Introduction

The Italian Beef Sandwich with Roasted Garlic Aioli is a mouthwatering, savory dish that’s perfect for any meal—whether you’re enjoying it for lunch, dinner, or as part of a special gathering. With tender, flavorful beef, a rich and creamy roasted garlic aioli, and all the seasonings and condiments that make an Italian beef sandwich irresistible, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite.

This sandwich is a delightful twist on the classic Italian beef, with the added indulgence of roasted garlic aioli, which gives it a creamy, aromatic finish.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to make the Italian Beef Sandwich with Roasted Garlic Aioli from start to finish. You’ll get step-by-step instructions on how to cook the beef to perfection, prepare the roasted garlic aioli, and assemble the sandwich for maximum flavor and satisfaction. Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love Italian Beef Sandwich with Roasted Garlic Aioli

Rich and Flavorful: This sandwich is packed with layers of bold flavors from the slow-cooked beef, seasoned herbs, and creamy roasted garlic aioli.
Perfectly Tender Beef: The beef is slow-cooked to perfection, making it incredibly tender and juicy, which adds to the overall deliciousness of the sandwich.
Savory Roasted Garlic Aioli: The homemade roasted garlic aioli adds an indulgent and creamy element that elevates the sandwich to the next level.
Customizable: This sandwich is versatile, so you can adjust the toppings to suit your tastes—whether you prefer pickled peppers, sautéed mushrooms, or fresh veggies.
Ideal for Special Occasions: Whether you’re serving this for a casual meal or as a special sandwich at a gathering, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 4-5 hours (including slow-cooking time for the beef)
Preparation Time: 20-25 minutes (for prepping ingredients and making aioli)
Cooking Time: 3-4 hours (for slow-cooking beef)
Servings: 4-6 sandwiches (adjustable)
Calories per Serving: Approximately 600-700 calories per sandwich, depending on the size of the sandwich and optional toppings.

Nutrition Facts (Per Sandwich)

Calories: 600-700 kcal
Fat: 25-30g
Carbohydrates: 40-50g
Protein: 40-50g

Ingredients

For the Italian Beef:

Beef Roast: 3-4 lbs (1.4-1.8 kg) of boneless beef chuck roast or sirloin tip roast
Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
Garlic: 4-5 cloves, minced
Onion: 1 medium onion, sliced
Beef Broth: 2 cups (480ml)
Red Wine: 1 cup (240ml), optional
Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon
Dried Basil: 1 teaspoon
Dried Rosemary: 1 teaspoon
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: ½ teaspoon (optional, for heat)
Salt: 1½ teaspoons (to taste)
Pepper: 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

Roasted Garlic Aioli:

Garlic: 1 bulb (whole, for roasting)
Mayonnaise: 1 cup (240g)
Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon
Dijon Mustard: 1 teaspoon
Salt: ½ teaspoon
Pepper: ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

For Assembling the Sandwich:

Buns: 4-6 soft Italian rolls or hoagie buns
Pickled Peppers: Optional, such as banana peppers or giardiniera (for topping)
Fresh Basil or Parsley: For garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Roasted Garlic Aioli

Roast the Garlic: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice off the top of the garlic bulb, exposing the individual cloves. Drizzle with a bit of olive oil and wrap the bulb in foil. Roast in the oven for about 30-35 minutes, until the garlic is soft and fragrant. Once roasted, allow the garlic to cool for a few minutes before squeezing the soft garlic cloves out of their skins.
Make the Aioli: In a food processor or bowl, combine the roasted garlic cloves with 1 cup of mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. Blend or whisk until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt or lemon juice if desired. Set the aioli aside, or refrigerate it until you’re ready to assemble the sandwich.

Cooking the Beef

Prepare the Beef: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the beef roast generously with salt and pepper on all sides. Sear the beef in the hot oil for 2-3 minutes per side until it develops a nice brown crust. This step will add depth of flavor to the final dish.
Add the Aromatics: Once the beef is seared, transfer it to a slow cooker. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sliced onion, cooking for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened. Then, pour in 2 cups of beef broth and 1 cup of red wine (if using). Add the dried oregano, basil, rosemary, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and another pinch of salt and pepper. Stir to combine the seasonings and liquids.
Slow Cook the Beef: Pour the onion and broth mixture over the beef roast in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours, or until the beef is tender and shreds easily with a fork. If you have more time, you can also cook the beef on high for 2-3 hours, but low and slow results in the best texture.
Shred the Beef: Once the beef is fully cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and let it rest for a few minutes. Use two forks to shred the beef into bite-sized pieces. If desired, you can also return the shredded beef to the slow cooker with some of the juices to keep it moist and flavorful until ready to serve.

