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.