Rico Ben's breaded steak sandwich is a modern Chicago classic that blends the city's love for hearty, meat‑centric fare with Italian‑American sandwich traditions. It gained fame after being named the best sandwich in America by USA Today, cementing its status as a must‑try local specialty.

While the Italian beef sandwich features thinly sliced roast beef soaked in au jus, Rico Ben's version uses a breaded, tenderized steak that is fried and paired with a sweet‑spicy red gravy, cheese, and a crunchy jard topping, offering a distinct texture and flavor profile.

Some Chicago eateries serve the steak on a softer hoagie roll with extra provolone, while others add pickled hot peppers or swap the jard for giardiniera. Rico Ben's signature version keeps the roll toasted, uses a specific red sauce, and includes a generous jard mix.

It is popular as a late‑night snack after a night out, a comfort food for weekend gatherings, and a featured item during local food festivals that celebrate Chicago's sandwich heritage.

Rico Ben's red sauce combines tomato base with sweet brown sugar, hot chili oil, and a hint of garlic, giving it a sweet‑spicy balance that is thicker and richer than standard marinara, which is usually herb‑forward and less sweet.

A side of Chicago‑style popcorn, a crisp Caesar salad, or a cold craft IPA from local breweries like Manhattan Brewing complement the sandwich’s rich flavors and help cut through its richness.

Common errors include under‑cooking the steak (it should reach 160°F), over‑toasting the roll until it becomes hard, and not heating the red sauce enough, which can result in a thin, cold topping.

Simmering to 165°F ensures the sauce is hot enough to safely melt the cheese and kill any bacteria that may have been introduced during freezing and thawing, while also achieving the proper thickness for dipping.

Yes. Keep the sauce, cheese, and jard in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cooked steak can be refrigerated for 2 days and reheated briefly. Assemble the sandwich just before serving to retain the roll’s crispness.

The YouTube channel HeySeanEly focuses on food vlogs, restaurant reviews, and home‑cooking recreations of iconic dishes, often highlighting regional specialties and kit‑based meals like the Rico Ben's sandwich kit.