Assembling the Sandwich

Toast the Buns: While the beef is resting, cut the Italian rolls or hoagie buns in half and lightly toast them in the oven or on a grill. Toasting the buns gives them a crispy texture that will hold up to the juicy beef and aioli without getting soggy.
Build the Sandwich: Once the buns are toasted, spread a generous amount of roasted garlic aioli on the bottom half of each bun. Pile the shredded Italian beef on top, allowing the juices from the beef to soak into the bread. If you prefer a bit of extra flavor, add some pickled peppers or giardiniera on top of the beef. You can also garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
Serve and Enjoy: Place the top half of the bun on the sandwich, press it down lightly to secure everything, and serve immediately. These sandwiches are great on their own or served with a side of crispy fries, a green salad, or roasted vegetables.

Tips for Perfect Italian Beef Sandwich with Roasted Garlic Aioli

Use High-Quality Beef: The beef is the star of this sandwich, so it’s worth using a well-marbled cut like a chuck roast. This will ensure the beef is tender and flavorful after slow cooking.
Customize the Aioli: While the roasted garlic aioli adds an incredible depth of flavor, feel free to adjust the garlic intensity or add other herbs like thyme or rosemary for additional nuance. If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the aioli.
Slow-Cooking Tip: If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can also cook the beef in the oven. Place the seared beef roast and broth mixture in a covered Dutch oven and cook at 300°F (150°C) for 3-4 hours until the beef is tender.
Top with Fresh Vegetables: You can add more texture to the sandwich by including sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or onions along with the beef and aioli. These vegetables will bring additional flavor and crunch to the sandwich.
Make Ahead: The beef and aioli can be prepared ahead of time. Store the shredded beef in the slow cooker juices in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the beef in the slow cooker or on the stovetop, then assemble the sandwiches just before serving.
Serving Suggestion: Serve these sandwiches with a cold, refreshing beverage like iced tea or a light beer. The richness of the beef and aioli pairs beautifully with a crisp, refreshing drink.

Variations of Italian Beef Sandwich with Roasted Garlic Aioli

While this recipe is delicious in its classic form, there are plenty of variations you can try to change things up and keep the sandwich exciting:

Spicy Italian Beef Sandwich: Add some jalapeño peppers or hot giardiniera to the sandwich for an extra kick of heat. You can also stir in a bit of hot sauce to the aioli for a spicy twist.
Cheesy Italian Beef Sandwich: Top the beef with a slice of provolone cheese or mozzarella, and melt it under the broiler for a cheesy, gooey finish.
Vegetarian Italian Sandwich: Replace the beef with roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms, and add a bit of balsamic glaze for a savory vegetarian option.
French Dip Variation: For a French dip-inspired version, serve the sandwich with a small bowl of au jus (the beef cooking juices) for dipping.

Side Dishes That Pair Well with Italian Beef Sandwich with Roasted Garlic Aioli

The Italian Beef Sandwich with Roasted Garlic Aioli pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes that complement the richness of the beef and the creamy aioli. Here are some great options:

Crispy French Fries: A classic side for any sandwich, crispy fries provide a satisfying crunch that pairs perfectly with the juicy beef.
Coleslaw: A tangy and refreshing coleslaw adds a crunchy contrast to the savory sandwich, cutting through the richness of the beef and aioli.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or Brussels sprouts bring earthy flavors that complement the sandwich perfectly.
Pickles: A side of dill or bread-and-butter pickles provides a tart, crunchy contrast that balances the savory, tender beef.
Green Salad: A simple salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing, light side to balance the richness of the sandwich.

Conclusion

The Italian Beef Sandwich with Roasted Garlic Aioli is a truly indulgent and flavorful meal that will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation. With its tender, slow-cooked beef, savory roasted garlic aioli, and customizable toppings, this sandwich is the perfect balance of rich and fresh flavors. So, get ready to dive into this delicious, hearty sandwich, and enjoy every bite!

Introduction

Why You’ll Love Italian Beef Sandwich with Roasted Garlic Aioli

Preparation and Cooking Time