French dip is one of those dishes that can easily become a staple in your dinner rotation. While it wasn’t something I grew up eating, I discovered this mouthwatering dish when I worked at my corporate job. They had French dip for lunch, and I immediately fell in love. The combination of tender, juicy beef and savory, flavorful broth was unbeatable. Now, I’ve perfected this Instant Pot French dip recipe, and I’m excited to share it with you.
Not only does this recipe save you time, but it delivers a rich, flavorful meal that will make your family or guests rave.
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Why You’ll Love This French Dip Recipe
French dip is a meal that’s not only tasty but incredibly easy to make. Here are just a few reasons why this Instant Pot French dip recipe will be a hit:
It Comes Together Fast
One of the best things about this recipe is an Instant Pot is how quickly it comes together. Unlike traditional slow-cooked methods, you don’t have to wait hours to enjoy the delicious flavors. The Instant Pot works its magic, allowing you to make this dish in just a couple of hours.
Set It and Forget It
Once you’ve prepped your ingredients and added them to the Instant Pot, you can set it and forget it. The beauty of the Instant Pot is that it does all the hard work for you. You can go about your day while the French dip comes together effortlessly.
Flavorful and Delicious
The flavor of French dip is rich, savory, and comforting. The beef soaks up the beer and broth while cooking, creating a deep and satisfying taste. When paired with caramelized onions and melted cheese, every bite is a pure delight.
No Packets – Everything is Fresh
Many French dip recipes use seasoning packets or pre-made au jus, but this recipe focuses on fresh ingredients. You won’t find any artificial additives here—just wholesome, flavorful ingredients like broth, beer, and seasonings.
You Can Use Frozen Meat If You Forgot to Take It Out
Have you ever forgotten to thaw your meat ahead of time? No problem! With the Instant Pot, you can cook frozen meat just as easily as thawed meat. This makes it a convenient meal to prepare on busy days when you’ve forgotten to plan ahead.
Ingredients for the Perfect French Dip
Before you begin cooking, make sure you have all the ingredients for this flavorful French dip recipe. Here’s what you’ll need:
Chuck Roast
A chuck roast is the best cut of beef. It’s marbled with fat, which makes it perfect for slow cooking. The Instant Pot will break down the tough fibers of the chuck roast, resulting in tender, juicy meat that pulls apart easily. It’s the star of the dish, so make sure to choose a good-quality roast.
Onion
Onions are an essential ingredient for French dip. They add a layer of sweetness and richness that complements the beef. Caramelizing the onions in the Instant Pot brings out their natural sugars, giving them a golden, soft texture that adds depth to the dish.
Beer
A can of beer (12 ounces) is a key component of this French dip recipe. Beer adds a unique flavor that enhances the beef broth and creates a savory, slightly tangy taste. Choose a lighter beer, like a pale ale or lager, for the best results.
Beef Broth
Beef broth serves as the base of the flavorful broth. It infuses the beef with extra richness and adds moisture as the roast cooks. You can substitute chicken broth if you prefer a lighter flavor, but beef broth is the classic choice.
Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Salt, and Pepper
Seasoning the meat with onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper ensures that the beef is well-seasoned and full of flavor. These spices work together to enhance the natural taste of the beef and complement the other ingredients.
Bread
The best way to serve your French dip is on a crusty bread. You can use a baguette, hoagie roll, or any sturdy bread that will hold up to the juicy meat and broth. A thick, crunchy exterior will give a satisfying contrast to the tender beef inside.
Cheese
The cheese you choose can make a big difference. The two best options are provolone or Swiss cheese. These cheeses melt beautifully and have a mild, creamy flavor that pairs perfectly with the savory beef and rich broth.
How to Make French Dip in the Instant Pot
Making French dip in the Instant Pot is simple and requires minimal effort. Follow these steps to create a mouthwatering dish that your whole family will love:
- Chop the Onion: Start by slicing the onion into thin rings. You’ll want to caramelize these in the Instant Pot to bring out their sweetness.
- Caramelize the Onion: Set the Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode and add a bit of oil. Once it’s hot, add the sliced onions and sauté them until they become golden brown and soft. This should take about 10-15 minutes. The caramelized onions will add a rich, sweet flavor to the French dip.
- Season the Meat: While the onions are caramelizing, season your chuck roast with onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure to coat the meat evenly for the best flavor.
- Sear the Meat: Once the onions are done, set the Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode again and sear the seasoned chuck roast on all sides. This step helps lock in the flavor and creates a beautiful crust on the outside of the meat.
