How to Make Italian Beef in the Pressure Cooker

A Journey into the Heart of Italian Cuisine

Let’s talk about a dish that’s close to my heart. It’s a classic, a staple of Italian cuisine – Italian Beef. And today, we’re going to prepare it using a pressure cooker. This method is quick, easy, and the result is a tender, flavorful beef that’s just perfect for sandwiches or as a main dish. So, let’s get started!

The Ingredients

Before we start cooking, let’s gather all the ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 lbs beef roast
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 jar (16 oz) pepperoncini peppers, with juice

The Preparation

Now that we have all our ingredients, let’s move on to the preparation. Follow these steps:

1. Season the Beef: Rub the beef roast with olive oil. Mix the salt, black pepper, oregano, basil, onion powder, and garlic powder together. Rub this mixture all over the beef.

2. Brown the Beef: Set your pressure cooker to the sauté setting. Add the beef and brown it on all sides. This should take about 5 minutes per side.

3. Add the Rest: Once the beef is browned, add the beef broth and the entire jar of pepperoncini peppers, including the juice.

The Cooking

Now, it’s time to let the pressure cooker do its magic. Here’s how:

1. Cook the Beef: Close the lid of the pressure cooker and set it to high pressure. Cook the beef for 60 minutes.

2. Release the Pressure: After the cooking time is up, let the pressure release naturally for 15 minutes. Then, carefully release any remaining pressure.

3. Shred the Beef: Once the pressure is fully released, open the lid. The beef should be tender and easy to shred with a fork. If it’s not, you can put it back under pressure for another 10 minutes.

The Serving

Finally, it’s time to enjoy your Italian Beef! Here are a few serving suggestions:

• Sandwiches: Pile the shredded beef high on a crusty roll. Top with some of the pepperoncini peppers and a slice of provolone cheese. Toast the sandwich until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

• Main Dish: Serve the shredded beef over mashed potatoes or polenta. Drizzle some of the cooking juices over the top for extra flavor.

• Leftovers: Italian Beef is even better the next day! Store any leftovers in the fridge and reheat for a quick and delicious meal.

With these steps, making Italian beef in a pressure cooker is not only straightforward but also a method that guarantees delicious results every time. This dish, perfect for sandwiches, impresses at any gathering or serves as a comforting weeknight dinner. Experiment with the amount of garlic, seasoning, and pepperoncini to find the balance that suits your palate. Most importantly, enjoy the process and the delicious outcome.