Chicago Style Italian Beef with Hott Brands Giardiniera Recipe

#### Ingredients:

- **Beef Roast:**

  - 3-4 pounds boneless beef chuck roast

  - 1 tablespoon olive oil

  - 1 teaspoon salt

  - 1 teaspoon black pepper

  - 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  - 1 teaspoon onion powder

  - 1 teaspoon dried oregano

  - 1 teaspoon dried basil

  - 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

  - 1 cup beef broth

  - 1 cup water

  - 1 cup Hott Brands Giardiniera (mild or hot, based on preference)

- **For the Sandwiches:**

  - 6-8 Italian rolls or French bread, sliced lengthwise

  - 1 cup Hott Brands Giardiniera

  - Sliced provolone or mozzarella cheese (optional)

#### Instructions:

1. **Prepare the Beef:**

   - Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).

   - In a small bowl, mix together the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried basil, and crushed red pepper flakes.

   - Rub the spice mixture all over the beef chuck roast.

   - In a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the beef roast on all sides until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side.

2. **Cook the Beef:**

   - Add the beef broth, water, and 1 cup of Hott Brands Giardiniera to the pot.

   - Cover the pot with a lid and transfer it to the preheated oven.

   - Roast for 3-4 hours, or until the beef is tender and can be easily shredded with a fork.

3. **Shred the Beef:**

   - Remove the beef from the oven and let it rest for about 15 minutes.

   - Using two forks, shred the beef into bite-sized pieces, mixing it well with the juices in the pot.

4. **Assemble the Sandwiches:**

   - Preheat your oven's broiler.

   - Open the Italian rolls or French bread and place them on a baking sheet.

   - If using cheese, place a slice or two on the bread.

   - Broil the bread for 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the bread is toasted.

   - Pile the shredded beef onto the toasted bread.

   - Top with extra Hott Brands Giardiniera.

5. **Serve:**

   - Serve the sandwiches hot, with a side of the cooking juices for dipping (known as 'au jus').

   - Enjoy your homemade Chicago Style Italian Beef sandwiches with the signature kick of Hott Brands Giardiniera!

Feel free to adjust the amount of spices and Hott Brands Giardiniera to suit your taste. This recipe aims to capture the flavors of a classic Chicago Italian Beef sandwich, with the added flair of your favorite giardiniera.