Italian Beef - Crockpot or Instant Pot {VIDEO} --The Recipe Rebel (2024)

Easy shredded Italian Beef made in the crockpot, just SIX ingredients and loaded with flavor! Includes Instant Pot method and step by step video.

Italian Beef - Crockpot or Instant Pot {VIDEO} --The Recipe Rebel (1)

Table of Contents

  • Where did Italian Beef originate?
  • What is the best cut of meat for Italian Beef:
  • How to make this shredded Italian Beef in the Instant Pot:
  • What do I serve with Italian Beef?
  • How do I store leftover shredded Italian Beef?
  • Italian Beef Recipe

If there’s anyone who has trouble straying from a traditional roast beef with gravy, they need to try this crockpot Italian Beef!

I will admit I myself was a little skeptical, because I’m a little wary of spicy food and don’t use pepperoncini much in my day-to-day cooking.

But the flavor of this beef and the sauce is so incredible, it’s worth a try!

As much as I love a classicSlow Cooker Pot Roast ora big bowl ofHoney Balsamic Slow Cooker Beef Stew,this is a fun and flavorful twist on crockpot beef that everyone loves!

This crockpot Italian Beef is the perfect make ahead meal because it needs a long (think really long) cook time in order to break down and become tender, so get it started early in the morning and you won’t have to think about making dinner!

Although, you will have to smell it cooking all day long 😉

Italian Beef - Crockpot or Instant Pot {VIDEO} --The Recipe Rebel (2)

The leftovers make amazing sandwiches, quesadillas and more — see my list below of ways to store it for later or use it up!

Where did Italian Beef originate?

Believe it or not, Italian Beef is not an Italian recipe (spoiler: most Italians probably don’t use a whole lot of Italian dressing mix 😉 ).

Italian Beef is a Chicago specialty, and there are piles and piles of places to get an amazing authentic Italian Beef sandwich.

My recipe here is a shortcut, and I don’t generally load mine up with pickled vegetables like many are down in Chicago, but you definitely could!

What is the best cut of meat for Italian Beef:

Because we are cooking this roast beef low and slow, there are many different cuts of beef that will work just as well.

Typically, most pot roast or shredded beef recipes call for “chuck roast”, which can be difficult to find labelled that in Canada.

The chuck roast is from the shoulder of the cow, is leaner, and has a lot of connective tissue. When cooked quickly, it’s not that appetizing, but in the slow cooker? It develops amazing flavor!

In Canada, look for “blade” or “cross rib” roasts, though I have used almost any roast in this recipe — the long cook time breaks down meat that would otherwise be tough.

If you don’t have a blade or cross rib roast, a round roast would be your next best bet!

Italian Beef - Crockpot or Instant Pot {VIDEO} --The Recipe Rebel (3)

How to make this shredded Italian Beef in the Instant Pot:

You can easily make Instant Pot Italian Beef by combining all of the ingredients in the Instant Pot and cooking for 70-90 minutes depending on the size of your roast.

If you want to cook it more quickly, or you have a very large roast, you may want to break the roast down into 1-1.5 lb chunks just to ensure it is tender when you pop it out!

Serve with buns and cheese as desired.

What do I serve with Italian Beef?

This shredded Italian Beef makes one amazing sandwich, which is normally how it’s served, with crusty rolls and provolone cheese.

Not into sandwiches?

Try serving with some of my favorites:

  • Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes Recipe
  • Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes Recipe
  • Garlic Herb Instant Pot Potatoes
  • Instant Pot Baked Potatoes Recipe

It’s also wonderful over plain cooked egg noodles or rice!

How do I store leftover shredded Italian Beef?

