Super easy French Dip Sandwiches (aka Beef Dips) made with just five simple ingredients for the beef. Tender strips of beef simmered in an au jus gravy, topped with melted provolone and served on toasted hoagie rolls.
Each sandwich is best served with a side of au jus from the pot for dipping.
The video demonstrates the Crockpot method, but Instant Pot and stovetop instructions are included below and in the recipe card.
This is a convenient “cheater” version of French dips using store-bought au jus and brown gravy mixes. It’s a true dump-and-go recipe that delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
Aside from water (and salt and pepper to taste), the beef requires only:
- Beef roast or steak
- Brown gravy mix
- Au jus mix
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
What types of beef can be used?
This recipe works well with several cuts. Use whichever is available or on sale. Common choices we’ve tested:
- Chuck roast
- Sirloin steak
- Petite sirloin steak
Petite sirloin steaks are often the most economical, but any boneless roast or steak should work fine.
How to make in the Crockpot
For the beef:
- Place thinly sliced beef, onion powder, garlic powder, au jus mix, brown gravy mix, and water into the crockpot insert.
- Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on HIGH for 4 hours, or LOW for 6–8 hours, until the beef is fork-tender.
- Stir, then season with salt and pepper to taste (about ½ teaspoon each, if desired).
- Serve the beef on its own with sides, or assemble into sandwiches (instructions below).
To make sandwiches:
- Preheat the broiler on HIGH (or use the oven to bake rolls—see notes).
- Place open hoagie rolls on a foil-lined baking sheet; butter the insides if you like.
- Broil 1–2 minutes until the insides are lightly browned—watch closely to avoid burning.
- Remove the tray. Set the top buns aside. Pile beef strips onto the bottom halves, then top with provolone slices.
- Broil about 1 minute, until the cheese melts.
- Put the top bun on, and serve each sandwich with a side of the au jus from the crockpot for dipping.
- Serve with your favorite sides—vegetables, potatoes, rice, or extra rolls.
Alternative cooking methods
Instant Pot instructions
- Place sliced beef, onion powder, garlic powder, au jus mix, brown gravy mix, and water into the Instant Pot insert and stir to combine.
- Close the lid and set the valve to sealing.
- Pressure cook on HIGH (Manual) for 35 minutes.
- Allow a 10-minute natural release, then quick release any remaining pressure.
- Stir and season with salt and pepper to taste (about ½ teaspoon each if desired), then serve on toasted hoagie rolls with melted cheese or on its own with sides.
Stove top instructions
For stovetop, increase the water to about 2.5 cups.
- Combine sliced beef, onion powder, garlic powder, au jus mix, brown gravy mix, and water in a large stockpot or Dutch oven.
- Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat.
- Cover, reduce to medium-low, and simmer 1.5–2 hours until the beef is fork-tender.
- Stir, season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve on toasted rolls with melted cheese or with sides.
To bake rolls instead of broiling
If you prefer baking:
- Preheat oven to 350ºF.
- Place open hoagie rolls on a foil-lined baking sheet and butter the insides if desired.
- Bake about 5 minutes until lightly toasted.
- Remove, add beef to the bottom halves and top with provolone, then bake 1–2 minutes until the cheese melts.
- Assemble sandwiches and serve with au jus for dipping.
To slice or not to slice?
Slicing the beef before cooking lets more surface area absorb the au jus and seasonings. Cooking a whole roast and shredding it after works well too and saves prep time.
Cooking a whole roast (unsliced):
Rub the roast with the dry seasonings, pour the water over it, and cook until it falls apart and shreds easily:
- Crockpot: 5–6 hours on HIGH, or 8–10 hours on LOW.
- Instant Pot: 90 minutes, then a 10-minute natural release.
- Stove top: 2.5–3 hours.
- Note: Times were tested with a chuck roast. Smaller steaks will cook faster.
Enjoy!
If you tried this recipe, please leave a review and star rating in the comments to let others know how it turned out.
Easy French Dip Sandwiches {Crockpot or Instant Pot Recipe}
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Equipment
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Instant Pot (6 quart)
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Crockpot
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Dutch oven
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Large stockpot
Ingredients
- 3 lb beef steak or roast, thinly sliced (into about 2–3″ strips)
- 2 cups water
- 2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 packet au jus gravy mix (1 oz. packet)
- 1 packet brown gravy mix (1 oz. packet)
- salt & pepper to taste (optional)
- 8 hoagie rolls or French bread rolls
- 8 provolone cheese slices
- butter, optional (for bread)
Instructions
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Place the sliced beef, onion powder, garlic powder, au jus mix, brown gravy mix, and water into the crockpot insert and give it a quick stir.
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Cover and cook on HIGH for 4 hours, or LOW for 6–8 hours, until beef is fork tender.
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Stir the beef and add salt and pepper to taste (about ½ teaspoon each if desired).
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Serve on toasted hoagie rolls with melted cheese, or serve with sides of your choice.
To make sandwiches:
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Preheat broiler on HIGH (or bake at 350ºF if preferred).
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Place open hoagie rolls on a foil-lined sheet and toast the insides under the broiler for 1–2 minutes.
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Remove tops, add beef to bottom halves, top with provolone, and broil about 1 minute until cheese melts. Reassemble and serve with au jus.
Watch the video for a step-by-step guide. Subscribe to the recipe channel to catch new videos and tips.
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More easy Crockpot or Instant Pot ideas:
- Easy Mexican Shredded Beef
- Shredded Chicken Taco Meat
- Easy Carnitas
- Beef Chile Colorado