Name: Instant Pot Italian Beef Sandwiches Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h 15 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 3 pounds beef chuck roast; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 packet Italian dressing seasoning mix; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 2 cups beef broth; 1 cup pepperoncini peppers, sliced; 1/2 cup pepperoncini juice; Hoagie rolls or sandwich buns; Provolone cheese (optional)

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If you have been searching for a hearty, flavorful sandwich that practically melts in your mouth and comes together in a flash, this Instant Pot Italian Beef Sandwiches Recipe will become your new go-to. Picture tender, slow-cooked beef infused with aromatic herbs and tangy pepperoncini peppers, all braised perfectly in your Instant Pot. The result is a juicy, savory filling nestled in soft hoagie rolls that packs a punch of bold Italian-American flavor without hours of simmering. Whether you need a crowd-pleasing dinner or an effortless party dish, this recipe delivers every time with minimal fuss and maximum taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A wooden board holds a fresh raw marbled beef chunk with red and white textures on the upper right. Surrounding it are small clear round bowls: one with light golden oil, one with sliced pale yellow-green peppers, and one with finely sliced white onions in the lower right. To the left are small glass dishes with black pepper, salt, dark soy sauce, and another dark brown liquid. A small bulb of garlic is near the lower edge of the board. All items are placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Instant Pot Italian Beef Sandwiches Recipe lies in its simple but essential ingredients, each contributing a unique flavor and texture that come together for a perfect, mouthwatering sandwich. From the rich beef chuck roast to the zesty pepperoncini peppers, every element plays a crucial role.

3 pounds beef chuck roast: The star of the show, this cut becomes wonderfully tender when pressure cooked.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps sear the beef to lock in flavor and develop a beautiful crust.
1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors of the beef and seasonings.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds subtle heat and complexity.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a savory depth to every bite.
1 teaspoon onion powder: Brings gentle sweetness and aromatic notes.
1 packet Italian dressing seasoning mix: A blend of herbs and spices that defines the Italian character of this dish.
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Contributes a rich umami boost.
1 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds an earthy, slightly bitter herbaceousness.
1 teaspoon dried basil: Delivers a sweet, peppery flavor.
2 cups beef broth: Creates the flavorful cooking liquid that tenderizes the meat.
1 cup pepperoncini peppers, sliced: Provides tangy, mildly spicy bite to brighten the dish.
1/2 cup pepperoncini juice: Intensifies the zesty, briny notes.
Hoagie rolls or sandwich buns: Soft yet sturdy to hold all the juicy beef and toppings perfectly.
Provolone cheese (optional): Melts beautifully over the beef for an extra creamy, savory layer.

How to Make Instant Pot Italian Beef Sandwiches Recipe

Step 1: Searing the Beef

Start by setting your Instant Pot to the Sauté function and heating the olive oil. Pat the beef chuck roast dry, then season it evenly with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Once the oil is hot, add the beef and sear it on all sides until it’s a lovely golden brown. This step locks in flavor and creates a delicious crust that will add depth to your dish. When done, remove the roast and set it aside for the next steps.

Step 2: Building the Flavor Base

Pour the beef broth into the hot Instant Pot, then use a wooden spoon to scrape up all those wonderful browned bits from the bottom – those are flavor gold! Stir in the Italian dressing seasoning mix, Worcestershire sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, sliced pepperoncini peppers, and pepperoncini juice. This broth will infuse every tender shred of beef with tangy, herb-filled goodness.

Step 3: Pressure Cooking the Beef

Return the browned beef roast to the pot, nestling it into the flavorful liquid. Seal the Instant Pot lid, ensure the valve is set to Sealing, and cook on High Pressure for 60 minutes. This high-pressure cooking breaks down the connective tissue in the chuck roast, resulting in beef that is fall-apart tender. After the cooking time, allow the pressure to naturally release for 15 minutes before finishing with a quick release to let out any remaining pressure.

Step 4: Shredding and Combining

Open the lid carefully, then use two forks to shred the beef directly in the pot, mixing it well so it soaks up all the flavorful cooking juices. This step ensures every bite of your Instant Pot Italian Beef Sandwiches Recipe is juicy and packed with that irresistible broth.

How to Serve Instant Pot Italian Beef Sandwiches Recipe

Instant Pot Italian Beef Sandwiches Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Enhance your sandwiches with a few simple garnishes. Melt a slice or two of Provolone cheese over the hot shredded beef right on the hoagie roll. You can also add extra pepperoncini peppers for a tangy kick or fresh Italian parsley for color and brightness. A light toasting of your sandwich rolls before assembling helps create the ideal texture that holds up to the juicy filling without sogginess.

Side Dishes

These sandwiches are mighty flavorful and quite filling on their own, but pairing them with crispy fries, a simple green salad, or some crunchy coleslaw can round out the meal beautifully. You could also serve them alongside classic Italian sides like roasted vegetables or a caprese salad to keep that Italian vibe going strong.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to switch things up, consider serving the beef in a platter style for a handy “build-your-own” sandwich station. Lay out hoagie rolls, melted cheese, various pickles, pepperoncini peppers, and some fresh herbs so guests can customize their sandwiches. Another fun presentation is turning the shredded beef into sliders served on smaller buns for game days or casual gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover shredded beef from the Instant Pot Italian Beef Sandwiches Recipe stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make sure to keep it with some of the cooking juices to maintain moisture and flavor when reheating. The hoagie rolls should be stored separately to prevent them from becoming soggy.

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully, making it a fantastic option to prepare in advance. Portion the shredded beef with its juices into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator for best results or use the defrost setting on your microwave.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the shredded beef gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of the reserved cooking juices to keep it moist. You can also microwave it by placing the beef in a covered dish with some broth or water and heating in short bursts, stirring in between. Toast your rolls just before serving for that perfect fresh-from-the-oven texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

While beef chuck roast is ideal due to its fat content and tenderness after slow cooking, you can absolutely use brisket or even a round roast. Just be mindful that leaner cuts may require less cooking time or additional broth to stay juicy.

Is it necessary to use the pepperoncini juice in the recipe?

The pepperoncini juice adds a signature tangy and slightly spicy note that really elevates the flavor but feel free to adjust the amount based on your taste. If you prefer less acidity, simply reduce the quantity or substitute with a mild vinegar or lemon juice.

Can I make this recipe without an Instant Pot?

Yes, though the Instant Pot speeds up the cooking process dramatically. To cook on the stovetop or in a slow cooker, expect to simmer or cook low and slow for several hours until the beef is tender enough to shred.

What type of bread is best for these sandwiches?

Hoagie rolls or sturdy sandwich buns are perfect because they soak up the delicious juices without falling apart. You can use gluten-free rolls if needed to keep the dish friendly for gluten-sensitive guests.

How spicy are these sandwiches?

The spice level is generally mild with a pleasant tang from the pepperoncini peppers. If you want more heat, add extra sliced peppers or a dash of hot sauce to suit your preference.

Final Thoughts

This Instant Pot Italian Beef Sandwiches Recipe is one of those dishes that taste like you spent hours in the kitchen when really, it’s a quick and straightforward process full of rewarding flavors. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, feeding a hungry crowd, or impressing friends with minimal effort. I encourage you to give it a try—you will fall in love with how easy and delicious these sandwiches are, and they just might become a staple in your recipe collection!