Pressure Cooker Italian Beef

Chicago Style Italian Beef… Sort Of

I know, it’s not like the ones you used to get at (fill in the blank). First off, Italian Beef is not an Italian recipe, it is a regional dish usually found in Chicago. This recipe is not meant to emulate the Italian Beef at any particular place, it is merely Italian beef as I make it.

I am not from Chicago, and I have never had Italian Beef in Chicago. I have had it in other cities and each version was wildly different, so I figured that gives me a lot of leeway to make it “my way” (regrets, I’ve had a few, but then again, too few to mention, if I may be Frank).

Generally this is served on French or Sourdough rolls, but it can also be used to top noodles or rice (though not traditional). I like to use Sourdough rolls and add provolone cheese. The traditional condiment is Giardiniera, which can be spicy or mild. The only version I could find without making the trek to the Italian Deli was not really a version meant for sandwiches. It was good, but the huge chunks made it difficult to keep on the bread, and I like it with a little less cauliflower.

So, we start by heating the oil in the pressure cooker pot over medium-high heat.

Season about 2 pounds of Beef Chuck with salt and pepper (or Montreal Steak Seasoning, as I used) then brown on both sides and remove it to a plate.

Add 1 large onion, halved then sliced thickly and 2 bell peppers, also sliced thickly (whichever color you prefer) to the pot and sauté until they start to soften (about 5-6 minutes).

Toss in 5-6 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed with the side of  a knife and continue to sauté for another minute.

Add a level tablespoon of Italian spice mix and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes and stir.

Pour in the 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire Sauce, 1-1/2 cups of beef stock and 1/4 cup pepperoncinis with 1/4 cup of the pepper juice.

Place the meat back in the pot.

Add a little salt and ten or twelve grinds of black pepper along with two bay leaves.

Lock the lid on the pressure cooker and raise the heat to high.

Bring to high pressure, then adjust the heat to maintain high pressure.

Set the time for 40 minutes.

When the time is up, let the heat come down on its own for ten minutes then do a quick release.

Remove the meat to a plate and let it rest for ten minutes. Transfer the meat to a cutting board and slice thinly.

Remove the Bay Leaves, taste the sauce and add more salt and pepper to taste.

Return the meat to the pot.

Serve on sandwiches or over noodles or rice (I like it on sourdough rolls with provolone cheese). Add a little more juice on top of the meat.

This is a bit of a messy sandwich (or maybe I am just a slob), so it may require a knife and fork.

Top with Giardiniera (if desired).

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