Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches are an easy and flavorful meal featuring tender, slow-cooked beef, caramelized onions, and melted cheese, all served on a crusty roll with a rich au jus for dipping. This classic sandwich is perfect for a cozy dinner, game day, or meal prep.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Slow-cooked beef is tender, juicy, and full of flavor
- Minimal prep time with a hands-off cooking method
- The au jus is rich, savory, and perfect for dipping
- Great for feeding a crowd or making ahead
- Pairs perfectly with fries, salad, or roasted veggies
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 3-4 lb chuck roast
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cups beef broth
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- 6 hoagie rolls or French bread
- 6 slices provolone or Swiss cheese
- Butter (for toasting rolls)
Directions
- Prepare the slow cooker: Place sliced onions and minced garlic in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Season the beef: Rub the chuck roast with salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary. Place it in the slow cooker.
- Add the broth: Pour in beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and add the bay leaf.
- Slow cook: Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours, until the beef is tender and easily shreds.
- Shred the beef: Remove the beef from the slow cooker, shred with two forks, and return to the juices to stay moist.
- Prepare the sandwiches: Butter the rolls and toast them in a skillet. Pile the shredded beef onto each roll, top with cheese, and melt under the broiler for 1-2 minutes.
- Serve with au jus: Strain the slow cooker juices and serve in small bowls for dipping.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7-8 hours (low) or 4-5 hours (high)
- Total Time: 7-8 hours
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños.
- Garlic Butter Rolls: Brush rolls with garlic butter before toasting.
- Cheesy Upgrade: Use a mix of provolone, Swiss, and mozzarella.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve over cauliflower rice or lettuce wraps instead of bread.
- Extra Flavor: Add a splash of red wine to the broth.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftover beef and au jus separately in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze shredded beef and au jus for up to 3 months. Thaw before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm beef in a skillet with some au jus or microwave in short bursts.
FAQs
What cut of beef is best for French dip sandwiches?
Chuck roast is ideal because it becomes tender when slow-cooked.
Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Pressure cook on high for 60 minutes, then natural release.
What bread is best for French dip sandwiches?
Crusty rolls like hoagie buns, baguettes, or French bread work best.
How do I make the au jus thicker?
Mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water and stir into the broth, then simmer until thickened.
Can I use a different cheese?
Yes, provolone, Swiss, or even pepper jack work great.
How do I prevent soggy sandwiches?
Toast the bread before adding the beef to keep it from soaking up too much liquid.
What can I serve with French dip sandwiches?
Fries, potato wedges, coleslaw, or a fresh salad complement this dish well.
Can I cook this overnight?
Yes! Set it on low before bed and wake up to perfectly cooked beef.
Do I need to sear the beef before slow cooking?
It’s optional, but searing enhances flavor. Brown the roast in a skillet before placing it in the slow cooker.
Can I use pre-sliced deli roast beef?
Yes, but cook for less time—just long enough to heat through and absorb the flavors.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches are an effortless, flavorful meal that’s sure to be a family favorite. With tender beef, melty cheese, and a rich au jus for dipping, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal work. Try it today for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner!
Print
Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 sandwiches 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Description
These slow cooker French dip sandwiches are tender, juicy, and packed with rich beefy flavor. Served on crusty rolls with melted cheese and a savory au jus for dipping, they make the perfect comfort meal!
Ingredients
For the Beef:
- 3–4 lb beef chuck roast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or coconut aminos for gluten-free)
- 1 (12-ounce) can or bottle of beer (or beef broth)
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
For the Sandwiches:
- 6 hoagie rolls or French bread, sliced
- 6 slices provolone or Swiss cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter (for toasting rolls)
Instructions
-
Prepare the Beef:
- Season the chuck roast with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme.
- Place in a slow cooker.
-
Make the Broth:
- Add onions, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, beer (or broth), and beef broth.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours, until the beef is tender and shreds easily.
-
Shred the Beef:
- Remove the beef from the slow cooker and shred with two forks.
- Strain the liquid to remove onions and set aside as the au jus dipping sauce.
-
Assemble the Sandwiches:
- Butter the hoagie rolls and toast in a skillet or under a broiler.
- Pile shredded beef onto each roll and top with provolone or Swiss cheese.
- Broil for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted.
-
Serve:
- Serve with a side of warm au jus for dipping. Enjoy!
Notes
- For extra richness, add a splash of balsamic vinegar to the broth before cooking.
- Make it spicy with a few dashes of hot sauce or sliced jalapeños.
- Leftovers? Store shredded beef in the au jus for maximum flavor.