Instant Pot French Dip Sandwiches Recipe

These Instant Pot French Dip Sandwiches are the ultimate comfort food, combining tender, juicy shredded beef with ooey-gooey provolone, all tucked into crusty hoagie rolls and served with a rich au jus for dipping. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for an easy weeknight dinner, this foolproof recipe packs all the savory flavor of a classic French dip—without hours spent waiting by the stove.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed by how just a handful of kitchen staples transform into Instant Pot French Dip Sandwiches with big, bold flavors. Each ingredient has a starring role in making these sandwiches irresistible, from the juicy beef to the cheesy, melty finish.

• Beef Roast (3-4 lbs): Choose a well-marbled cut like chuck roast—this will stay fork-tender and juicy after pressure cooking.
• Onion (½, sliced): Adds sweet depth and combines with broth to build a classic French dip base.
• Packaged Onion Soup Mix: An easy shortcut for savory, umami-packed flavor in every bite and in the au jus.
• Minced Garlic (2 tsp): Brings a little zing and warmth to the broth—fresh or jarred is fine.
• Beef Broth (4 cups): Essential for juicy beef and the most dunk-worthy dipping sauce ever.
• Hoagie Rolls (6): Soft but sturdy rolls are ideal—these soak up all that brothy goodness without falling apart.
• Provolone Cheese (12 slices): Melts beautifully and adds a mild, creamy layer to every sandwich.

Variations

One of the very best things about Instant Pot French Dip Sandwiches is just how easy it is to tailor them to whatever you have on hand—or to suit everyone at the table. Don’t be afraid to experiment with flavors, bread options, or even approaches to the au jus!

• Cheesy Twist: Swap out provolone for Swiss, mozzarella, or sharp cheddar for a different flavor profile.
• Grain-Free Option: Use sturdy lettuce leaves or pile the shredded beef over cauliflower rice for a lower-carb meal (with plenty of au jus on the side, of course).
• Spicy Kick: Add sliced pickled jalapeños or a little horseradish cream to the assembled sandwiches for extra zip.
• Hearty Veggies: Toss in sliced bell peppers or mushrooms to cook with the beef for bonus flavor and texture.

How to Make Instant Pot French Dip Sandwiches

Step 1: Load Up the Instant Pot

Start by adding your beef roast, sliced onion, onion soup mix, minced garlic, and beef broth directly to the Instant Pot. No fancy layering required—just make sure the roast is nestled in so it is mostly covered by the broth. This all-in-one method infuses every bite with maximum flavor and means minimal cleanup later!

Step 2: Pressure Cook to Perfect Tenderness

Secure the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 60 minutes. This may sound like a lot of time, but it’s what transforms that beef into fall-apart, shred-with-a-fork greatness—the true heart of any worthy Instant Pot French Dip Sandwiches recipe! When done, do a quick release to keep things moving along quickly.

Step 3: Shred the Beef

Remove the beef from the pot and use two forks to shred it right on a cutting board or large plate. If you’d like, skim any visible fat from the top of the broth in the Instant Pot. Return the shredded beef to the pot and let it soak in that savory goodness for a few extra minutes.

Step 4: Assemble & Broil

Toast your hoagie rolls (split lengthwise) in the oven or toaster oven until golden at the edges. Pile them with a generous scoop of shredded beef, then drape two slices of provolone over each. Run them under the broiler for just a minute or two until bubbly and melty—it’s impossible to resist!

Step 5: Serve with Dipping Broth

Ladle some of the hot, fragrant broth (that delicious au jus!) into small bowls for everyone. Serve the sandwiches with their au jus on the side for the ultimate French dip experience. Don’t forget extra napkins—these are gloriously saucy!

How to Serve Instant Pot French Dip Sandwiches

Garnishes

For an extra pop of flavor and color, sprinkle your French dip sandwiches with chopped fresh parsley or a pinch of cracked black pepper. Thinly sliced mild peppers or a little horseradish can also take them up a notch, creating a lovely contrast to the rich, meaty filling.

Side Dishes

Pair your Instant Pot French Dip Sandwiches with crispy baked fries, a tangy coleslaw, kettle chips, or even a fresh green salad for balance. The salty au jus is also perfect with simple roasted veggies or a pile of pickles on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve these sandwiches “DIY style” at gatherings with all the fixings—rolls, beef, cheese, and bowls of au jus—so guests can build and dip their own. For a fun twist, slice sandwiches into thirds and secure with toothpicks for the ultimate party sliders or game day bites!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover beef and au jus can be stored (separately, if possible) in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Let both cool completely before sealing to guarantee freshness and food safety.

Freezing

The shredded beef freezes beautifully! Pack it with a little of the au jus in freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible. The beef (and broth) will keep well for up to 3 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the beef and broth together on the stovetop or in the microwave until hot and juicy. Assemble sandwiches fresh so rolls stay crisp, then broil just long enough to melt the cheese for a sandwich that tastes made-to-order every time.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a meal that’s both simple and showstopping, these Instant Pot French Dip Sandwiches are always a hit. Every bite is packed with savory joy, and that glorious blend of juicy beef and melty cheese will have everyone coming back for seconds. Give this recipe a try soon—you’ll see why it’s one of my favorites to share!

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