Imagine sinking your teeth into a mouthwatering sandwich so tender and flavorful that it transforms an ordinary meal into an extraordinary culinary experience. Our Instant Pot or Crockpot French Dip Sandwich is the ultimate crowd-pleaser that combines fall-apart beef, melty provolone cheese, and a rich, savory au jus that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you're a busy home cook or a sandwich enthusiast, this recipe promises restaurant-quality results with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 60 mins
Total Time: 70 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast
- 1 packet onion soup mix
- 1 cup beef broth
- 6 hoagie rolls
- 6 slices provolone cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: sliced jalapeños for topping
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Gather 2 lbs of beef chuck roast, 1 packet of onion soup mix, 1 cup of beef broth, 6 hoagie rolls, 6 slices of provolone cheese, and any optional toppings such as sliced jalapeños. Make sure to have salt and pepper on hand for seasoning.
- Season the beef chuck roast with salt and pepper on all sides. This will enhance the flavor of the meat as it cooks.
- Set your Instant Pot or Crockpot to the sauté function (if using an Instant Pot). Once hot, add a small amount of oil to the pot and sear the beef chuck roast for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until it develops a nice brown crust. If using a Crockpot, you can skip this step and add the raw roast directly to the pot.
- After searing, remove the beef from the pot and set it aside. In the same pot, add the packet of onion soup mix and the beef broth. Stir well to combine, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot for added flavor.
- Return the beef chuck roast to the pot, ensuring it is submerged in the broth mixture. If using a Crockpot, simply add the broth and onion soup mix to the pot with the roast.
- For the Instant Pot, secure the lid and set it to cook on high pressure for 60 minutes. If using a Crockpot, cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the beef is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
- Once the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release the pressure for about 10-15 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure. If using a Crockpot, simply remove the lid once the cooking time is up.
- Carefully remove the beef from the pot and place it on a cutting board. Shred the meat using two forks, discarding any excess fat.
- To assemble the sandwiches, slice the hoagie rolls in half and layer the shredded beef inside each roll. Top with a slice of provolone cheese.
- If desired, you can place the assembled sandwiches under a broiler for a few minutes to melt the cheese and toast the rolls slightly.
- Serve the sandwiches with a small bowl of the cooking liquid (au jus) for dipping. Optionally, add sliced jalapeños on top for an extra kick.
- Enjoy your delicious French Dip Sandwiches!
Tips
- Choose the Right Cut: Chuck roast is ideal for this recipe due to its marbling and ability to become incredibly tender when slow-cooked.
- Searing is Optional but Recommended: If you have time, sear the meat before slow cooking to develop deeper, more complex flavors.
- Don't Rush the Cooking Process: Low and slow is the key to achieving melt-in-your-mouth beef. Patience will be rewarded with incredibly tender meat.
- Save the Au Jus: The cooking liquid is liquid gold - save every drop for dipping and maximum flavor.
- Cheese Melting Hack: For perfectly melted cheese, place assembled sandwiches under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This recipe can be prepared in advance and reheated, making it perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd.
- Customize Your Sandwich: Feel free to experiment with different cheese types or add extra toppings like caramelized onions or pickled peppers.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 110mg
