Are you a fan of Chicago’s famous Italian beef? Look no further than Papa Charlie’s for a mouthwatering, slow-cooked roast beef and au jus recipe that will have your taste buds singing.
With their retail product line available at numerous grocery chains around the Greater Chicago land area and beyond, you can enjoy this delicious dish from the comfort of your own home. But how do you cook it to perfection?
Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to cook Papa Charlie’s Italian Beef, whether you’re using a stove top or microwave oven.
Plus, we’ll highlight the nutritional benefits of this protein-packed meal. So grab your apron and let’s get cooking!
How To Cook Papa Charlie’s Italian Beef?
First things first, it’s important to thaw the beef and gravy in the refrigerator overnight or until completely thawed. This will ensure that the meat is evenly heated and cooked to perfection.
Stove Top: Once thawed, pour the contents of the container into a large saucepan. Heat over medium heat for approximately 5 minutes or until the temperature reaches 165°F. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent burning. Once heated, stir well and serve. Do not boil.
Microwave Oven – Thawed: Thaw the product completely and pour the contents of the container into a microwavable dish. Microwave on high for 2 minutes, then stir. Microwave for an additional 2-4 minutes or until thoroughly heated and the product temperature reaches 165°F. Stir well and serve.
Microwave Oven – Frozen: If cooking from frozen, place the contents of the container into a microwavable dish and thaw on defrost cycle for 10 minutes or according to manufacturer’s directions. Microwave on high for 2 minutes or until thoroughly heated and the product temperature reaches 165°F. Stir well and serve.
No matter which method you choose, be sure to follow the heating instructions carefully to ensure that your Italian beef is cooked to perfection.
Ingredients Needed For Papa Charlie’s Italian Beef
To make Papa Charlie’s Italian Beef, you will need the following ingredients:
– Italian Style Seasoned Broth: This includes water, salt, dextrose, hydrolyzed corn, soy and yeast protein, maltodextrin, beef fat, spices (such as black pepper, basil, red pepper, oregano, thyme), sugar, onion powder, hydrolyzed corn, torula & brewers yeast protein, red bell pepper, caramel color, corn starch, garlic powder, disodium inosinate & guanylate, soluble garlic, citric acid, natural flavor and soybean oil.
– Seasoned Cooked Roast Beef: This includes water and seasoning (salt, hydrolyzed soy protein, sodium phosphate, sodium citrate, sugar, hydrolyzed corn protein, citric acid, onion powder, sodium diacetate, spice extractives and natural flavors).
It is important to note that the Italian Style Seasoned Broth is used to make the au jus sauce that is served with the roast beef. The seasoned cooked roast beef is already cooked and ready to serve.
When preparing Papa Charlie’s Italian Beef at home, it is important to follow the heating instructions carefully to ensure that the meat is heated evenly and cooked to perfection. By doing so, you will be able to enjoy a delicious and flavorful Italian beef sandwich that is rich in minerals and vitamins and helps support muscle growth and reduce tiredness and fatigue.
Preparing The Beef For Cooking
Before cooking your Papa Charlie’s Italian beef, it’s important to properly prepare the beef to ensure that it cooks evenly and is as flavorful as possible. Here are some tips for preparing the beef:
1. Thaw the beef: Make sure to thaw the beef and gravy in the refrigerator overnight or until completely thawed. This will ensure that the meat is evenly heated and cooked to perfection.
2. Pat dry: Before cooking, pat the beef with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This will prevent steam from forming in the pan and hindering browning.
3. Cut into strips: If you’re using a tougher cut of beef, you may want to cut it into strips before cooking to help tenderize it. To make this easier, put the beef in the freezer for about 30 minutes or until just firm, which will make it easier to cut.
4. Marinate: If you have time, marinating the beef can add flavor and help tenderize it. Soaking time will depend on the cut of beef you’re using – tender cuts only need a short soak of 2 hours or less, while tougher cuts should be soaked for several hours or overnight.
5. Add baking soda: For even more tenderization, add baking soda and water to the sliced beef and massage with your hands until most of the liquid is absorbed. Let stand for 1-2 hours, then rinse thoroughly under running water until the water runs clear.
