Are you planning a party or gathering and considering serving up some delicious Italian beef?
One of the most important questions to answer is how much beef you’ll need per person.
Luckily, we’ve done the research for you and have some helpful tips to ensure you have just the right amount of this savory dish.
From the history of Italian beef to the perfect portion size, keep reading to learn everything you need to know about serving up this classic dish at your next event.
How Many Pounds Of Italian Beef Per Person?
When it comes to serving Italian beef, the general rule of thumb is to calculate 4oz of beef per person. This means that for a party of 100 people, you would need approximately 25 pounds of Italian beef.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that portion sizes can vary depending on how generous you are with your servings. According to a well-recognized Illinois catering company, the average Italian beef sandwich requires around 0.2 pounds of beef. This means that 20 pounds of Italian beef should be enough to serve 100 people.
If you plan on serving other entrees alongside the Italian beef, you may want to adjust the portion size accordingly so as not to overload your guests. It’s always better to have a little extra than not enough, but be mindful of food waste and try to estimate as accurately as possible.
The Origin Of Italian Beef
The Italian beef sandwich has a rich history that dates back to the early 1900s when Italian immigrants working at Chicago’s Union Stock Yards brought home the cheaper, less desirable cuts of meat. These tough cuts of meat were slow-roasted and simmered in a broth with Italian spices to add flavor, and then thinly sliced across the grain and served on a sandwich. This allowed for a small amount of meat to go a long way, making it a popular choice for weddings and big family gatherings.
While the exact origins of the Italian beef sandwich are unknown, it is believed that the sandwich first made its appearance in Chicago during the 1930s. Pasquale Scala, who opened the Scala Packing Company in 1925, and Al Ferreri, his sister Frances, and her husband, Chris Pacelli, Sr., who opened Al’s Beef in 1938, are among the earliest purveyors of the sandwich. However, many shops claim to be the original.
The origins of the Italian beef sandwich lie in the Italian-American immigrant tradition of the “peanut wedding,” which was prevalent among Italians who immigrated to Chicago in the early 1900s. Because new immigrants didn’t have much money, wedding receptions would be held in homes and church basements where peanuts and other cheap foods designed to feed as many people as possible were served. This included cuts of beef.
The Italian beef sandwich’s story starts with a Chicago street peddler named Anthony Ferreri around the end of World War I. He would drive around the city making deliveries of cold sandwiches and other bakery items he made out of the basement of his home. Anthony sold them off the back of his truck at construction sites, hospitals, and other offices just like a modern-day food truck.
Today, Italian beef sandwiches are commonly found at hot dog stands, pizzerias, and Italian-American restaurants in northeast Illinois, southeast Wisconsin, and northwest Indiana. The sandwich is usually topped off with Chicago-style “giardiniera,” a spicy mix of diced peppers and veggies. Despite its humble origins, the Italian beef sandwich has become one of Chicago’s most iconic dishes.
What Makes Italian Beef So Delicious?
There are a few key factors that make Italian beef so delicious. First and foremost, the cut of beef used is typically a chuck roast, which is known for its rich and beefy flavor. The meat is then seasoned with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, adding depth and complexity to the dish.
Another important component is the broth or jus that the beef is cooked in. While it’s often referred to as au jus, it’s actually more of a broth that is tangy and zippy in flavor. To achieve this delicious broth, many recipes call for the use of pepperoncini juice, which adds a tangy zing to the dish.
In addition, the slow cooking process intensifies the flavors of the beef and broth, resulting in a tender and juicy final product. This slow cooking method also allows for the addition of other ingredients, such as stew meat and bones, to deepen the flavor of the broth even further.
Finally, Italian beef is often served on a crusty roll with melted cheese and sweet peppers, adding both texture and sweetness to balance out the savory flavors of the beef and broth. All of these elements work together to create a truly mouthwatering and unforgettable dish.
How To Determine The Amount Of Italian Beef Needed
To determine the amount of Italian beef needed for your event, start by calculating the number of guests you will be serving. Once you have this number, multiply it by 4oz to get the total amount of beef needed. For example, if you are serving 50 guests, you will need 12.5 pounds of Italian beef.
