Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches Recipe
Prepare yourself for a seriously crave-worthy meal: Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches are the ultimate marriage of succulent, fall-apart beef, golden toasted rolls, melty cheese, and savory au jus for dipping. This dish is all about comfort and big, beefy flavor, yet it’s beautifully easy thanks to the magic of your slow cooker. Juicy, tender beef and rich broth fill every bite with classic deli nostalgia, making it a go-to for family dinners or casual get-togethers alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of simple ingredients to make Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches, but each one is crucial. From the beef’s richness to the earthy herbs and the gooey cheese, every item adds a layer of flavor or texture you won’t want to skip.
- Beef chuck roast (3 pounds): The star of the show—marbled and tender, it cooks down to juicy perfection.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps sear the meat, giving it a wonderful crust and deeper flavor.
- Large onion, sliced: Adds sweetness and depth to both the beef and the broth.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Brightens everything with its aromatic punch.
- Beef broth (3 cups): Forms the rich, savory foundation for the au jus.
- Soy sauce (¼ cup): Adds umami and saltiness for a more complex dipping broth.
- Worcestershire sauce (2 tablespoons): Lends tangy, savory notes that complement the beef.
- Balsamic vinegar (1 tablespoon): A splash of acidity that balances all the deep flavors.
- Dried thyme (1 teaspoon): Brings a woodsy, herbal aroma to each bite.
- Dried rosemary (1 teaspoon): Infuses the broth with classic, fragrant flavor.
- Bay leaves (2): Offer subtle, savory undertones throughout the cooking process.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds gentle heat and extra pop.
- Hoagie rolls (6): Soft yet sturdy enough to soak up all that luscious juice without falling apart.
- Provolone or Swiss cheese (12 slices): Melts beautifully over the beef and gives that signature oozy finish.
- Butter (for toasting rolls, optional): Adds richness and a golden crunch if you choose to toast.
How to Make Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches
Step 1: Sear the Beef
Start by seasoning your beef chuck roast on all sides with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then brown the roast on every side (about 3 to 4 minutes per side). This quick sear locks in flavor and guarantees you’ll get more depth in your finished sandwich.
Step 2: Layer Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
Transfer the seared beef to your slow cooker. Top it with sliced onions and minced garlic, then pour in the beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, and black pepper. Stir or nestle everything so the roast is surrounded by flavor.
Step 3: Slow Cook Until Tender
Cover with the lid and set your slow cooker on low for 8 hours or high for 4 to 5 hours. While you wait, your kitchen will fill with the most incredible aroma! The end goal: beef so tender you can shred it with barely any effort.
Step 4: Shred the Beef & Prepare Au Jus
Once the beef is pull-apart tender, remove it from the pot and use two forks to shred it. Strain the cooking liquid, discarding the bay leaves and any excess bits, then reserve the warm, savory broth (that’s your homemade au jus—the soul of authentic Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches).
Step 5: Toast Rolls & Assemble Sandwiches
Split your hoagie rolls and lightly butter if desired. Toast them under a broiler or in a skillet until golden and crisp. Pile on the shredded beef, then top each sandwich with two slices of provolone or Swiss cheese. Broil until the cheese is melty and bubbling. Serve hot, with a bowl of au jus on the side for dipping every delicious bite.
How to Serve Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley over each sandwich adds a vibrant pop of color and a touch of freshness. For a little zing, you might also offer up some horseradish sauce or mayo on the side. Pickled banana peppers or a scoop of crispy fried onions make for fantastic add-ons if you want extra texture or a tangy kick.
Side Dishes
Serve your Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches with classic deli favorites like kettle chips, tangy coleslaw, or a crisp green salad to balance out the rich, savory meat. For a homier feel, oven-baked fries or roasted veggies are perfect for soaking up extra au jus. Don’t forget a pickle spear for that briny, refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Make your French dip night extra fun by setting up a sandwich bar. Let everyone build their own sandwich with toppings like sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or spicy peppers. For smaller bites—think game day—pile the beef and cheese onto slider buns, and serve with shooters of au jus. You can even hollow out a sourdough loaf and stuff it with the beef and cheese for a party-ready French dip loaf.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover shredded beef and au jus in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This makes lunch or dinner the next day (or two) a major breeze. Just reheat what you need and build more Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches as cravings strike.
Freezing
The shredded beef freezes beautifully. Cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container along with a bit of au jus to keep it moist. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
For best results, warm beef gently in a saucepan with a splash of au jus over low heat until heated through. You can also microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally. Toast fresh rolls, melt the cheese under the broiler, and rebuild your Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches to enjoy that same just-made satisfaction.
FAQs
Can I make Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches with a different cut of beef?
Yes! While chuck roast is ideal for its tenderness and marbling, you can also use brisket or rump roast. Just be sure to slice against the grain for maximum tenderness if your cut isn’t as naturally shreddable.
Do I have to sear the roast before adding it to the slow cooker?
Searing is optional but highly recommended. It creates richer flavor and color by caramelizing the meat’s exterior—totally worth the extra few minutes!
What’s the best cheese for Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches?
Provolone and Swiss are classic choices because they melt well and complement the beef’s flavors. You could also use mozzarella, fontina, or even white cheddar for a twist.
Can I prepare these sandwiches in advance for a party?
Absolutely! Shred the beef and make the au jus the day before. Store separately and reheat just before serving. Toast the rolls and melt the cheese right before guests arrive for maximum freshness.
What can I do with leftover au jus?
Leftover au jus makes a fabulous soup base or gravy starter. Try using it to simmer vegetables, cook rice, or add to another batch of Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches—you won’t want to waste a drop!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a meal that’s hearty, low-maintenance, and packed with flavor, you can’t go wrong with Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches. They deliver pure comfort and cheer, every single time. Don’t be surprised if this recipe becomes your new “what should we make tonight?” favorite!
Print
Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches Recipe
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 sandwiches 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches are a hearty and flavorful meal featuring tender shredded beef piled high on toasted hoagie rolls with melted cheese, perfect for dipping in savory au jus. A classic American favorite made easy in the slow cooker.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 3 pounds beef chuck roast
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion (sliced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 3 cups beef broth
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 2 bay leaves
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For Serving:
- 6 hoagie rolls
- 12 slices provolone or Swiss cheese
- butter (for toasting rolls, optional)
Instructions
- Season and Sear Beef: Season the chuck roast, then sear in a skillet until browned.
- Prepare Slow Cooker: Transfer beef to the slow cooker, add onions, garlic, broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, herbs, and spices.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours until beef is tender.
- Shred Beef: Remove beef, shred, and strain cooking liquid for dipping broth.
- Assemble Sandwiches: Toast rolls, pile beef on each, top with cheese, and melt under broiler.
- Serve: Serve hot with reserved broth for dipping.
Notes
- Enhance with sliced peppers or mushrooms for added flavor.
- Leftover beef works well for meal prep sandwiches.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours (low) or 4-5 hours (high)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich with au jus
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 1330 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 45 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg
