What Cut of Meat is Used for Italian Beef Sandwiches? A Guide to the Perfect Slice

Italian beef sandwiches are a beloved Chicago specialty, known for thin slices of tender, flavorful beef soaked in a savory jus and served on a soft hoagie roll. But what exactly is the cut of meat that makes these iconic sandwiches so delicious? While variations exist, true traditional Italian beef is made from chuck roast that’s slowly cooked until fork tender. When thinly sliced across the grain, this transformed tough cut creates the perfect bite.

Keep reading to learn all about the classic chuck roast used for authentic Italian beef why it’s the ideal cut, how to cook it to perfection and tips for building the ultimate Italian beef sandwich experience.

Why Chuck Roast Shines in Italian Beef

Chuck roast comes from the forequarter or shoulder area of the cow. This is one of the hardest working parts of the animal so the meat contains a high amount of connective tissue. Connective tissue is tough on its own, but when slowly cooked it transforms into succulent gelatin that keeps the meat incredibly moist and juicy.

In addition to its magical tenderizing abilities, chuck roast has excellent beefy flavor and pleasing marbling. When cooked low and slow until fall-apart tender, then thinly sliced across the grain, it delivers the ideal tender-yet-toothsome texture and deep savory flavor that makes Italian beef so craveable.

While pricier cuts like ribeye or tenderloin can also be used, they lack the collagen needed to break down into luscious shredded beef. Chuck has just the right amount of marbling, connective tissue, and beefiness to shine. No wonder it’s the traditional choice!

Selecting the Best Chuck Roast for Italian Beef

When purchasing a chuck roast for Italian beef, keep these tips in mind:

• Choose a size – ideal roasts range from 3 to 5 pounds to serve 6 to 10 people

• Seek ample marbling – white fat stripes throughout equals more flavor and moisture

• Pick boneless or bone-in – boneless is easiest but on-bone enhances flavor

• Look for uniform shape – avoids thinner parts overcooking

• Seek bright red color – indicates freshness without browning

• Feel for firmness – passed its prime if mushy; should have slight resistance

• Examine the exterior – avoid tears, gaps, or signs of mishandling

With the right roast size and quality, you’re on your way to Italian beef perfection!

Tips for Cooking Chuck Roast for Italian Beef

Low and slow moist heat is key to properly transform a chuck roast into fork-tender Italian beef. Here are some top cooking methods:

• Braising: Brown the roast then simmer in broth 2-3 hours until fall-apart tender.

• Slow cooker: Cook on low 8-10 hours. Liquid isn’t necessary.

• Oven: Cover and roast at 300°F for 3-4 hours depending on size.

• Smoke/sous vide: Great for ultra-tender, smoky beef but requires special equipment.

The meat is ready when it shreds easily using two forks. Resist taking it out too early or it won’t have that essential tender texture.

Slicing and Seasoning the Cooked Roast

Once the chuck roast is fall-apart tender:

• Let it rest 15 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.

• Thinly slice across the grain for short muscle fibers that are extra tender.

• Cut against the direction of the meat grain you see.

• Slice 1/8 to 1/4 inches thick for the perfect bite.

• Season the warm sliced beef with garlic, oregano, basil, and black pepper.

• Cover the seasoned beef with some of the cooking juices to keep moist.

Now you have perfect Italian beef ready for sandwiches!

Building the Ultimate Italian Beef Sandwich

Italian beef sandwiches start with soft, chewy rolls filled with thin slices of seasoned roast beef. Top with provolone cheese, peppers, and extra jus for the full experience:

• Bread: Soft, chewy hoagie or Italian loaf. Cut lengthwise but not fully through.

• Beef: Pile generously with thin slices across the middle.

• Cheese: Layer sliced or shredded provolone over the beef.

• Peppers: Top with sliced spicy giardiniera or roasted peppers.

• Jus: Ladle extra beef juices over the sandwich.

• Optional: Add Italian tomato sauce for more moisture.

Don’t forget the final vital step – dip the entire sandwich into the warm jus before serving!

Tips for Leftover Cooked Roast

Leftover cooked chuck roast keeps well for italian beef sandwiches all week:

• Sliced beef keeps 5-7 days refrigerated.

• Beef juices freeze up to 6 months for future sandwiches.

• Shred then freeze beef 2-3 months for quick weeknight meals.

• Use shreds for pasta sauce, pizza topping, tacos, soups, etc.

With proper storage, you can enjoy the fruits of your chuck roast labor all week long in a variety of recipes.

Common Questions About Chuck Roast for Italian Beef

• Can I use other cuts of beef? Top round, bottom round, and sirloin can work but lack the ideal flavor and moisture that chuck provides when cooked.

• Do I really need to cook it so long? Yes! The long cooking time is vital for melting the collagen into tender gelatin. Resist undercooking.

• Can I skip slicing across the grain? Slicing against the grain shortens the muscle fibers for the most tender bite. Always slice across.

• Should I use bone-in or boneless roast? Either works well. Bone-in adds more beefy flavor but boneless cooks more evenly.

• Can I use already cooked roast beef? You can, but the flavor won’t compare to freshly cooked and sliced chuck roast.

Satisfy Your Italian Beef Cravings at Home

With the perfect cut, cooking method, slicing technique, and sandwich building steps, you can easily create crave-worthy Italian beef sandwiches at home. Chuck roast provides the ideal flavor, moisture, and tenderness when braised low and slow. For authentic-tasting Italian beef worthy of Chicago, always reach for the chuck!