- Add the Ingredients: After the meat is seared, it’s time to add the rest of the ingredients. Pour in the beer and broth, then add the caramelized onions. Stir to combine everything.
- Pressure Cook: Close the Instant Pot and set it to high pressure for 2 hours. Once the cooking time is up, let the pressure naturally release for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
- Shred the Meat: Once the French dip is finished cooking, remove the roast from the pot and shred the meat using two forks. It should be tender and easy to pull apart.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: To serve, place the shredded beef on your bread of choice, top with cheese, and drizzle some of the broth from the Instant Pot over the meat for extra flavor.
Variations of French Dip
While the classic French dip is always a crowd-pleaser, there are some fun variations to try:
- Spicy French Dip: Add a few slices of fresh jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to give your French dip a spicy kick.
- Herb French Dip: For a more aromatic flavor, add some fresh rosemary or thyme to the pot while cooking the meat.
- Mushroom French Dip: Sauté some mushrooms with the onions for an earthy, umami-packed twist on the classic French dip.
What to Serve with French Dip
French dip sandwiches are hearty on their own, but pairing them with the right sides can make the meal even better:
- Potato Salad: A creamy and tangy potato salad balances the richness of the French dip and adds a refreshing touch.
- Cucumber and Tomato Salad: Light, fresh, and slightly tangy, this salad is the perfect accompaniment to a savory French dip.
- French Fries: A classic pairing for French dip, crispy fries can be dipped into the flavorful broth for extra enjoyment.
FAQ
Can I Use Frozen Meat for French Dip? Yes, the Instant Pot can cook frozen meat! If you forget to thaw your chuck roast, just add it frozen and increase the cooking time by 10 minutes.
Can I Make French Dip Ahead of Time? Absolutely! this recipe is great for meal prep. Store the cooked beef and broth in the fridge for up to 3 days, and reheat when you’re ready to serve.
Can I Freeze French Dip Leftovers? Yes! You can freeze the cooked French dip for up to 3 months. Just let it cool completely before storing in an airtight container.
Tools Needed For French Dip:
- Instant Pot (Pressure Cooker)
- Chef’s Knife (for slicing the onion)
- Cutting Board
- Tongs (for searing the roast)
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula (for stirring)
- Forks (for shredding the beef)
- Measuring Cups and Spoons (for measuring broth, beer, and seasonings)
- Bread Knife (for slicing the bread)
- Ladle (for serving the broth)
Instant Pot French Dip
This Instant Pot French Dip features tender, juicy beef soaked in a flavorful broth, topped with caramelized onions and melted cheese, all served on crusty bread. It’s an easy, savory meal that’s perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients
- 3-4 lbs chuck roast
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 1 can of beer (12 oz)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Bread (sourdough bread, baguette or hoagie rolls)
- Cheese (Provolone or Swiss)
Instructions
- Slice the onion into thin rings and sauté in the Instant Pot on “Sauté” mode until caramelized (about 10-15 minutes). Remove and set aside.
- Season the chuck roast with onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Sear the seasoned roast on all sides in the Instant Pot on “Sauté” mode.
- Add the beer, broth, and caramelized onions to the pot. Stir to combine.
- Set the Instant Pot to high pressure for 2 hours. Allow it to naturally release for 10 minutes, then quick-release any remaining pressure.
- Remove the roast and shred it with two forks. Serve on bread with cheese and drizzle some of the broth over the meat.
Notes
Meat Selection: A 3 to 4-pound chuck roast is the best option for this recipe as it provides the perfect amount of marbling and tenderness for shredding. You can also use a brisket or round roast if you prefer, but the chuck roast will yield the most tender results.
Frozen Meat: If you forgot to thaw your chuck roast, you can still use it frozen in the Instant Pot. Just increase the cooking time by about 10 minutes for frozen meat.
Beer Substitution: If you don’t want to use beer, you can substitute it with additional beef broth or even a light red wine for a slightly different flavor profile.
Bread: Choose a crusty, sturdy bread like a baguette or hoagie roll to hold up to the juicy beef and broth. You can toast the bread slightly if you prefer a bit of crunch.
Cheese: Provolone and Swiss cheese are both excellent choices for this recipe, but feel free to use any meltable cheese that you enjoy, like mozzarella or cheddar.
Leftovers: The French dip leftovers are great for sandwiches the next day! You can store the beef and broth separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Looking for more easy Instant Pot recipes? Try my:
- Instant Pot Pulled Pork
- Instant Pot Chili
- Instant Pot Chicken Bone Broth
- Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice
- Instant Pot Chicken Soup
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