Italian Beef Sandwich Instant Pot Recipe

Craving the authentic taste of Chicago’s famous Italian beef sandwich but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen? I’ve got the perfect solution for you! This Instant Pot Italian beef sandwich recipe delivers all the bold, savory flavors of the classic deli favorite in a fraction of the time.

Using your pressure cooker, I’ll show you how to create tender, juicy beef that’s been infused with aromatic Italian seasonings and served on crusty rolls with all the traditional fixings. Get ready to bring the taste of the Windy City straight to your dinner table!

What is an “Italian Beef Sandwich”?

The Italian beef sandwich is a beloved Chicago classic that originated in the 1930s. This iconic sandwich features thinly sliced, seasoned beef that’s been slow-cooked in a flavorful broth called “gravy” or “jus.”

The tender meat is typically piled high on a crusty Italian roll and can be served “dry” (with minimal juice), “wet” (dipped in the cooking liquid), or “soaked” (completely dunked in the savory broth). Traditional toppings include sweet peppers, spicy giardiniera, or hot peppers, making each bite a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Ingredients List for Italian Beef Sandwich

For the Beef:

• 3-4 pounds chuck roast or beef bottom round, trimmed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup water
• 1 packet (1 oz) Italian dressing mix
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 jar (16 oz) pepperoncini, with juice

For Serving:

• 8-10 Italian rolls or hoagie buns
• Sweet bell peppers, sliced and sautéed
• Giardiniera (Italian pickled vegetables)
• Provolone cheese slices (optional)

How to Cook Italian Beef Sandwich: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating the perfect Italian beef in your Instant Pot is simpler than you might think. Here’s my detailed guide to ensure your sandwich turns out authentically delicious:

1. Prepare the Beef:

• Pat the chuck roast dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper on all sides.
• This initial seasoning helps create a flavorful crust when we sear the meat.
• Cut the roast into 2-3 large chunks if it’s too big to fit comfortably in your Instant Pot.

2. Sear the Meat:

• Set your Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode and heat the olive oil.
• Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the seasoned beef in the pot.
• Sear each side for 3-4 minutes until you get a nice golden-brown crust.
• This step locks in flavor and creates the foundation for your delicious gravy.

3. Build the Flavor Base:

• Remove the seared beef and set aside temporarily.
• Add the sliced onions to the same pot and cook for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften.
• Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
• The leftover drippings from the beef will add incredible flavor to your aromatics.

4. Create the Cooking Liquid:

• Pour in the beef broth and water, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
• Add the Italian dressing mix, oregano, basil, garlic powder, onion powder, and bay leaves.
• Stir in half the jar of pepperoncini along with about ¼ cup of the pepperoncini juice.
• This combination creates the signature tangy, savory flavor that makes Italian beef so special.

5. Pressure Cook the Beef:

• Return the seared beef to the Instant Pot, nestling it into the liquid.
• Lock the lid in place and set the valve to “Sealing.”
• Cook on high pressure for 60 minutes for chuck roast (75 minutes for bottom round).
• Allow for a natural pressure release for 15 minutes, then quick-release any remaining pressure.

6. Shred and Season:

• Carefully remove the beef from the pot and let it rest for 5-10 minutes.
• Using two forks, shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
• Strain the cooking liquid through a fine-mesh sieve, pressing the solids to extract maximum flavor.
• Return the shredded beef to the pot with enough strained liquid to keep it moist.

7. Final Assembly:

• Taste the beef and cooking liquid, adjusting seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
• Warm your Italian rolls in the oven or toaster.
• Pile the beef generously onto each roll, adding as much or as little cooking liquid as desired.
• Top with sautéed sweet peppers, giardiniera, or cheese according to your preference.

Substitutions and Variations

Want to customize your Italian beef sandwich to suit your tastes or dietary needs? Here are some excellent substitutions and variations I recommend:

• Beef Cuts: While chuck roast is traditional, you can use beef brisket, bottom round, or even short ribs for different textures and flavors.
• Spice Level: Adjust the heat by using mild or hot giardiniera, or add crushed red pepper flakes to the cooking liquid.
• Bread Options: Try using French bread, ciabatta rolls, or even slider buns for different presentation styles.
• Cheese Varieties: Experiment with mozzarella, Swiss, or aged provolone for unique flavor profiles.
• Vegetable Additions: Include sliced mushrooms or roasted red peppers in the cooking process for extra depth.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

I’ve learned from experience that avoiding these common pitfalls will ensure your Italian beef turns out perfectly every time:

• Skipping the Searing Step: Don’t rush past browning the meat; this crucial step develops deep, rich flavors that can’t be replicated any other way.
• Overcooking the Vegetables: Add delicate vegetables like bell peppers after pressure cooking to maintain their texture and color.
• Using Too Little Liquid: Ensure you have enough cooking liquid to create that signature “gravy” for dipping and moistening the sandwiches.
• Not Straining the Liquid: Removing the solid bits from your cooking liquid creates a cleaner, more professional-tasting jus.
• Serving on Cold Bread: Always warm your rolls before assembling; this prevents the bread from becoming soggy and enhances the overall eating experience.

