When I make these Instant Pot Italian Beef Sandwiches for dinner, my third grader only asks, “Are there any more?”
Lucky for her, this recipe makes enough to feed our family of 6 at LEAST twice. These instructions will help you make a lot of food without spending a lot of money. You can also freeze the extra food for a quick dinner another night.
Plus, these Italian Beef Sandwiches are a one-pot recipe and great for Instant Pot newbies.
And the green peppers? Non-negotiable. I haven’t been a big fan in the past but these MAKE THE WHOLE SANDWICH. Just trust me.
This is what my four real children said about the recipes, and I only add recipes to Foodlets that get at least three thumbs up. Here’s what they think:
Violet (3) “Mmm. Thank you for making this, Mommy. You the best sister in the world!”
Italian beef sandwiches aren’t complete without the crunch and tang of green peppers. When cooked properly, the peppers provide the perfect complement to the savory, tender beef. Undercook or overcook them, however, and you lose that ideal texture and flavor. Follow this guide to learn how to cook green bell peppers just right for your authentic Italian beef sandwiches.
Select Fresh, Crisp Peppers
The first step is choosing high-quality green bell peppers. Look for ones that:
- Have taut, shiny skin without wrinkles or soft spots
- Feel heavy for their size
- Are free of blemishes
Avoid any peppers that appear dull, limp, or show signs of mold or damage The crispness of the raw pepper directly correlates to the crunch you’ll get after cooking
Prep the Peppers
Once you’ve chosen your peppers prep them for cooking
- Rinse under cold water and pat dry.
- Remove the stem, seeds, and membranes.
- Slice lengthwise into long 1-inch strips.
Proper prep prevents uneven cooking and gets rid of any bitter taste from seeds or membranes.
Use High Heat for Char and Caramelization
To achieve perfect char and caramelization on the peppers:
- Heat a cast iron or stainless steel pan over high heat.
- When it’s screaming hot, add just enough olive oil to coat the bottom.
- Lay peppers flat in a single layer and let sit undisturbed for 2-3 minutes.
High dry heat draws out moisture to crisp the skins while adding nice char.
Flip and Repeat
Once the skins begin to blacken:
- Use tongs to flip each pepper strip.
- Cook 2-3 minutes more undisturbed on the second side.
- Pepper skins should be mostly blackened with tender, brightly-colored flesh underneath.
Cooking both sides maximizes that smoky charred flavor.
Season Generously
Don’t be shy with seasoning:
- Sprinkle with coarse sea salt and ground pepper as the peppers cook.
- Add red pepper flakes for some heat.
- Flavor with Italian herbs like oregano or basil.
A heavy hand with seasoning balances out the vegetable’s sweetness.
Remove From Heat at Peak Texture
Watch peppers closely near the end of cooking time. As soon as they become fork-tender but still have a bit of crunch, transfer them to a plate. Overcooking leads to mushy, flaccid peppers. Undercooking leaves them crunchy and raw tasting. Removing at the right moment preserves that ideal al dente texture.
Let Peppers Rest
Once cooked, let peppers rest 5 minutes before assembling sandwiches. This allows them to firm up slightly for a perfect peppery crunch with each bite.
Slice and Layer on Sandwiches
After resting, slice peppers into 2-3 inch pieces. Layer on top of juicy Italian beef just before serving for maximum flavor and texture contrast. The pepper’s subtle sweetness and acidic bite cuts through the unctuous meat beautifully.
With the right techniques, it’s easy to achieve Italian beef sandwich perfection. Always opt for the freshest peppers and cook them over high dry heat for delicious char. Let them rest after cooking so they maintain that satisfying crunch. When layered atop thinly sliced, soaked beef, you end up with the quintessential Chicago-style sandwich experience. Now grab a few extra napkins and dive in!
How to make Italian Beef Sandwiches in an Instant Pot
Jeff Mauro Makes an Italian Beef Sandwich | The Kitchen | Food Network
FAQ
Should I pre-cook bell peppers before stuffing them?
How do you soften bell peppers?
Do you cook peppers and onions before meat?
What are oven roasted Italian green peppers?
These Oven Roasted Italian Green Peppers are such a great accompaniment to many different dishes. Simple Italian peppers, seasoned with sea salt and drizzled with olive oil and roasted in the oven. Easy and delicious! What Are Italian Peppers? These Italian Peppers, also know as Italian Frying Peppers, are a sweet longish green pepper.
How do you finish a giardiniera sandwich?
If you want, you can also finish your sandwich with green bell pepper; when roasted and sliced, it adds a juicy, mild flavor to the beef, which in Chicago means it’s served “sweet”. You’ll need to begin the giardiniera 3 days before you plan to cook the beef.
How do you cook Italian peppers in a crock pot?
Make sure the oil is about 3 inches deep. Place the dry peppers in the oil and fry for about 5 – 6 minutes until golden and soft. Remove and drain on paper towels, sprinkle with salt and serve. Barbecue the Italian peppers – the best way to barbecue these peppers is on indirect heat.
How do you cook pickled green hot peppers?
Pickled green hot peppers are traditional, but any kind of pickled pepper will bring a welcome bit of heat and crunch. Season the meat generously all over with salt and pepper. Heat the oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high. Add the meat and sear on one side, undisturbed, until deeply browned, about 5 minutes.