Flavorful Instant Pot Italian Beef Recipe

Published on January 20, 2026

By Amberly Vahn

Ready in: 1 hour 15 minutes · Serves: 6-8 · Technique: Pressure Cooking · Storage: Up to 4 days in the refrigerator or 3 months in the freezer.

Quick Answer

This Instant Pot Italian Beef recipe combines seared, tender beef with rich Italian spices for a hearty dish perfect for gatherings.

As I cozy up in my New York City kitchen, the fall season marks the perfect opportunity to explore comforting dishes that bring warmth amid the hustle and bustle. With Thanksgiving and Christmas around the corner, I can’t wait to share one of my go-to recipes for inviting friends and family over—a hearty Instant Pot Italian Beef. This dish combines tender, flavorful beef with rich Italian spices that will fill your home with mouthwatering aromas, inviting even the most dedicated city-dweller to linger a little longer at the table.

A Cozy Holiday Treat

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• This Instant Pot Italian Beef is a time-saver, cooking in a fraction of the time compared to traditional methods.
• The rich, flavorful spices create an aroma that will make your home feel warm and inviting.
• Perfect for gatherings, it’s a hearty dish that will satisfy even the hungriest of guests.
• This recipe is easily customizable; adjust the spice levels to suit your taste.
• Leftovers taste even better, making it great for meal prep or leisurely weekends.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create a delicious Instant Pot Italian Beef:

Beef and Aromatics

• 3-4 pounds of boneless chuck roast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids and Seasonings

• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup pepperoncini peppers (with juice)
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

To Serve

• 6-8 hoagie rolls
• Provolone cheese, for serving

How to Make Instant Pot Italian Beef (Step-by-Step)

Follow these easy steps to create a flavorful Instant Pot Italian Beef that will impress your friends and family.

Step 1: Prep the Beef

Start by trimming any unnecessary fat from the chuck roast. Then, season it generously with salt and black pepper. This initial step is crucial as it forms the foundation of flavor.

Step 2: Sear the Beef

Heat the olive oil in your Instant Pot using the sauté function. Once hot, add the roast and sear each side for about 4-5 minutes until it’s beautifully browned. The nutty aroma of the searing beef is an early indicator of the deliciousness to come.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

Remove the seared beef and set it aside. In the leftover oil, toss in the sliced onions and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they’re soft and slightly caramelized. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute, letting the vibrant flavors meld together.

Step 4: Deglaze the Pot

Pour in the beef broth, scraping the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to release any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom—a step you won’t want to skip, as it adds depth to the finished dish.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

Return the beef to the pot, and add the pepperoncini peppers along with their juice, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if you like a kick.

Step 6: Pressure Cook

Secure the lid of your Instant Pot, making sure the valve is set to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 60 minutes. Once the timer goes off, allow for a natural release of steam for about 15 minutes before carefully turning the valve to vent any remaining pressure.

Step 7: Shred and Serve

Once fully released, remove the beef, allowing it to rest for a few minutes before shredding it with two forks. Serve it hot on hoagie rolls, topped with provolone cheese that melts beautifully from the heat of the beef.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Avoid overcrowding the pot when searing; give the beef space for a proper crust.
• Don’t skip the deglazing step. It helps prevent the dreaded burn notice and enhances flavor.
• Be cautious with the pepperoncini juice; adding too much can overpower the overall flavor.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• For additional flavor, marinate the beef overnight with the spices and some beef broth.
• Pair your Italian Beef sandwiches with a side of giardiniera for a crunchy contrast.
• This dish is even better the next day, as the flavors continue to develop, making it a fantastic make-ahead option for holiday gatherings.

Variations

• Substitute chuck roast with brisket for a different texture.
• Use different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or feta, for a unique flavor.
• Add sliced bell peppers for an extra crunch and sweetness.
• Replace beef broth with chicken broth for a lighter version.

How to Serve

• Serve on hoagie rolls topped with melted provolone cheese.
• Accompany with a side of pickles or coleslaw.
• Garnish with fresh parsley for added color and flavor.
• Offer extra pepperoncini on the side for those who enjoy some heat.

Make Ahead and Storage

• Make Ahead: Marinate the beef overnight for enhanced flavor.
• Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: Warm in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
• Freezing: Freeze for up to 3 months; store in individual servings for easy defrosting.

Recipe Notes / What I Learned

This recipe not only showcases the magic of the Instant Pot but also fills your kitchen with delightful aromas that evoke the warmth of family gatherings. Each time I make this dish, I’m reminded of how simple ingredients can lead to unforgettable memories around the dinner table.

Yield and Serving Size

Yield: 6-8 servings · Serving Size: 1 hoagie roll with beef and cheese

Nutrition Snapshot

Estimated Nutrition Per Serving: ~450 calories · 30g protein · 30g carbs · 20g fat

Amberly Vahn

Flavorful Instant Pot Italian Beef

This Instant Pot Italian Beef recipe combines seared, tender beef with rich Italian spices for a hearty dish perfect for gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Group: Ingredients

• 3-4 lb. boneless chuck roast
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. black pepper
• 2 Tbsp. olive oil
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup pepperoncini peppers (with juice)
• 1 Tbsp. Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp. red pepper flakes (optional)
• Provolone cheese, for serving

Equipment

• Instant Pot
• Sauté pan
• Wooden spoon

Method

 

1. Start by trimming any unnecessary fat from the chuck roast. Then, season it generously with salt and black pepper.
2. Heat the olive oil in your Instant Pot using the sauté function. Once hot, add the roast and sear each side for about 4-5 minutes until it’s beautifully browned.
3. Remove the seared beef and set it aside. In the leftover oil, toss in the sliced onions and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they’re soft and slightly caramelized. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute.
4. Pour in the beef broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom.
5. Return the beef to the pot, and add the pepperoncini peppers along with their juice, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if desired.
6. Secure the lid of your Instant Pot, ensuring the valve is set to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 60 minutes. Once done, allow for a natural release of steam for about 15 minutes.
7. Remove the beef, allowing it to rest for a few minutes before shredding it with two forks. Serve hot on hoagie rolls, topped with provolone cheese.

Notes

This dish is even better the next day, as the flavors continue to develop, making it a fantastic make-ahead option for holiday gatherings.

FAQs