Episode 26 "Chicago Bears"

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.