You can store leftover Italian Beef in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, or place in a freezer bag or freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

Need some creative ideas to use up your leftovers? Try these:

  • Quesadillas
  • Tacos
  • Sliders
  • Pizza
  • Over pasta
  • Nachos
  • Shepherd’s Pie
  • Beef Pot Pie

Italian Beef - Crockpot or Instant Pot {VIDEO} --The Recipe Rebel (4)

Pin this recipe to save for later

Pin this recipe to your favorite board

Italian Beef

written by Ashley Fehr

5 from 48 votes

Easy shredded Italian Beef made in the crockpot, just SIX ingredients and loaded with flavor! Includes Instant Pot method and step by step video.

Italian Beef - Crockpot or Instant Pot {VIDEO} --The Recipe Rebel (6)

Save

Review

Print

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 hours hrs

Total Time 10 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Cuisine American

Course Main Course

Servings 12 servings

Calories 433.66cal

Ingredients

  • 3-4 lb beef roast (chuck, blade or round recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 package Italian dressing mix or garlic herb seasoning
  • 2 cups low sodium beef broth
  • 1 jar pepperoncini peppers with juice*
  • 12 sub or hoagie rolls
  • 12 slices provolone, havarti or mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  • Place roast in a 4-6 quart crockpot. Season all over with salt, pepper and Italian dressing mix.

  • Pour beef broth and ¾ cup brine from the jar of pepperoncinis into the bottom of the crockpot. Add ½ cup sliced pepperoncini peppers on top. (*For less spice, use only the brine and no peppers)

  • Cook on low for 10-11 hours until fall apart tender (if you want it to cook more quickly, cut into 3-4 smaller pieces and cook for 8 hours).

  • Shred beef in juices and serve on buns with cheese and additional pickled pepperoncinis as desired.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 433.66cal | Carbohydrates: 26.97g | Protein: 34.35g | Fat: 20.86g | Saturated Fat: 10.72g | Cholesterol: 97.56mg | Sodium: 896.13mg | Potassium: 495.12mg | Fiber: 0.62g | Sugar: 0.16g | Vitamin A: 261.14IU | Calcium: 230.96mg | Iron: 2.5mg

Keywords italian beef, shredded beef

Want to save this recipe?

Create an account easily save your favorite content, so you never forget a recipe again.

Register Now

Tried this recipe?

Tag @thereciperebel or hashtag #thereciperebel —
I love to see what you’re making!

Tag @thereciperebel
Italian Beef - Crockpot or Instant Pot {VIDEO} --The Recipe Rebel (2024)

FAQs

Is roast beef better in slow cooker or Instant Pot? ›

Some people prefer a roast that has more substance, so if you do, the Instant Pot is the winner. I have tried cooking a roast for up to 120 minutes in the Instant Pot and the texture still didn't match a slow cooker, but every 10 minutes of added pressure cooking will definitely make the meat more tender.

What is the best cut of beef for Italian beef? ›

The cut of beef used for Italian beef is typically chuck roast. However, top sirloin, top round, or bottom round would also work well. Giardiniera. A delicious blend of pickled vegetables that adds that wonderful, classic flavor to Italian beef.

Why is my crock pot roast beef so tough? ›

Why is my pot roast still tough? It's because you haven't let the collagen break down. Extend the cook time, make sure there's enough liquid and keep an eye on the dish.

Why is my Instant Pot roast tough? ›

If you find that it's still tough after cooking, you'll need to cook it for another 10 to 20 minutes at high pressure – it just needs a bit longer to continue to brine and break down the connective tissue.

Is a slow cooker or pressure cooker better for beef? ›

Because pressure cookers utilise steam to cook food very quickly, they are the perfect choice for cooking meals such as beef brisket that can take a much longer time than slow cookers, yet provide almost identical results.

Is it better to slow cook or pressure cook beef? ›

Traditionally cheaper cuts of meat always slow cook better. Slow cooking breaks down the connective collagen in meat, which turns into unctuous gelatine. This creates that soft and tender mouth feel we all crave.

What's the best cheese to put on Italian beef? ›

The Rolls: Italian hoagie rolls are the top choice for Italian Beef Sandwiches. Rolls are a must, as bread will become soggy and won't hold up to the juicy meat and toppings. Cheese: Provolone cheese is the ultimate cheese for an Italian Beef Sandwich. It's creamy and melty with just enough sharpness to hold its own.

