Want a simple dinner with only 3 ingredients? Instant Pot Italian beef sandwiches.
Or some may call, Pepperoncini Beef. Literally all you need is a good beef roast and a bottle of pepperoncinis. I personally like to add in an onion (and so do our commenters!) Top it on a nice crusty bread roll and its perfect. If you're from the west you'll likely also top it with cheese but understand that is NOT how the Italians do it haha.
How to make Instant Pot Italian beef sandwiches
You can make italian beef sandwiches in either
- Instant Pot
- Slow-cooker method
I've included both cooking instructions in the recipe card, but I prefer to cook instant pot style. It's quick, easy and never dried out juicy. Either way you want to have tender pull-apart beef.
What type of beef roast do I buy?
Because stores often have different cuts that look better than other at different times I don't always buy one specific cut of roast. I look for a roast that is lean (does not have large slabs of fat) but has nice white marbling throughout. If you have a favorite cut use that!
How large of a roast do you buy?
With this recipe you can buy large or small deepening on the size of your family or group you are feeding. I like to buy 3-4 lbs roast.
Do I sear the roast?
The beautiful thing about this recipe is that it IS 100% a dump and go recipe. You do not have to sear the meat. HOWEVER, searing your roast does help seal in the juices and boost the beef flavor. I love to sear the roast when I have time. In a saute pan, or on sauté setting in your instant pot, on high heat, heat the oil and cook roast on all side until they are a dark brown. Because of the high heat + oil this should not take more than 5 minutes on each side.
Pepperoncinis
These are the star of this dish. Basically they are what make this sandwich shine. They give this Instant Pot Italian beef a rich tang that couples perfectly with a crusty bread. You can find the jar's of pepperoncinis right by the pickles in the condiments isle of your grocery store. They come in hot and mild- choose whatever you prefer.
If you really love the flavor of pickled veggies, and want a true Italian beef sandwich top them with the pickled garden veggies (which are also found next to the bottles of pepperoni beef) they are so good!!
.... as a side note.. Pepperoncini is really hard to type.
Instant Pot Italian Beef Sandwiches
Ingredients
- 1 Beef Roast see notes
- 1 bottle of cut Pepperoncinis
- 1 onion, sliced
- Buns
Instructions
Instant Pot Instructions
- In instant pot add beef roast, onions and bottle of pepperoncini's. Cook on high for 45 minutes. Natural release completely. Shred and serve over crusty bread.
Slow Cooker Instructions
- Place beef roast in a slow cooker.
- Placed sliced onions on roast. Pour entire bottle of pepperoncini's and juice over top. If you can not find pre-cut pepperoncinis then just take the tops off the whole ones and tear into small pieces. Be sure to add all the juices to the slow-cooker.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- Shred and serve with juice on toasted buns.
Notes
Nutrition
Troy says
Italian beef has giardiniera.
This is a recipe for a Mississippi pot roast lol. Regardless, I’m not throwing any shade! Love a good Mississippi roast any day of the week.
Rosa Romero says
This tasted delicious. It did take longer in the Instant pot about an hour and the center of the meat was still a little tough. I didn’t add the pickled veggies on top but I did add the extra pepperoncini which made it taste fantastic and I also added provolone. thank you for the recipe the whole family loved it.
Joanne says
For the Italian beef sandwich, you wrote, cook for 6-8 hours. You’ve been referring to the instant Pot, I can’t believe this is not a mistake?
Desarae says
Hi Joanne, The recipe card has two sets of instructions. Each set is labeled in bold- There is INSTANT POT INSTRUCTIONS and SLOW COOKER INSTRUCTIONS, you must have skipped the instant pot instructions (they are short, easy to miss) and read right on to the slow cooker. You only cook in the instant pot for about 45 minutes.
Betty says
What size jar of pepperoncinis?
Desarae says
about 16 oz is what I use, but it can be less or more depending on what you find at your local stores.
Betty Greeley says
What is the pounds for the roast?
Desarae says
You can use whatever you need for the instant pot. I typically have a 3-4 lb roast. The pressure cooker will adjust the cooking time naturally for larger or smaller roasts.
jason says
so easy and we loved the flavor.
WAYNE says
GOOD HEAVENS! I SEE U NEVER LIVED IN CHICAGO , THEY WOULD RUN YOU OUT OF TOWN IF U SERVED THEM THAT , TRY LOUIS ITALIAN BEEF MIX ,WITH CHICKEN BROTH AND AN ONION AND DON'T USE HOT DOG ROLLS USE A FRENCH BREAD THAT WILL HOLD UP TO THE JUICE
Dolores Sperando says
I am originally from Illinois. Made many Italian beefs. If you use a bottle of pepperoncini, slices or not. It will be spicy. I use a few when cooking and top my sandwiches. withe the whole ones. I do squeeze out the juice to get rid of the heat. Italian French Bread.
Pam Plant says
Like the question on March 19, 2016, I too am wondering the size and cut of roast.
Aubrey says
Hi Pam, I am not too particular on the cut or size, usually a chuck roast or round roast is what I grab!
Kay Wood says
Just wondering what size & favorite cut of roast?
domain ip info says
I was born and raised in Chicago and an Italian Beef NEVER has cheese on it. If you put cheese on it then it becomes a Philly Cheesesteak.
Terrie Provenzano says
you are absolutely right!
Aubrey says
I didn't know that rule! Being from the West we add cheese to whatever we like! hah! I actually make my Philly Cheesesteaks much differently as well. This just has more an Italian vibe with the peperroncinis. But good to know for my food culture :)
Margo says
I totally agree! I am also from Chicago and I really miss Italian Beef Sandwiches.
domain ip info says
I also add a bottle of mild Gardinera and a package of Zesty Italian Dry dressing to mine with the peppercini's. Delicious!
domain ip info says
Oh that sounds delish!! Going to have to give it a try!
Brittney Seiter says
This has become a family favorite recipe! Thanks for sharing!
Desarae says
CANT wait to try this!! I love beef sandwiches.
Leslie Sanders says
yummy! i love pepperocinis too!
Cicely says
Love this easy recipe! I usually add a quartered onion and a few minced garlic cloves to the crockpot when I make it.
domain ip info says
I bet that tastes amazing. I love that this is a super simple recipe and can be played with! Makes dinner fun!