Fantasy season comes to an end with Erin finishing second in the championship, after a brutal Thursday night from Jared Goff wiped out title hopes. It’s a familiar reminder of how volatile quarterbacks can define — and destroy — a fantasy season.
This week’s spotlight lands on the Chicago Bears, one of the NFL’s most historic franchises. With a new coach and rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, Chicago is showing real progress, sitting atop the NFC North and taking down rival Green Bay. Not Super Bowl–ready yet, but very much a team trending in the right direction.
Chicago Italian Beef
Ingredients
Beef
—
Fully Dipped (Serves 6–8)
• 3–4 lb beef chuck roast (or top round)
• Salt & black pepper
Jus (the soul of the sandwich)
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup water
• 1 packet Italian dressing seasoning (or DIY below)
•1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp onion powder
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 bay leaves
Peppers
• 1 cup hot giardiniera (chopped)
• 1–2 green bell peppers, sliced (optional for sweet option)
Bread
• Sturdy Italian rolls
Instructions
1. Season & Sear (Optional but Recommended)
• Season beef generously with salt and pepper.
• Sear in a hot pan with oil until browned on all sides.
• This adds depth
2. Braise the Beef
Slow Cooker (Best for Game Day)
• Add broth, water, seasoning, spices, bay leaves.
• Submerge beef.Oven Option
• Cook 8–10 hours on LOW until fork-tender.
• 300°F, covered, 3–4 hours until tender.
3. Slice It Right (Critical Step)
• Remove beef and let rest 15 minutes.
• Slice very thin, against the grain.
• (Thinner than you think — deli-thin if possible)
Return sliced beef to the jus and keep warm.
4. Build the Sandwich
• Open roll.
• Pile on beef.
• Add giardiniera (hot) or sweet peppers.
• Dip the entire sandwich into the jus using tongs.
• Serve immediately, dripping and glorious.
How “Dipped” Is It?
• Dry: Beef only
• Wet: Spoon jus over beef
• Fully Dipped (Chicago Standard): Whole sandwich dunked
Pro Tips (Chef-Level)
• Jus should be salty and bold — it soaks the bread.
• Rolls matter more than meat cut.
• Make it the day before — Italian beef is better the next day.
