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Delicious Portillo's Italian beef sandwich with barbecue sauce

Portillo's Italian Beef Recipe

If you love beef, you'll love this Portillo's Italian beef recipe! Get the flavor of the Chicago staple right in your own home.
4.94 from 118 votes
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 hours
Course Main Course
Cuisine International
Servings 6 people
Calories 868 kcal

Equipment

  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • Skillet
  • Cooking pot
  • Slow cooker
  • Fork

Ingredients
  

Base ingredients

  • 5 pounds stewing beef
  • 4 cups beef broth plus more as needed to cover
  • ½ tsp. onion powder
  • ½ tsp. garlic powder
  • 2 ½ tbsp. cooking oil
  • 1 tsp. oregano dried
  • 1 tsp. basil dried
  • ½ cup carrots chopped
  • ½ cup celery chopped
  • 1 pc. bay leaf
  • 1 tsp. cayenne pepper
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Serving

  • Turano rolls as needed

Instructions
 

  • Heat some oil in a skillet and cook the meat until both sides turn brown.
  • While cooking the meat, season it with salt and pepper.
  • Once the meat has cooked, stir in all of the base ingredients except for the beef broth.
  • Stir well. Follow by adding enough beef broth to cover the meat.
  • Bring to a boil.
  • Transfer the mixture to your slow cooker.
  • Cook for at least 10 hours at a low setting, or for at least 4-5 hours at high setting.
  • Transfer the mixture to another pot, while straining the excess beef broth.
  • Shred the meat into smaller pieces with a fork or wooden spoon.
  • Start by pouring additional broth into your Turano rolls, and later follow by adding the vegetables and the beef.

Video

Notes

  • Add some acidity — The beef has a very strong and rich taste, and while it’s a good thing, it might be overwhelming for some. To prevent this, try adding some acidity into the mix. While lemon juice is simple but effective, vinegar might be even better if you’re feeling bold.
 
  • Toast the bread — This Italian beef Portillo’s recipe is great, but you should probably consider toasting your rolls for an even greater experience. And make sure to butter them generously. These will make a huge difference.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Portillo's Italian Beef Recipe
Amount per Serving
Calories
868
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
60
g
92
%
Saturated Fat
 
24
g
150
%
Trans Fat
 
0.02
g
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
4
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
30
g
Cholesterol
 
231
mg
77
%
Sodium
 
817
mg
36
%
Potassium
 
1195
mg
34
%
Carbohydrates
 
4
g
1
%
Fiber
 
1
g
4
%
Sugar
 
1
g
1
%
Protein
 
78
g
156
%
Vitamin A
 
2286
IU
46
%
Vitamin C
 
2
mg
2
%
Calcium
 
62
mg
6
%
Iron
 
7
mg
39
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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