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best authentic italian beef copycat recipe
Sheila Browder

Best Authentic Italian Beef Recipe

When it comes to experiencing authentic Italian beef, the first step is to think about what to pair with this savory delight.
Prep Time 1 day 45 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 1 day 4 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 12
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 235

Ingredients
  

  • 5 lb. Bottom Round Roast
  • 1 tbsp. Sea Salt
  • 2 tbsp. Olive Oil
  • 1 tsp. Worcestershire Sauce
  • 8 cups Reduced Sodium Beef Broth
  • 4 cloves Fresh Garlic roughly chopped
  • 1 tbsp. Garlic Powder
  • 1 tbsp. Celery Salt
  • 1 tbsp. Cracked Black Pepper
  • 1 tsp. Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
  • 2 tsp. Ground Coriander
  • 1 tbsp. Ground Fennel Seeds
  • 1 tbsp. Smoked Paprika
  • 1 tbsp. Dried Basil
  • 1 tbsp. Oregano
  • 1 tbsp. Fresh Thyme
  • 1 tbsp. Fresh Rosemary
  • 3 Whole Bay Leaves
  • 4 tbsp. Clarified Butter
  • 1 tbsp. Soy Sauce
  • 12 Fresh Italian French Rolls
  • 1 jar Spicy Giardiniera
  • 1 batch Homemade Chicago-Style Sweet Peppers

Equipment

  • small bowls

Method
 

  1. Start by patting the bottom round roast dry, then season it generously with sea salt. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the roast until it’s browned on all sides. Don't rush this step; it will lock in the flavors.
  2. Transfer the seared roast to a slow cooker or your chosen cooking vessel. Add in the chopped garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth. Sprinkle the garlic powder, celery salt, black pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, coriander, fennel seeds, and smoked paprika over the top.
  3. Toss in the dried basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary. Stir everything together to ensure that the spices coat the meat evenly. Finally, add the bay leaves for that aromatic final touch.
  4. Cook on low for about 8 hours or on high for about 4 hours, depending on your schedule. It should become fork-tender. Once done, remove the roast and let it rest.
  5. While the meat rests, strain the remaining liquid into a saucepan. Discard the solids and bring the au jus to a low simmer. Taste it; adjust flavors like salt or pepper based on your preferences.
  6. Once the roast has rested, slice it thinly against the grain. It's important to do this; it makes the meat much more tender to bite into.
  7. Now comes the fun part. Take an Italian roll, and fill it with the sliced beef. Pour in some au jus and add a stack of spicy giardiniera on top. You can also add sweet peppers if desired.
  8. Serve hot, accompanied by the remaining au jus in small bowls for dipping. Ét voilà, you’re ready for a feast!

Nutrition

Calories: 235kcalCarbohydrates: 16gProtein: 23gFat: 8.3gSaturated Fat: 3.3gCholesterol: 62mgSodium: 871mgFiber: 1g

Notes

  • Choose the Right Cut: Look for well-marbled beef. The fat helps keep the meat moist and adds flavor.
  • Sear It Well: Don’t skip the searing step. It adds depth and richness to the final product.
  • Low and Slow: Patience is key! Slow cooking makes the beef fork-tender and super flavorful.
  • Taste the Au Jus: Adjust seasoning as needed. This final taste is crucial.
  • Be Generous with Ingredients: More spices mean more flavor. Feel free to adapt based on your spice preferences.

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