Everyone loves slow cooker Italian beef. It’s a tried-and-true dish that you can bring to any party and everyone will be asking for the recipe by the end of the night. In short, it’s exactly the kind of recipe we all need more of in our lives.
Italian beef is a sandwich that originated in Chicago. The cut of beef used for Italian beef is typically chuck.
For hours, the beef is slowly cooked until it is so soft that it falls apart. It is then piled high on a hoagie bun and some of its tasty, sloppy cooking juices are added.
From there, the sandwich is finished with a shower of pepperoncini, giardiniera (pickled Italian vegetables), and provolone cheese.
Italian beef sandwiches date back to the 1930s and are still popular at Italian delis around the U. S. Plus, they seem to be a big hit at Portillo’s, the fast food chain that has lines going around the building at all times of the day (at least here in Milwaukee). ).
It wasn’t the ubiquitous Portillo’s line that made me want to make my own simple Italian beef recipe, though. It was my neighbor Megan.
We talked about how hard it is to decide what to bring to a family potluck when everyone has different food restrictions—Cousin X can’t have gluten, Aunt Y can’t have dairy, Grandpa won’t touch a vegetable, etc. Have you been there?.
It’s easy to make, inexpensive, feeds a crowd, and (this is the real miracle) everyone always likes it.
I played around with the recipe, and I have to agree with Megan, her family, and, by extension, everyone in line at Portillo’s: these dripping Italian beef sandwiches are IMPOSSIBLE to resist.
This easy crockpot recipe hits the spot with juicy, tender beef cooked slowly in its own juices with a zesty mix of Italian spices, pepperoncini, and spicy, briny pickled vegetables.
You also can browse the full list of my healthy crockpot recipes. Check out my best crock pot recipes for any meal collection for some of the most popular.
Examining the Health Impact of Chicago’s Iconic Italian Beef Sandwiches
Originating in Chicago, the Italian beef sandwich is a local claim to fame Thinly sliced seasoned beef is piled high on a crusty Italian roll, dripping with spicy jus. Oozing with cheese, this messy sandwich is undeniably delicious. But with all that beef, bread, and fat, can it actually be part of a healthy diet?
As an Italian beef enthusiast, I decided to take a closer look at the nutritional value of this Windy City specialty. Here’s a thorough breakdown of what’s inside, potential health benefits, concerns to note, and tips for lightening it up.
Inside the Nutrition Facts
Let’s start by looking at what exactly is in an authentic Italian beef sandwich:
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Bread – A chewy Italian roll or French bread, sometimes toasted.
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Beef – Thin slices of top round, sirloin, or chuck roast, seasoned heavily.
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Giardiniera – Spicy mixed pickled vegetables like cauliflower, carrots, and peppers.
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Cheese – Usually mozzarella, provolone, or cheddar melted over the beef.
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Jus – Beef broth used to simmer the meat, ladled over the sandwich.
Given these typical ingredients, a 6-inch Italian beef sandwich contains:
- Protein: 47g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Total Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Calories: 450-500
So what does this nutritional profile mean for your health? Let’s break it down.
Potential Benefits
When enjoyed occasionally, Italian beef can provide some benefits:
- High protein for muscle building and satiety.
- Carbs for energy.
- Phosphorus and iron from beef to support bones and blood cells.
- Some fiber, vitamin A, and vitamin C from giardiniera veggies.
- Comfort food satisfaction.
As part of a balanced diet, the protein, carbs, and key micronutrients can complement other healthy foods.
Potential Concerns
Eating Italian beef frequently or in large portions may cause some problems:
- High saturated fat from beef and cheese can increase cholesterol.
- Sodium adds up quickly, especially for those limiting salt intake.
- Minimal fiber and veggies make it less nutrient-dense.
- Large restaurant portions promote overeating.
Overall, enjoyed weekly or less, Italian beef is likely not detrimental for most healthy adults. But regular, heavy consumption could tip the scales on saturated fat and sodium.
Tips for Lightening It Up
To make your Italian beef healthier:
- Choose leaner cuts like sirloin or eye round.
- Opt for low-sodium beef broth.
- Go easy on the cheese or skip it.
- Load up on spicy pickled veggies.
