Tired of complicated recipes and long cooking times? Craving a restaurant-quality meal without the restaurant prices? Then you've come to the right place! This French Dip Instant Pot recipe is your shortcut to a delicious, comforting, and surprisingly easy dinner. Get ready to impress yourself (and your family!) with this flavorful masterpiece, ready in a fraction of the time it takes in a traditional slow cooker. This healthy meal is perfect for busy weeknights, making it one of the best recipes for quick dinner ideas.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast, trimmed of excess fat
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup red wine (optional, can substitute with more beef broth)
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Crusty rolls or baguette
- Provolone or Swiss cheese slices (optional)
Instructions:
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Sear the Roast: Before placing anything in the Instant Pot, set it to the “Sauté” function. Add a little oil (about 1 tablespoon) and sear the beef roast on all sides until nicely browned. This step adds incredible depth of flavor to your French Dip. Remove the roast and set aside.
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Sauté Vegetables: Add the sliced onions, carrots, and celery to the Instant Pot and sauté for about 5 minutes, until slightly softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Combine Ingredients: Return the seared roast to the Instant Pot. Pour in the beef broth, red wine (if using), Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Season generously with salt and pepper.
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Pressure Cook: Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to “Sealing.” Cook on high pressure for 90 minutes. Allow for a natural pressure release for at least 20 minutes before carefully quick-releasing any remaining pressure.
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Shred the Beef: Carefully remove the roast from the Instant Pot and shred it using two forks. Skim off any excess fat from the cooking liquid.
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Simmer in Liquid: Return the shredded beef to the Instant Pot and stir to combine with the cooking liquid. This allows the beef to absorb the rich flavors. You can simmer it on the "Warm" setting for 10-15 minutes.
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Serve: Serve the French Dip on crusty rolls or a baguette, topped with melted provolone or Swiss cheese (optional). Generously dip the rolls into the flavorful au jus (the cooking liquid) for an authentic French Dip experience.
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor: Use a combination of beef broth and red wine.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Make it ahead: This recipe is excellent for meal prepping. You can cook the beef the day before and reheat it gently before serving.
- Add vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables such as mushrooms or bell peppers.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on serving size and ingredients used. Nutritional information is best calculated using a nutritional calculator with the specific ingredients you use. However, generally expect this recipe to be high in protein and relatively moderate in fat, making it a satisfying and relatively healthy meal.
This homemade cooking method is a fantastic alternative to takeout and provides a delicious, easy, and healthy meal. Enjoy your flavorful French Dip!