What is the Chicago way Italian beef? ›

Today, the ideal Italian Beef is made with a hero roll filled with thinly sliced meat and topped with giardiniera – pickled vegetables that can include hot or sweet peppers. A later development has included topping the sandwich with provolone cheese, but this isn't a traditional topping.

How many lbs of Italian beef per person? ›

How many roasts do I need to cook Italian beef for sandwiches for 100 people? Assuming sides, I would ideally prep a half pound per person. So 45-50 pounds of roast.

Why is my beef still tough after 8 hours in a slow cooker? ›

“Beef may be tough in the slow cooker if you haven't added enough liquid, or haven't cooked it for long enough,” Kristen Carli, M.S., R.D., owner of Camelback Nutrition & Wellness, tells SELF. “For cuts of meat, the fattier cuts are often the ones that get juicy and tender.

Why is my roast still tough after 8 hours in the crock pot? ›

If your crock pot roast is tough, it is possible you didn't use a boneless chuck roast, in which cases some cuts of meat will never become fall-apart tender OR more likely, you did not cook your beef long enough. If your pot roast seems tough, cook on!

Can you overcook beef in a slow cooker? ›

Can you overcook meat in a slow cooker? Yes you can. Using a slowcooker can still kill all the moisture in the meat if left too long. To avoid this it is best to monitor what you are making or add some extra moisture (like stock or sauce) to help buffer this.

What is the best meat to pressure cook? ›

You can still pressure cook leaner pieces – like eye of round and top sirloin – but these work best if they've been stuffed, shredded or rolled (with other ingredients). Best cuts of beef to use: Chuck steak, Round Roast, Shoulder, Pot roast, Ribs, Brisket, Oxtail.

Do you cover meat with liquid in a pressure cooker? ›

While you may cover meat almost completely for a conventional braise, use just enough liquid for the cooker to reach pressure – during pressure cooking the meat will release it's own juice and braise in that flavorful liquid, instead.

Does beef get tender in a pressure cooker? ›

Steam penetrates food easily under pressure. So connective tissues in cubes of beef for soups or stews soften in 15 minutes or less, and a pot roast will be medium-rare in 30 minutes.

What type of beef does Portillo's use? ›

Portillo's uses thinly-sliced bottom round roast beef, which is the tougher of the two (top and bottom) back-end round cuts.

What is the best cut of beef for pasta? ›

One of the finest cuts of beef to be served with pasta is chopped filet mignon. The tenderness of the steak paired with the flavor of the sauce creates an unforgettable pasta dish. Ground beef is often used to create the traditional spaghetti and meatballs we all know and love.

Which cuts of beef are the most tender? ›

The most tender of all cuts of beef, tenderloin steaks are lean and known for their delicate, butter-like texture and thick cut. These mouthwatering steaks are so tender they can be “cut with a butter knife.” Tenderloin steaks are commonly known as filets or filet mignon.

What is the best cut of meat for beef sandwiches? ›

A top loin roast is ideal. It's got plenty of brawny flavor, and all of the fat is on the surface, which you can easily trim off after the meat is cooked. Here, the beef is roasted low and slow to ensure rare, juicy meat. This said, if you want a more economical cut, use bottom, top or eye round here instead.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Lidia Grady

Last Updated:

Views: 5871

Rating: 4.4 / 5 (65 voted)

Reviews: 80% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Lidia Grady

Birthday: 1992-01-22

Address: Suite 493 356 Dale Fall, New Wanda, RI 52485

Phone: +29914464387516

Job: Customer Engineer

Hobby: Cryptography, Writing, Dowsing, Stand-up comedy, Calligraphy, Web surfing, Ghost hunting

Introduction: My name is Lidia Grady, I am a thankful, fine, glamorous, lucky, lively, pleasant, shiny person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.