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Buona Beef Chicago’s Iconic Italian Sandwich

Buona Beef is the Best ? Here is What Makes It So Special

The Buona Beef Sandwich is a Chicago-style Italian beef sandwich featuring slow-cooked, seasoned beef piled high on a crusty Italian roll, dipped or drizzled with flavorful au jus and topped with sweet or hot peppers.

  • Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: sandwiches

Ingredients

Scale

For the Beef:

  • 3 lbs beef chuck roast or top round roast
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/2 tsp fennel seeds
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 cup banana pepper juice (from a jar of pickled banana peppers)
  • 1 bay leaf

For Serving:

  • 4–6 Italian sandwich rolls
  • 1 cup giardiniera (hot or mild, drained)
  • 1 cup roasted sweet bell peppers (optional)
  • 1/4 cup banana peppers (optional)

Instructions

  • Sear the Beef:

    • Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
    • Sear the beef roast on all sides until browned (about 3-4 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.

  • Sauté the Aromatics:

    • In the same pot, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.

  • Slow Cook the Beef:

    • Return the beef to the pot.
    • Add beef broth, water, Worcestershire sauce, banana pepper juice, bay leaf, and all seasonings.
    • Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook on low for 3-4 hours (or until the beef is fork-tender).
    • Alternative Method: Cook in a slow cooker on LOW for 6-8 hours or in an Instant Pot on high pressure for 60 minutes, then natural release.

  • Shred the Beef:

    • Remove the beef from the pot and shred it using two forks. Discard the bay leaf.
    • Return the shredded beef to the pot and let it soak in the au jus for another 20 minutes on low heat.

  • Prepare the Rolls:

    • Slice the Italian rolls lengthwise, keeping one side intact.
    • Toast them lightly if desired.

  • Assemble the Sandwiches:

    • Pile the shredded beef onto the rolls.
    • Drizzle or dip the sandwich in the au jus.
    • Top with giardiniera, roasted bell peppers, or banana peppers.

  • Serve Immediately:

    • Serve hot with extra au jus on the side for dipping.

Notes

  • For an Authentic Buona Beef Style: Fully dip the entire sandwich in the au jus for the classic “wet” Chicago-style beef sandwich.
  • Make-Ahead Tip: The beef mixture can be prepared a day in advance. Reheat in the au jus before serving.
  • Bread Choice: Authentic Buona Beef sandwiches use Turano or Gonnella rolls. Any crusty Italian roll works well.
  • Customize the Heat: Adjust the spice level with mild or hot giardiniera.
  • Author: Jasmine Chef
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3 hours
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooked
  • Cuisine: American (Chicago-style)

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 sandwich
  • Calories: ~540 kcal
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 1200mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 40g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg

Find it online: https://quickyfoodrecipe.com/buona-beef-is-the-best-heres-what-makes-it-so-special/