Hearty, juicy, and bursting with flavor, Instant Pot Italian Beef Sandwiches are my go-to when I crave something seriously satisfying yet fuss-free. The savory beef soaks up all the zesty, herby juices and then gets piled high on crispy hoagie rolls with gooey provolone—every bite is pure comfort. It’s lightning-fast thanks to the Instant Pot, but you’d never guess the meat wasn’t slow-braised for hours. These sandwiches are perfect for a crowd or a cozy family dinner, and they’re made with everyday pantry staples you probably already have on hand. Let’s dive in, because your new favorite sandwich is about to be born!

Instant Pot Italian Beef Sandwiches Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of these sandwiches lies in their simplicity: each ingredient plays a starring role in building that classic Italian beef taste. Grab these essentials for bold flavor, tender texture, and those iconic splashes of color.

Beef chuck roast (3–4 pounds): Marbled and richly flavored, this cut turns melt-in-your-mouth tender under pressure.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): For searing the beef, locking in juices, and building savory depth from the start.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances every flavor; don’t be shy, the beef can take it.
Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds subtle warmth and balances the richness.
Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Delivers savory sweetness and that classic Italian aroma.
Onion powder (1 teaspoon): Brings in mellow, caramel-like undertones.
Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): Just the right amount of herby, Mediterranean flair.
Crushed red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon, optional): For a little heat—add more if you love spicy!
Sliced pepperoncini peppers with juice (1 jar, 16 oz): Tangy, zingy, and the not-so-secret secret to authentic flavor.
Beef broth (14.5 oz can): Tenderizes the meat and gives a juicy, hearty base to the sauce.
Italian dressing seasoning mix (1 packet): A complex blend for bright, herby notes with a hint of zest.
Hoagie rolls (6): Sturdy, slightly chewy rolls hold up perfectly to all that saucy goodness.
Provolone cheese slices (6): Mellow, melt-in-your-mouth cheese that blankets the hearty beef.

How to Make Instant Pot Italian Beef Sandwiches

Step 1: Sear the Beef

Set your Instant Pot to Sauté and add the olive oil—it’ll get hot fast, so have your beef prepped. Pat the chuck roast dry, then give it a generous seasoning with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and the red pepper flakes for a touch of spice. Once the oil shimmers, sear the roast for 2–3 minutes per side until you get that irresistible golden crust. Searing means maximum flavor in every bite!

Step 2: Add the Zest and Liquid

With the beef beautifully browned, turn off Sauté mode. Pour in the whole jar of pepperoncini peppers, juice and all—this is essential for that signature tang! Add the beef broth and sprinkle in the Italian dressing mix. These extra layers make sure your Instant Pot Italian Beef Sandwiches are loaded with bold Italian flavor.

Step 3: Pressure Cook the Beef

Lock the lid onto your Instant Pot and set it to cook on High Pressure for 60 minutes. No peeking! Let the pressure release naturally for 15 minutes after the timer is up. This gives the beef time to relax and soak up even more flavor, making it incredibly tender.

Step 4: Shred and Marinate

Carefully open the lid (the aroma is absolutely mouthwatering!). With the beef still in the pot, use two forks to shred it until you’ve got luscious strands. Stir it right in the juices—this is when all the magic happens, as every piece gets coated in the zesty, savory sauce.

Step 5: Build and Broil Your Sandwiches

Split the hoagie rolls and toast them if you love a little crunch. Heap each with a generous mound of beef, then lay a slice of provolone over the top. Broil for 1–2 minutes, just until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Serve immediately with extra pepperoncini or a cup of the jus on the side for dipping. Your Instant Pot Italian Beef Sandwiches are ready for a standing ovation!

How to Serve Instant Pot Italian Beef Sandwiches

Garnishes

Keep things classic with extra pepperoncini on top for a fresh, zippy bite. If you want a Chicago-style twist, add a scoop of spicy giardiniera or some roasted red peppers. Chopped fresh parsley over the melted cheese brightens the whole sandwich, both visually and taste-wise.

Side Dishes

Pair your Instant Pot Italian Beef Sandwiches with crispy oven fries, a simple green salad, or tangy coleslaw. For a pub-style platter, serve alongside chips and pickles. These sandwiches are hearty, so a light veggie side or even a classic antipasto salad works perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party or game day, slice each sandwich into smaller pieces and secure with toothpicks—perfect as sliders. You can also build individual open-faced melts on toasted baguette slices. Or try serving the beef atop garlic bread for an indulgent twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any extra beef (with its juices) in an airtight container in the fridge; it will stay fresh and delicious for up to four days. Store the components separately for best texture—rolls and cheese on the side to avoid sogginess.

Freezing

This beef freezes beautifully! Transfer cooled, shredded meat and its juices into freezer-safe bags or containers. It’ll keep for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to relive those Instant Pot Italian Beef Sandwiches magic moments.

Reheating

Gently reheat the beef and juices in a saucepan over low heat, or use the microwave in short bursts, stirring between each to keep it juicy and tender. Toast fresh rolls and re-melt the cheese under the broiler to make your leftovers feel brand new.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Absolutely! While chuck roast is the classic choice for Instant Pot Italian Beef Sandwiches due to its marbling and tenderness, brisket or even bottom round work well—just keep an eye on cook times as leaner cuts may need a little less.

Is the recipe very spicy?

Not at all! The pepperoncini bring more tang than heat. If you want it spicier, add extra red pepper flakes or use hot giardiniera as a topping. Prefer mild? Simply reduce or skip the pepper flakes.

Can I make Instant Pot Italian Beef Sandwiches ahead for a party?

Definitely! You can cook and shred the beef a day or two ahead, then refrigerate. Reheat with the juices and assemble right before serving; the flavors only deepen over time, making them ideal for entertaining.

What bread is best for these sandwiches?

Sturdy hoagie rolls hold up to the saucy beef and melty cheese, but you can also use French bread, sandwich rolls, or even ciabatta. Just toast before piling on the filling for best results.

How do I make these sandwiches gluten free?

Simply swap in your favorite gluten free rolls and ensure your Italian dressing mix is gluten free. Everything else in the Instant Pot Italian Beef Sandwiches is naturally gluten free, so you won’t miss out!

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort sandwich, these Instant Pot Italian Beef Sandwiches are the answer. They bring big flavors with minimal effort and always impress a crowd. Give these a try, and I promise they’ll become a new favorite at your table!

Instant Pot Italian Beef Sandwiches Recipe

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4.5 from 29 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Yield: 6 sandwiches 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These Instant Pot Italian Beef Sandwiches are a delicious and easy meal to make in your pressure cooker. Tender shredded beef flavored with Italian seasonings and tangy pepperoncini, topped with melted provolone cheese, all served on toasted hoagie rolls.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef:

3–4 pounds beef chuck roast
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Other:

1 (16 oz) jar sliced pepperoncini peppers with juice
1 (14.5 oz) can beef broth
1 packet Italian dressing seasoning mix
6 hoagie rolls
6 slices provolone cheese

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Instructions

Sear the Beef: Season chuck roast with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Sear in Instant Pot until browned.
Cook: Add pepperoncini, beef broth, and Italian seasoning. Pressure cook for 60 minutes.
Shred and Assemble: Shred beef, fill hoagie rolls, top with provolone, and broil until cheese melts.
Serve: Enjoy hot sandwiches with extra pepperoncini or jus on the side.