What italian beef means
Italian beef is a hot sandwich closely associated with Chicago, where it was developed by Italian-American communities and remains a much-loved local speciality. It is made from beef, usually a lean roasting joint, seasoned generously with garlic, oregano, basil, black pepper and other herbs and spices, roasted, then sliced as thinly as possible. The slices are kept warm in the seasoned cooking juices, often called gravy or jus, which soak into the meat.
To serve, the beef is piled into a long, sturdy Italian-style roll and topped with either sweet roasted green peppers or hot giardiniera, a spicy mix of pickled vegetables in oil. Customers in Chicago often order it dry, juicy, or dipped, where the entire sandwich is briefly dunked in the hot juices, making it very wet and best eaten leaning forward. Some versions add melted cheese, and a combo adds an Italian sausage to the roll.
The sandwich is similar to the French dip, but more heavily seasoned and soaked rather than dipped at the table. Making it at home involves roasting and thinly slicing the beef, or using thinly sliced deli roast beef warmed in a seasoned stock. You will see Italian beef in American recipe collections and on menus of restaurants specialising in Chicago-style food.