Instant Pot French Dip Sandwiches

Instant Pot French Dip Sandwiches bring all the savory comfort of the classic diner favorite—tender beef, crusty bread, and rich au jus—without the long cooking time. Traditionally made by slow-cooking beef for hours, this Instant Pot version delivers the same melt-in-your-mouth texture in under two hours, making it ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.

This dish is all about bold, beefy flavor. The pressure cooker infuses the meat with seasoned broth, onions, and herbs, creating a deeply flavorful au jus that’s perfect for dipping. Served on toasted hoagie rolls and optionally topped with melted cheese, these sandwiches are satisfying, cozy, and incredibly easy to prepare.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it transforms a comfort-food classic into something fast and foolproof. The Instant Pot makes the beef unbelievably tender, and the au jus tastes like it’s been simmering all day. It’s perfect when you want hearty, restaurant-style food without the wait.

Why This Is a Must-Try Dish

• Slow-cooked flavor in a fraction of the time
• Tender, juicy beef every time
• Rich, savory dipping broth
• Perfect for family dinners or entertaining
• Easy, mostly hands-off preparation

If you love comforting sandwiches with bold flavor, this recipe is a must-try.

Preparation & Cooking Details

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 70 minutes (including pressure and release)
• Total Time: About 1 hour 20 minutes
• Servings: 6 sandwiches

Nutritional Information

• Calories: 510 kcal
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

• 3 lb (1.4 kg) beef chuck roast
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 packet French onion soup mix
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 6 hoagie or French rolls
• Provolone or Swiss cheese (optional)

Cooking Directions

1. Sear beef using Instant Pot sauté mode.
2. Add aromatics, broth, and seasonings.
3. Pressure cook until beef is tender.
4. Shred beef and assemble sandwiches.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Sear the Beef

Set Instant Pot to Sauté. Add olive oil. Season the chuck roast with salt and pepper, then sear on all sides until browned. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Add sliced onion to the pot and sauté for 2–3 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

Step 3: Deglaze

Pour in a splash of beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.

Step 4: Pressure Cook

Return beef to the pot. Add remaining broth, soup mix, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and rosemary. Seal lid and cook on High Pressure for 60 minutes.

Step 5: Release Pressure

Allow a 10–15 minute natural release, then carefully vent remaining pressure.

Step 6: Shred Beef

Remove beef and shred with two forks. Return shredded beef to the pot to soak in the au jus.

Step 7: Assemble Sandwiches

Pile beef onto toasted rolls. Add cheese if desired and broil briefly until melted.

How to Serve

• Serve sandwiches hot with small bowls of au jus
• Pair with fries, potato wedges, or a green salad
• Add pickles or caramelized onions on the side
• Serve open-faced for extra dipping

Recipe Tips

• Chuck roast works best for tenderness
• Don’t skip searing for deeper flavor
• Toast rolls to prevent sogginess
• Skim fat from au jus if desired

Variations

1. Garlic Butter French Dip

Brush rolls with garlic butter before toasting.

2. Spicy French Dip

Add crushed red pepper flakes or jalapeños.

3. Mushroom French Dip

Add sliced mushrooms before pressure cooking.

4. Italian-Style Dip

Add oregano and basil, use mozzarella cheese.

5. Onion Lover’s Dip

Add extra caramelized onions for sweetness.

Freezing & Storage

Storage

• Refrigerate beef and au jus in an airtight container for 3–4 days

Freezing

• Freeze shredded beef with broth for up to 3 months
• Thaw overnight and reheat gently

Special Equipment Needed

• Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker
• Tongs or forks for shredding
• Ladle
• Baking sheet (for toasting rolls)

Conclusion

Instant Pot French Dip Sandwiches offer everything you love about the classic comfort-food favorite—tender beef, savory au jus, and crusty bread—without the long cooking time. Easy, hearty, and deeply satisfying, this recipe is perfect for busy nights or relaxed weekends when you want big flavor with minimal effort. One bite, and it’s sure to become a regular in your meal rotation.