It’s important to keep in mind that uncooked beef will shrink by 30-40 percent during the cooking process. To ensure that you have enough cooked beef to serve your guests, you should buy approximately 1.5 times the amount of uncooked beef needed. For example, if you need 12.5 pounds of uncooked Italian beef, you should purchase around 19 pounds of uncooked beef.
Italian beef is often served as a sandwich or in a long roll and is a staple of Italian-American cuisine. It’s a popular choice for parties and social gatherings due to its relative ease of preparation. However, if you plan on serving other dishes alongside the Italian beef, you may want to adjust the portion size accordingly to avoid overloading your guests.
Factors To Consider When Serving Italian Beef
When serving Italian beef, there are a few factors to consider to ensure that your guests enjoy the meal to the fullest. Here are some things to keep in mind:
1. Quality of the beef: The quality of the beef you use will greatly affect the taste and texture of your Italian beef sandwich. Make sure to use a cut of meat that is tender and flavorful, such as sirloin tip or top round. Also, be sure to season the beef with the right blend of Italian herbs and spices.
2. Bread choice: The bread you choose for your Italian beef sandwich can make a big difference in how it tastes. A soft and chewy French roll is the traditional choice, but you can also use a crusty Italian bread or even a hoagie roll.
3. Sauce consistency: The juice (or gravy) that accompanies Italian beef is an essential part of the sandwich. Make sure that the sauce is not too thick or too thin, but just right to complement the beef and bread.
4. Toppings: The toppings you choose for your Italian beef sandwich can add an extra layer of flavor and texture. Giardiniera (a mix of pickled vegetables) and roasted peppers are popular choices, but you can also add cheese, onions, or even hot sauce.
5. Serving style: When serving Italian beef, it’s important to keep the sandwich moist but not too wet. Some people prefer their sandwich “dipped” in sauce, while others like it “wet” but not fully submerged. Consider offering both options to accommodate different preferences.
By taking these factors into account, you can serve up a delicious and satisfying Italian beef sandwich that will be sure to please your guests.
Tips For Preparing And Serving Italian Beef
Preparing and serving Italian beef can be a delicious and satisfying experience. Here are some tips to ensure that your Italian beef is a hit at your next gathering:
1. Sear the beef: Searing the meat before slow cooking is crucial for developing a rich flavor and creating a nice crust on the surface of the meat. Make sure to sear the meat on all sides until it’s golden brown.
2. Use a slow cooker: Slow cookers are perfect for preparing Italian beef as they allow the meat to cook slowly and absorb all the flavors of the seasonings and broth. Set it and forget it!
3. Shred the beef: For maximum flavor, shred the beef and let it soak in the savory juices for an additional 30 minutes. This will allow all the flavors to seep into every bite.
4. Drain excess liquid: Use a slotted spoon to remove the beef from the slow cooker once it’s ready to serve, so it doesn’t make your hoagies soggy.
5. Toast your buns: Toasting your hoagie buns before serving adds an extra depth of flavor and helps prevent them from getting too soggy.
6. Add cheese: Provolone is a classic choice for Italian beef sandwiches, but feel free to experiment with other types of cheese such as cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack.
7. Top it off: Besides cheese, you can add more pepperoncini, roasted red peppers, or sautéed onions for extra flavor and variety.
8. Serve it differently: Italian beef is not just limited to sandwiches! You can serve it on top of rice or mashed potatoes or stir it into pastas like mac and cheese or garlic mushroom noodles.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to prepare and serve delicious Italian beef that will leave your guests satisfied and impressed.
Serving Italian Beef As A Sandwich
One of the most popular ways to serve Italian beef is as a sandwich. The classic Italian Beef Sandwich is made by piling thinly sliced Italian beef on a toasted bun, topped with Provolone cheese and giardiniera, which is a spicy pickled vegetable mix. To make it even more flavorful, you can also add some homemade Italian seasonings like oregano, basil, and garlic.
When serving Italian beef sandwiches for a party or gathering, you can set up a sandwich bar for your guests to customize their own sandwiches. Provide a variety of toppings like sliced onions, bell peppers, hot peppers, and horseradish sauce. You can also offer different types of bread like hoagie rolls or ciabatta bread.
If you want to make the sandwiches ahead of time, you can freeze the cooked Italian beef in batches and reheat it in the crockpot before serving. This is a great option for busy hosts who want to have everything prepared in advance.