How to Serve Italian Beef Sandwich

The beauty of Italian beef sandwiches lies in their versatility and the interactive experience of eating them. I like to serve them family-style with small bowls of the warm cooking liquid for dipping.

Set up a sandwich station with all the toppings laid out separately, allowing everyone to customize their meal. Provide plenty of napkins – eating Italian beef can be delightfully messy! Pair your sandwiches with crispy French fries, coleslaw, or a simple Italian pasta salad for a complete meal that satisfies.

Presentation Ideas for Italian Beef Sandwich

Make your Italian beef sandwiches restaurant-worthy with these presentation techniques:

• The Classic Dip: Serve each sandwich with a small ramekin of hot cooking liquid for individual dipping.
• Family Platter: Arrange sliced sandwiches on a large wooden board with small bowls of toppings and plenty of the savory jus.
• Slider Style: Use smaller rolls to create Italian beef sliders perfect for parties or appetizers.
• Open-Faced Option: Serve the beef over toasted bread slices with the liquid spooned over the top for a knife-and-fork approach.

Italian Beef Sandwich Recipe Tips

Here are my insider tips for taking your Italian beef to the next level:

• Quality Matters: Invest in good-quality beef and Italian seasoning blend – these foundational ingredients make all the difference.
• Save the Liquid: Don’t discard that flavorful cooking liquid! It’s liquid gold that can be used for dipping or even as a base for soup.
• Temperature Control: Keep both the meat and the jus warm during serving to maintain the best texture and flavor.
• Make It Ahead: This recipe actually improves with time, making it perfect for meal prep or entertaining.
• Freeze Portions: The cooked beef freezes beautifully for up to three months, making it easy to have Italian beef whenever a craving strikes.

How to Store Italian Beef Sandwich

Proper storage will help you enjoy your Italian beef for days to come. Allow the beef and cooking liquid to cool completely before transferring to separate airtight containers.

Store the shredded meat and liquid in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. When reheating, gently warm the beef in its liquid over low heat on the stovetop, or use your microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each heating cycle.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make Italian beef without an Instant Pot?
A: Absolutely! You can use a slow cooker on low for 8-10 hours, or braise the beef in a Dutch oven in a 325°F oven for 3-4 hours until fork-tender.

Q: How do I know when the beef is done?
A: The meat should easily shred with a fork when it’s properly cooked. If it’s still tough, pressure cook for an additional 15-20 minutes.

Q: Can I make this recipe spicier?
A: Yes! Add more pepperoncini juice, include some of the pepperoncini peppers in the cooking process, or serve with extra hot giardiniera on the side.

Q: What’s the difference between “wet” and “dry” Italian beef?
A: “Dry” means minimal cooking liquid is added to the sandwich, while “wet” means the sandwich is dipped in the jus before serving, making it more moist and flavorful.

Q: Can I use frozen beef for this recipe?
A: While fresh is preferred, you can use frozen beef – just add an additional 20-30 minutes to the pressure cooking time and ensure it reaches safe internal temperature.

Q: How much cooking liquid should I use for dipping?
A: Use just enough to moisten the bread without making it soggy. Start with a light dip and add more according to your preference.

Conclusion

This Instant Pot Italian beef sandwich recipe brings the authentic taste of Chicago’s most famous sandwich right to your kitchen with minimal effort and maximum flavor. The pressure cooker transforms tough cuts of beef into tender, juicy perfection while infusing every bite with aromatic Italian seasonings.

Whether you’re hosting a game day party, feeding a hungry family, or simply craving something special for dinner, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results every time. The beauty lies not just in the delicious outcome, but in the simplicity of the process – let your Instant Pot do the heavy lifting while you prepare the accompaniments.

I encourage you to make this recipe your own by experimenting with different toppings and heat levels. Remember, the best Italian beef sandwich is the one that satisfies your personal taste preferences. So fire up that Instant Pot, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create a meal that will have everyone asking for seconds. Happy cooking!