- Choose whole grain buns.
- Only eat half the sandwich.
- Substitute grilled chicken or mushrooms.
With smart customizations, you can slash calories, fat, and sodium while adding more nutrition.
The Verdict
Is Italian beef ultimately healthy or unhealthy? In moderation, it can provide protein, carbs, and satisfaction. But frequent heavy consumption can pile on saturated fat, sodium, and calories. With leaner meat, less cheese, and more veggies, you can lighten it up. Overall, no one food makes or breaks a diet. Enjoyed occasionally and customize to your health needs, Italian beef can be part of an balanced approach.
Italian Beef vs. Roast Beef vs. French Dip
Where’s the beef with all of these different types of beef sandwiches? These three icons are all beef sandwiches, but they’re not all the same.
- Italian Beef. In a mixture of broth, Italian-style seasonings, and pickled vegetables, beef is slow-cooked until it falls apart. It is then served on a bun with some of its juices.
- Roast Beef. This dish is often served as a sandwich, like Italian beef. The beef is cut into thin slices and then put on top of bread with cheese and other toppings.
- French Dip. This sandwich has thinly sliced roast beef on it, but it has an extra juicy twist. A cup of beef broth is served with the sandwich as a tasty dipping sauce.
How to Serve Italian Beef
Once you have a tasty slow cooker of this juicy Italian beef, you have options for serving!
- Italian Beef Sandwich. The classic! Put the Italian beef on a bun and top it with Provolone cheese and extra giardiniera if you like.
- Over Rice. An excellent choice if you have gluten-free guests
- Cauliflower Rice. This will give you a low-carb Italian beef.
- Over Potatoes. A tasty meal that you can make in one pot! For easy potato recipes, check out my Crock Pot Baked Potatoes, Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes, or Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes.
- Alongside an Italian Appetizer. Serve this Italian beef with mozzarella cheese sticks to make it taste even more like Italy.
- To Store. The beef can be kept in the fridge for up to three days in an airtight container. If you have extra cheese or bread for sandwiches, keep them separate from the beef.
- To Reheat. Warm up leftover beef in the microwave or on the stove over medium-low heat in a Dutch oven.
- To Freeze. Beef can be frozen for up to three months in a freezer-safe container that keeps air out. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
The truth about an Italian beef sandwich
FAQ
Is Italian beef meat healthy?
How many calories are in an Italian beef?
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Serving
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Ingredient
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Calories
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0.31 lb
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top round
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284
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0.31 tbsp
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italian seasoning
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4.8
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0.31 tbsp
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bacon fat
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36
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|
0.18 g
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cayenne
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0.6
|
Is a beef sandwich healthy?
What kind of beef is Italian beef made from?
Is Italian beef healthy?
Italian Beef is healthy, insofar as beef is high in protein. Using a grass-fed beef will increase the nutrient content, especially Omega-3 fatty acids. It is also keto and paleo (if you use a salad dressing mix without added sugar), as well as gluten free when served without a bun or with a gluten free bun.
What are the benefits of having beef?
Beef is an excellent source of protein having 26 grams per 100 grams of serve. Besides, it is rich in vitamin B-12, B-6 and iron. Consumption of beef must be encouraged to meet the protein requirements and overcome nutritional deficiencies like protein-energy deficiency, nutritional deficiency anaemia, megaloblastic anaemia etc. However, beef has high amounts of saturated fats which are potentially capable of elevating the bad cholesterol in the body. Thus, its consumption should be restricted to only once or twice a week and the maximum serving per person should not increase 50 grams.
Is an Italian beef sandwich healthy?
An Italian beef sandwich is a rich source of protein, providing 94 percent of the average healthy adult’s daily protein needs. Additionally, a single Italian beef sandwich provides you with 21 percent of your daily potassium requirement. The sandwich’s sodium content is not particularly high, as Italian beef is a freshly-prepared food.
What kind of beef is used for Italian beef?
The cut of beef used for Italian beef is typically chuck. The beef is slow cooked until fall-apart tender, then piled high in a hoagie bun with some of the meat’s tasty, sloppy cooking juices. From there, the sandwich is finished with a shower of pepperoncini, giardiniera (pickled Italian vegetables), and provolone cheese.