Portillo’s Italian Beef Sandwiches are a beloved dish synonymous with the iconic Chicago eatery, renowned for its hearty and flavorful beef sandwiches. This recipe captures the essence of Portillo’s signature dish, perfect for family meals or even potluck gatherings, with the convenience of freezing leftovers for future enjoyment.
Recipe Details:
- Name: Portillo’s Italian Beef Sandwiches
- Cook Time: 12 hours
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 12 hours 15 minutes
- Description: A homage to the famous Portillo’s beef sandwiches, ideal for making ahead and freezing leftovers.
- Recipe Category: Lunch/Snacks
- Keywords: Meat, European, Potluck, Weeknight, Easy
- Aggregated Rating: 4.5 (from 29 reviews)
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 452.1
- Fat Content: 27.6g
- Saturated Fat Content: 10.9g
- Cholesterol Content: 170.1mg
- Sodium Content: 355.6mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 0.7g
- Fiber Content: 0.2g
- Sugar Content: 0g
- Protein Content: 47.1g
Ingredients:
- 1 rump roast (approximately 3 pounds)
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 packet onion soup mix or Italian salad dressing mix
Instructions:
-
Prepare Flavor Base: In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine water, salt, ground black pepper, oregano, basil, parsley, garlic powder, bay leaf, and the salad dressing mix. Stir well and bring to a boil.
-
-
Slow Cook the Roast: Place the rump roast into a slow cooker and pour the prepared flavor mixture over it.
-
Cooking Options: Cover and cook on the low setting for 10 to 12 hours or on the high setting for 4 to 5 hours, until the meat is tender and easily shredded.
-
Shred the Beef: Once cooked, remove the bay leaf and shred the beef using two forks. The meat should be moist and flavorful from cooking in the seasoned liquid.
-
Serve: Serve the shredded beef on Italian rolls, using a slotted spoon to prevent excess liquid from making the sandwich soggy. Optionally, you can add giardiniera or pepperoncini for a Chicago-style kick.
Tips for Serving:
- Bread Choice: Use sturdy Italian rolls or hoagie buns that can hold the juicy shredded beef without becoming too soggy.
- Freezing: This dish freezes well. Once cooled, store the shredded beef in an airtight container or freezer bag with some of the cooking liquid to maintain moisture. Thaw and reheat gently before serving.
Final Thoughts:
Portillo’s Italian Beef Sandwiches are a fantastic option for anyone craving a taste of Chicago at home. With its rich, herb-infused flavors and tender beef, this recipe promises to satisfy both on the day it’s made and as a convenient make-ahead meal. Enjoy the savory aroma and hearty bite of this classic dish, perfect for any occasion where you want to share delicious, comforting food with loved ones.
