Guinness French Dip Sandwiches in Slow Cooker or Instant Pot

There’s something deeply satisfying about a sandwich that’s both hearty and flavorful and our Guinness French Dip Sandwiches deliver all that and more. Tender, slow-cooked beef infused with the rich, malty flavor of Guinness stout transforms a simple meal into something special. Whether you use a slow cooker or Instant Pot, this recipe brings comfort food home with minimal effort and maximum reward.

A Bold Spin on a Classic

Traditional French dip sandwiches are already a crowd favorite, but adding Guinness takes the flavor to the next level. The dark stout adds a smooth depth slightly malty, slightly sweet that blends beautifully with savory beef, herbs, and onions. The result is melt-in-your-mouth meat and an au jus that’s nothing short of addictive.

Each bite is a perfect balance of tender beef, crusty bread, and that warm, flavorful dipping sauce that makes the French dip so iconic. It’s comfort food that feels elevated without being fussy.

Slow Cooker Ease or Instant Pot Speed

Whether you prefer the hands-off magic of a slow cooker or the convenience of the Instant Pot, this recipe fits your schedule. The slow cooker allows the flavors to deepen over hours, filling your home with that irresistible aroma of simmering roast and savory herbs. The Instant Pot, on the other hand, delivers the same tender perfection in a fraction of the time, ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.

Either way, the result is the same: juicy, fall-apart beef that soaks up every bit of that Guinness goodness.

Serving It Up Right

Pile the shredded beef high on toasted rolls, top with melty cheese, and serve with a side of that rich Guinness au jus for dipping. Add a side of crispy fries, onion rings, or even a fresh salad for balance.

For an extra touch of indulgence, try:

Toasting your rolls with butter and garlic for added crunch and flavor
Melting provolone or Swiss cheese on top before serving
Pairing it with a cold Guinness or root beer for the ultimate meal experience

The Perfect Meal for Any Occasion

These sandwiches are made for sharing ideal for game day, family dinners, or cozy weekends when you want something that feels homemade but doesn’t require standing over the stove all day. They’re hearty enough to feed a crowd and flavorful enough to impress every guest.

When the weather turns cool or you’re craving something soul-warming, this recipe delivers every time. The slow-cooked beef, the dark richness of Guinness, and that signature dip combine into a meal that’s as comforting as it is delicious.

Ingredients

2 ½ lb chuck roast
1 tsp salt
1 tsp ground black pepper
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp onion powder
½ tsp garlic powder
1-2 bay leaf
12 oz Guinness
3 C beef broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon soy sauce

Instructions

Place chuck roast in the bowl of a 5-6 quart slow cooker. Sprinkle the top with half of the spices, then rub in. Flip the chuck roast and repeat with the remaining spices. Add bay leaf. Pour in beer and beef stock. Cover and cook on high 5 hours or low for 10 hours.
Carefully remove chuck roast, shred with forks and transfer to a bowl. Divide shredded beef between rolls, top off with optional cheese. Serve with leftover cooking juices.

Instant Pot:

Add the beef to the onion mixture in the Instant Pot, add in the remaining broth and the bay leaf. Cook on high pressure for 45 minutes, followed by a 25 minute natural release. Remove the meat to a cutting board and thinly slice it (against the grain) or shred it, set aside.
Place a fine mesh strainer over a large bowl and carefully pour the juices from the Instant Pot through the strainer and into the bowl (this is your au jus). Set aside the onions that remain in the strainer, discard the bay leaf.
Transfer the sliced meat and the onions back into the Instant Pot. Pour over a little bit of au jus to moisten the meat and season to taste with salt and pepper. Reserve the remaining au jus for dipping. If you’d like more au jus, you can stir in a little beef broth to make it stretch farther.
Toast your rolls, fill with meat and onions, cover with the cheese of your choice. Melt the cheese in a 375° oven or under the broiler until melted. Serve with the au jus on the side for dipping.