These Instant Pot French Dip Sandwiches are a game-changer for busy weeknights, delivering restaurant-quality flavor in just over an hour. Tender, juicy beef simmers in a rich, savory broth, creating a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s perfect for piling onto crusty rolls. The aroma alone will have your kitchen smelling like a cozy bistro, and the au jus dipping sauce adds an irresistible depth of flavor.
With only 5 minutes of prep, this recipe is as easy as it is delicious. The beef becomes fork-tender, while the caramelized onions and garlic infuse every bite with warmth and richness. Serve these sandwiches with a side of crispy fries or a fresh salad for a meal that’s hearty, satisfying, and sure to impress.
What You’ll Need
- 3 pounds beef roast (chuck roast or rump roast work great)
- 29 ounces condensed beef consommé (2 cans, 14.5 oz each – found near soups and beef broth)
- 8 buns (hoagie buns are ideal, but any type will work)
How to Make Instant Pot French Dip Sandwiches
- Prepare the Instant Pot: Lightly grease the Instant Pot insert. Place the beef roast inside.
- Add the consommé: Pour the condensed beef consommé over the roast, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.
- Set the cooking time: Secure the lid and turn the knob to the sealing position. Press the Manual or Pressure Cook button and set the timer for 75 minutes (25 minutes per pound of roast).
- Natural release: Once cooking is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for at least 1 hour. This step ensures the meat becomes tender and fall-apart delicious. (Optional: For extra tenderness, let the roast sit on the Warm setting for 6-8 hours.)
- Release remaining pressure: Carefully turn the valve to venting to release any leftover pressure.
- Shred the roast: Remove the roast from the Instant Pot and shred it using two forks. It should pull apart easily. Reserve the cooking juices for dipping.
- Assemble the sandwiches: Pile the shredded beef onto the buns. Serve with the reserved juices on the side for dipping.
Perfect Pairings: Sauce and Topping Ideas
Elevate your French Dip sandwiches with a few simple additions! Try adding a slice of provolone or Swiss cheese to your buns and broiling them for a melty finish. For a tangy kick, mix horseradish or Dijon mustard into your dipping juice. If you love a bit of crunch, top your sandwiches with caramelized onions or a handful of arugula for a fresh contrast.
Make It Your Own: Recipe Variations
This recipe is super versatile! Swap the beef roast for pork shoulder or chicken thighs for a different flavor profile. If you’re feeling adventurous, add a splash of red wine or a few sprigs of fresh thyme to the Instant Pot for extra depth. For a low-carb option, skip the buns and serve the shredded beef over cauliflower rice or in lettuce wraps.
Time-Saving Tips for Busy Cooks
Short on time? Use a pre-seasoned roast or frozen beef consommé to cut down on prep. If you’re in a rush, you can skip the natural release and do a quick release after 10 minutes, though the meat may not be quite as tender. For meal prep, cook the roast ahead of time and store it in the fridge—just reheat and assemble when you’re ready to eat!
Storage and Reheating Made Easy
Store leftover shredded beef and juice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm the beef in a skillet with a splash of the reserved juice to keep it moist. The dipping juice can be reheated in a small saucepan or microwave until hot and flavorful.
Common Questions Answered
Can I use regular beef broth instead of consommé? Yes, but consommé has a richer flavor, so you may want to add a beef bouillon cube for extra depth. What if my roast isn’t falling apart? Let it cook longer—sometimes tougher cuts need extra time. Finally, can I double the recipe? Absolutely, just ensure your Instant Pot isn’t overfilled (no more than 2/3 full).
Instant Pot French Dip Sandwiches Recipe
Equipment
- Instant Pot
Ingredients
- 3 pounds beef roast, chuck roast or rump roast work great
- 29 ounces condensed beef consomme* 2 (14.5 oz cans) – usually find by the soups and beef broth, but please see note below!
- 8 buns we love hoagie buns, but any kind will work
Instructions
- Place roast in greased the Instant Pot. Pour consommé over the top of the roast.
- Put the lid on and turn the knob to sealing.
- Push the manual or pressure cook button and set the timer for 75 minutes (25 minutes per pound of roast).
- When it is done cooking, let it do a natural release for at least 1 hour. This will make your meat very tender and fall-apart, so I highly recommend it! (Sometimes I will let the roast sit in the Instant Pot on warm for 6-8 hours and it makes it SO good!) Turn the valve to venting to let any remaining pressure release.
- Remove roast and save extra juice for dipping! With 2 forks, shred roast (when it is done, it should pull apart easily . . . almost fall apart).
- Serve meat on buns and use extra juice to dip sandwiches in.