6. Season: Finally, season the beef with your desired spices and flavors before cooking. This can include oyster sauce/soy sauce, Shaoxing wine (optional), cornstarch, and any other herbs or spices you prefer.
By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to preparing delicious and flavorful Papa Charlie’s Italian beef.
Slow-cooking On The Stove Top
Slow-cooking Papa Charlie’s Italian beef on the stove top is a great option for those who want to savor the aroma and enjoy the cooking process. To start, thaw the beef and gravy in the refrigerator overnight or until completely thawed.
Once thawed, pour the contents of the container into a large saucepan. Heat over medium heat for approximately 5 minutes or until the temperature reaches 165°F. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent burning.
As the beef slow-cooks, it will absorb all the delicious flavors of the au jus. You can also add your own personal touch by topping it with melted mozzarella cheese, giardiniera, or sweet peppers. This will give it the perfect old-world taste and make it an ideal meal for any occasion.
Slow-cooking on the stove top is a great way to ensure that your Italian beef is cooked to perfection. The slow-cooking process allows the meat to become tender and juicy while retaining its natural flavor. It also gives you more control over the cooking process, allowing you to adjust the heat as needed.
Once cooked, stir well and serve hot on warm sandwich rolls. You can also add your own toppings to give it a personal touch. Slow-cooking on the stove top is a great way to enjoy Papa Charlie’s Italian beef with your family and friends.
Microwaving For A Quick And Easy Meal
If you’re short on time and looking for a quick and easy meal, microwaving Papa Charlie’s Italian Beef is a great option. First, make sure to thaw the product completely, either in the refrigerator overnight or using the defrost cycle in the microwave.
Once thawed, transfer the contents of the container into a microwavable dish and microwave on high for 2 minutes. After 2 minutes, stir the product and then continue microwaving for an additional 2-4 minutes or until thoroughly heated and the product temperature reaches 165°F.
Once heated, stir well and serve. This method is perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a quick and satisfying meal without sacrificing taste. Just be sure to follow the heating instructions carefully to avoid overcooking or burning the beef.
Serving Suggestions For Papa Charlie’s Italian Beef
Once your Papa Charlie’s Italian beef is heated and ready to serve, there are many delicious ways to enjoy it. Here are some serving suggestions to try:
1. Classic Italian Beef Sandwich: Serve the warm beef on a crusty roll with a drizzle of the flavorful au jus. Add some melted mozzarella cheese for a classic topping.
2. Spicy Giardiniera Beef Sandwich: Top your Italian beef sandwich with giardiniera for a spicy kick. Giardiniera is a pickled vegetable mix that is commonly used in Chicago-style Italian beef sandwiches.
3. Sweet Pepper Beef Sandwich: Add some sweet peppers to your Italian beef sandwich for a perfect old-world taste. The sweetness of the peppers pairs well with the savory flavor of the beef.
4. Italian Beef Nachos: Layer tortilla chips on a platter and top with heated Papa Charlie’s Italian beef, melted cheese, diced tomatoes, and jalapenos for a delicious twist on traditional nachos.
5. Italian Beef Pizza: Use the heated Italian beef as a topping for your homemade pizza. Add some sliced onions, green peppers, and mozzarella cheese for a delicious Chicago-style pizza.
No matter how you choose to serve it, Papa Charlie’s Italian beef is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Experiment with different toppings and recipes to find your favorite way to enjoy this classic Chicago dish!
Nutritional Benefits Of This Protein-packed Meal
Papa Charlie’s Italian Beef is a protein-packed meal that offers many nutritional benefits. Each serving contains 14 grams of protein, which is essential for muscle growth and supports muscle mass. It is also naturally rich in minerals, including iron, which helps prevent iron deficiency anemia. The beef contains carnosine, which has antioxidant properties and helps to reduce inflammation.
In addition to protein and minerals, Papa Charlie’s Italian Beef is also full of vitamins. It contains niacin, riboflavin, vitamins B6 and B12, which help to reduce tiredness and fatigue. These vitamins are essential for maintaining good health and well-being.
What’s more, each serving of Italian Beef with gravy contains only 80 calories and two grams of fat, with no trans-fats. This makes it a great option for those who are watching their calorie intake or trying to maintain a healthy weight. The total carbohydrate content is also low, with only two grams per serving.