Italian beef sandwich

The Italian beef sandwich is a beloved Chicago street food classic, featuring thin-sliced, seasoned roast beef simmered in its own savory juices (known as 'gravy') and piled high on a long Italian roll. It's typically topped with sweet peppers or spicy giardiniera, and the bread is often dipped in the warm gravy for extra flavor.

🍳 View the full Italian beef sandwich recipe →

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This is a protein-rich, hearty sandwich, with a single serving providing a substantial amount of protein from the beef. It's also relatively high in fat and sodium, with a rough calorie count ranging from 400 to 600 calories depending on portion size and toppings.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	480 kcal
Protein	32 g
Carbs	38 g
Fat	22 g
Fiber	2 g
Sugar	5 g
Sodium	1200 mg
Iron	4.5 mg
Zinc	6.2 mg
Niacin (B3)	8.5 mg
Vitamin B12	2.8 mcg
Phosphorus	250 mg
Selenium	35 mcg
Potassium	320 mg
Calcium	80 mg

Per 1 sandwich (280 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

The sandwich's unique 'wet' or 'dipped' preparation method, where the entire assembled sandwich is briefly dunked in the hot beef gravy, is a defining cultural trait that sets it apart from other beef sandwiches and creates its signature juicy, flavorful experience.