French Dip Sandwich – So Quick and Easy!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why French Dip Sandwiches will be your go-to meal:

  1. Quick and Easy – Made in the Instant Pot, this recipe takes just 30 minutes from start to finish.
  2. Tender Beef – The pressure cooking method ensures that the beef is perfectly tender and full of flavor.
  3. Loaded with Flavor – The combination of caramelized onions, provolone cheese, and savory broth creates a rich, irresistible sandwich.
  4. Customizable – You can tweak the seasonings or toppings to suit your taste.
  5. Perfect for Any Meal – Whether it’s dinner, lunch, or a casual get-together, this sandwich is always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Sandwich:

  • 2 large onions, sliced into half rings
  • 3 to 4 tbsp oil
  • 2 lbs top round beef, sliced into thin strips (chuck roast or rump roast can also work)
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon fish sauce
  • 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt (use less if using table salt)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black ground pepper
  • 1/2 to 1 cup beef broth
  • 3 garlic cloves, pressed or minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary

To Serve:

  • 4 6-inch hoagie rolls
  • 4 slices provolone cheese
  • 4 tablespoons butter (for toasting the hoagie rolls) optional

Directions

1. Caramelize the Onions:

  • In a large skillet, heat 3-4 tablespoons of oil over medium heat.
  • Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring often, until the onions are caramelized and translucent, about 10 minutes.
  • Once done, remove half of the onions to a bowl and set aside.

2. Prepare the Instant Pot:

  • Add the remaining onions, sliced beef, Worcestershire sauce, fish sauce, salt, pepper, beef broth, minced garlic, and dried rosemary into the Instant Pot.
  • Close the lid and set the valve to “seal”.
  • Pressure cook on “high” for 10 minutes. Once finished, allow the pressure to release naturally for 15 minutes before opening the lid.

3. Assemble the Sandwiches:

  • While the beef is cooking, butter the hoagie rolls and toast them lightly in a skillet, if desired.
  • Once the beef is done cooking, stir it to combine, then spoon the beef and onions onto the toasted rolls.
  • Place a slice of provolone cheese on top of the beef and onions.

4. Serve:

  • Serve the sandwiches with the au jus (the flavorful broth) for dipping.
  • Enjoy your delicious French Dip Sandwich!

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 4 sandwiches
  • Preparation Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes (Instant Pot)
  • Rest Time: 15 minutes (natural pressure release)
  • Total Time: 30 minutes

This recipe is quick to prepare and ready in just 30 minutes, making it a perfect meal for busy days.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating: Reheat the beef and onions in the microwave or in a skillet. You can also reheat the au jus for dipping before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes, you can use chuck roast or rump roast instead of top round beef. These cuts are great for slow cooking and become very tender.

2. Can I make this sandwich ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the beef and onions ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Reheat before assembling the sandwiches.

3. What’s the best bread for French Dip sandwiches?

Hoagie rolls work best for this recipe, but you can also use French baguettes, onion rolls, or sub sandwich rolls.

4. Can I make this recipe without an Instant Pot?

Yes! If you don’t have an Instant Pot, you can make the beef in a slow cooker. Just cook the beef on low for 6-8 hours or until tender.

5. Can I use a different cheese?

Yes, provolone cheese is traditional, but you can swap it for Swiss cheese, cheddar, or mozzarella if you prefer.

6. Can I add more vegetables to the sandwich?

Absolutely! You can add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.

7. Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe is not gluten-free as it uses hoagie rolls. You can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free rolls.

8. Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze the beef and onions, but it’s best to freeze the filling separately from the bread. The bread may become soggy after freezing.

9. How do I prevent the sandwich from getting soggy?

To avoid a soggy sandwich, make sure the beef is not too juicy before placing it on the bread. You can also serve the au jus on the side for dipping.

10. Can I make the beef spicier?

Yes! You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some hot sauce to the beef mixture to give it a spicy kick.

Conclusion

French Dip Sandwiches are the ultimate comfort food that are quick, flavorful, and satisfying. The tender, juicy beef, caramelized onions, and melted cheese are all nestled between perfectly toasted hoagie rolls, making each bite irresistible. With the Instant Pot, this recipe is quick to make, so you can enjoy a hearty, mouthwatering meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Enjoy this delicious sandwich for lunch, dinner, or your next gathering!


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French Dip Sandwich - So Quick and Easy!

French Dip Sandwich – So Quick and Easy!

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  • Author: Amy
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes (Instant Pot)
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 sandwiches
  • Category: Sandwich
  • Method: Instant Pot
  • Cuisine: American

Description

French Dip Sandwich is a classic American comfort food made with thinly sliced beef, caramelized onions, melted provolone cheese, and served on a toasted hoagie roll with savory broth for dipping. Made in the Instant Pot, this recipe is quick, easy, and perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner.


Ingredients

For the Sandwich:

2 large onions, sliced into half rings

3 to 4 tbsp oil

2 lbs top round beef, sliced into thin strips (chuck roast or rump roast can also work)

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon fish sauce

3/4 teaspoon kosher salt (use less if using table salt)

1/2 teaspoon black ground pepper

1/2 to 1 cup beef broth

3 garlic cloves, pressed or minced

1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary

To Serve:

4 6-inch hoagie rolls

4 slices provolone cheese

4 tablespoons butter (for toasting the hoagie rolls) *optional*


Instructions

  1. Caramelize the Onions: Heat 3-4 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook, stirring often, until translucent and caramelized, about 10 minutes. Remove half of the onions to a bowl and set aside.
  2. Prepare the Instant Pot: Add remaining onions, beef, Worcestershire sauce, fish sauce, salt, pepper, beef broth, garlic, and rosemary to the Instant Pot. Seal the lid, set valve to ‘seal’, and cook on ‘high’ for 10 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally for 15 minutes before opening the lid.
  3. Assemble the Sandwiches: Butter hoagie rolls and toast them lightly in a skillet. Once beef is done, stir it and spoon the beef and onions onto the toasted rolls. Top with provolone cheese.
  4. Serve: Serve with au jus (broth) for dipping. Enjoy your French Dip Sandwich!

Notes

To avoid sogginess, serve the au jus on the side for dipping.

To make it spicier, add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the beef mixture.

For gluten-free, use gluten-free rolls.

Make it ahead by preparing the beef and onions and reheating before serving.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 sandwich
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 7g
  • Sodium: 1100mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 34g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 32g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg
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