make an Italian Beef Sandwich
Step One:
Season your boneless sirloin steak with salt and pepper.
Step Two:
Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Place the steak into the hot pan and sear on all sides.
Step Three:
Add the seared meat to a slow cooker along with beef stock, spices, and sweet chili peppers.
Step Four:
Cover and cook on low for 8 hours.
Step Five:
Once the beef is tender, use 2 forks to shred it.
Step Six:
Fill your Italian-style rolls with some of the beef and peppers.
Step Seven:
Serve your homemade Italian beef sandwich alongside some crispy golden fries, and enjoy!
Tips
- Serve your authentic Italian beef sandwich au jus with the flavorful broth in which the beef was cooked.
- For a spicy Italian beef sandwich, add giardiniera, a pickled vegetable relish. It adds crunch and a bit of heat, enhancing the sandwich's flavor.
- Cook the beef a day ahead and let it sit in the juices overnight. The flavors will deepen for an even more delicious homemade Italian beef sandwich.
What to Serve With an Italian Beef Sandwich
When considering what to serve with your Italian beef sandwich, there are a number of options to try. These flavorful sandwiches pair perfectly with classic sides like crispy French fries or onion rings, offering a satisfying crunch alongside the tender beef. A fresh, tangy coleslaw or a simple side salad balances the richness of the sandwich. To round out the meal, consider adding a bowl of hearty soup or roasted vegetables, creating a well-rounded, comforting dining experience.
FAQs
Do I have to sear the beef before adding it to the slow cooker?
You can absolutely skip the searing step making this Italian beef sandwich recipe much easier to prepare. However, searing the sirloin steak beforehand will lock the juices in, giving you a far more flavorful and tender cut of beef, resulting in better sandwiches.
Can I make an Italian beef sandwich without a slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook the beef in a heavy pot or Dutch oven on the stovetop or in the oven. Just make sure to cook it low and slow to achieve that tender texture.
Can I make it faster?
yes, you can use a pressure cooker to save time. For full instructions check out this Instant Pot Italian Beef recipe.
What's the best way to store a leftover Italian beef sandwich?
Leftover Italian beef in its juices can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer-term storage, place the beef and juices in a freezer-safe container or bag, removing excess air, and freeze for up to 3 months.
More Sandwich Recipes
If you are sick of eating the same boring ham sandwiches for lunch every day, let us help you shake things up next lunchtime. We have gathered some of our favorite sandwich recipes to elevate your sandwich game.
Italian Beef Sandwich
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless sirloin steak
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 cups low-sodium beef stock
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon basil
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili peppers
- 4 Italian-style rolls
- french fries for serving
Instructions
- Season your boneless sirloin steak with salt and pepper.
- Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Place the steak into the hot pan and sear on all sides.
- Add the seared meat to a slow cooker along with beef stock, spices, and sweet chili peppers.
- Cook on low for 8 hours. You can use the Instant Pot as well.
- Once the beef is tender, use 2 forks to shred it.
- Fill your Italian-style rolls with some of the beef and peppers.
- Serve your homemade Italian beef sandwich alongside some crispy golden fries, and enjoy!
Video
Nutrition
Notes
- Serve your authentic Italian beef sandwich au jus (with the juice) with the flavorful broth in which the beef was cooked.
- For a spicy Italian beef sandwich, add giardiniera, a pickled vegetable relish. It adds crunch and a bit of heat, enhancing the sandwich's flavor.
- Cook the beef a day ahead and let it sit in the juices overnight. The flavors will deepen for an even more delicious homemade Italian beef sandwich.
what about the cheese? Its optional, but it complements the sandwich well.
You can also use thinly sliced or shaved roast beef from the deli.
In the recipe you indicate shredding the beef with two forks, which is absolutely a no-no. In the notes you correctly reference slicing against the grain. I would indicate this is the correct way to do it and put the shredding method as an alternative if you can't slice it in the notes.
Add sauteed onions and it's perfect.