Instant Pot French Dip

Are you craving a hearty meal that combines tender, flavorful beef with gooey melted cheese, all served up in a warm, toasty roll? Look no further than this Instant Pot French Dip recipe. Perfectly seared chuck roast or bottom round beef roast is pressure-cooked to perfection in a rich, savory au jus, making each bite a comforting delight. Serve it with a side of the strained au jus for dipping, and you’ll have a mouthwatering experience that makes you feel right at home.

Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!

I first stumbled upon this beloved dish during a cozy family gathering, and it quickly became a staple in my kitchen. The deep, savory flavor of the beef and the melty cheese combined with freshly baked hoagie rolls create a satisfying meal that’s almost impossible to resist. Plus, with the help of an Instant Pot, you can whip this up relatively quickly, making it an ideal choice for busy weekdays or casual get-togethers. Let’s get started on this delicious journey!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple & Quick: In just 20 minutes of prep time and 120 minutes of cooking, you can have eight hearty servings ready to enjoy.
• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of beef, beer, and a zesty au jus creates a deeply satisfying flavor that keeps everyone coming back for more.
• Eye-Catching Appeal: These messy, cheesy sandwiches look so good, they’ll impress your friends and family at any gathering.
• Flexible Serving: This recipe is perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a casual game night with friends.
• Budget-Friendly: With affordable ingredients and generous servings, this recipe won’t break the bank.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 3-4 pounds chuck roast or bottom round beef roast: This cut is perfect for slow-cooking and will yield incredibly tender meat. Bottom round is a leaner choice, while chuck roast has more marbling for added flavor.
• ½ teaspoon salt: A simple seasoning that enhances the beef’s natural flavor.
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds a subtle heat to the dish without overpowering the other flavors.
• ½ teaspoon onion powder: Brings in a rich, sweet onion flavor, perfect for complementing the beef.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: For searing the meat, adding a beautiful crust and flavor.
• 1.25 ounces dry au jus mix (1 package): A quick way to infuse flavor into the broth; you can also use homemade if you prefer.
• 12 ounces beer (1 can): Using beer for deglazing not only helps lift all the flavorful bits off the bottom of the pot but also adds depth to the au jus.
• 3 tablespoons melted butter: Used for brushing on the hoagie rolls; it adds richness and helps achieve that golden-brown finish.
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle garlic flavor without overwhelming the other ingredients.
• 12 slices provolone cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a creamy, mild flavor to the sandwiches.
• 8 hoagie rolls: Acts as the perfect vessel for all the delicious fillings.
• 1 tablespoon freshly chopped parsley (optional): For a fresh pop of color and a hint of herbaceous flavor to finish.

How to Make Instant Pot French Dip

1. Rest and Prepare the Meat: Allow the roast to rest at room temperature for at least 15 minutes before searing. This helps the meat cook evenly.
2. Sear the Roast: Turn your Instant Pot to the Saute setting. When it reads HOT, add the olive oil. Season the roast with salt, pepper, and onion powder. Sear the roast on all sides in the Instant Pot until a golden crust forms, then remove it and set aside.
3. Deglaze the Pot: Pour the beer into the pot and deglaze, scraping any stuck-on bits from the bottom. These brown bits add incredible flavor to the dish!
4. Cook the Roast: Place the roast back in the pot and sprinkle the dry au jus packet over it. Close the lid, ensuring the pressure release valve is set to sealing. Select the Meat/Stew function and set the timer for 100 minutes (1 hour and 40 minutes).
5. Release the Pressure: Once the cooking time is complete, let the Instant Pot naturally release for 25 minutes. After that, carefully turn the valve to venting to release any remaining pressure.
6. Shred the Beef: Remove the lid and transfer the cooked meat to a serving plate. Shred the beef with two forks, allowing its rich juices to seep through.
7. Prepare the Rolls: Preheat the oven to broil. Place the hoagie rolls on a baking sheet for broiling.
8. Butter the Rolls: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter and garlic powder. Brush this mixture over the rolls, then broil them on low for 3-4 minutes until golden.
9. Assemble the Sandwiches: Generously pile shredded meat onto the toasted rolls and layer on the provolone cheese. Return the sandwiches to the broiler until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Garnish and Serve: If desired, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color. Don’t forget to strain the liquid left in the pressure cooker with a fine mesh strainer to serve as au jus for dipping!

Storing & Reheating

To store leftovers at room temperature, keep them in an airtight container for up to 2 hours. For refrigeration, place the fully assembled sandwiches in a container, and use within 3-4 days. To freeze, wrap individual sandwiches tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. When reheating, pop them in your oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, keeping an eye on the cheese to ensure it doesn’t dry out. You might notice some texture changes, so refreshing with a little added au jus can help!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

• Avoid overcooking the meat; ensure you don’t skip the natural release step to keep it tender.
• For best results, sear your beef until a nice crust forms; this enhances flavor significantly.
• If the au jus is too salty, balance it with a splash of water or low-sodium beef broth.
• Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like Swiss or Gouda for unique flavors.
• Assemble sandwiches ahead of time but wait to broil until just before serving, to maintain that crispy texture.

There’s something incredibly satisfying about sinking your teeth into a warm, cheesy sandwich filled with tender beef, and this Instant Pot French Dip recipe truly delivers on that front. The perfect blend of flavors and textures makes it a delicious choice for any gathering or a cozy night in. Don’t hesitate to make this recipe your own—experiment with different toppings, cheeses, and dipping sauces. Enjoy every moment of this savory temptress, and watch as it becomes a cherished recipe in your home!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?

Absolutely! While chuck roast and bottom round are ideal, you can also use brisket or a pork roast if you’re feeling adventurous. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different cuts may vary in tenderness and cooking duration.

Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! You can substitute the beer with beef broth or a gluten-free beer and ensure your au jus mix is labeled gluten-free. Opt for gluten-free hoagie rolls to complete your sandwich.

Can I make this recipe in advance?

Definitely! You can prepare the beef and au jus in advance, then just reheat it when you’re ready to serve. Assemble the sandwiches just before broiling to maintain that deliciously crispy texture.

Can I cook this in a slow cooker instead of an Instant Pot?

Yes, you can! Simply follow the same steps for seasoning and searing the beef, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours until the meat is fork-tender. Just remember, the Instant Pot makes it quicker!

Print