There’s just something about a French dip sandwich that makes it the perfect comfort food. Maybe it’s the juicy, fall-apart tender beef, the crusty toasted roll, or the rich, savory au jus that takes every bite to the next level. Whatever it is, this Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwich recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to meal for busy days.

Now, I know what you might be thinking—“Do I really need to make these from scratch?” And my answer is absolutely! Sure, you could grab a French dip from your favorite sandwich shop, but making it at home is not only more satisfying, it’s also incredibly easy (thanks to the slow cooker). This recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort, and the best part? Your house is going to smell amazing all day long.

Let’s dive in and get started on these mouthwatering sandwiches.

Step 1: Searing the Beef for Maximum Flavor

One of the secrets to getting that deep, rich beefy flavor in this dish is searing the chuck roast before it goes into the slow cooker. It only takes a few extra minutes, but trust me, it’s worth it.

Here’s how to do it:

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
While the oil is heating, pat the 3–4 pound chuck roast dry with paper towels (this helps create a better sear). Then, season it generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Once the oil is hot, add the beef to the skillet and sear it on all sides until it’s beautifully browned—this should take about 3-4 minutes per side.
When the beef has a nice crust, transfer it to your slow cooker.

Pro Tip: Don’t skip the searing! This step adds an extra layer of flavor by caramelizing the exterior of the meat, which enhances the overall richness of the dish.

Step 2: Prepping the Aromatics

Now, let’s build the foundation of flavor with onions, and garlic, and a touch beef broth.

Follow these simple steps:

Using the same skillet (don’t wash it—you want those flavorful browned bits left behind!), add 1 large sliced onion and 4 minced garlic cloves.
Sauté them for about 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onions soften and the garlic becomes fragrant.
Next, pour in ½ cup of beef broth.
Use a wooden spoon to scrape up all those delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan—this is where so much of the flavor is hiding!
Let the beef broth simmer for 1-2 minutes, then pour everything into the slow cooker over the seared beef.

Step 3: Assembling the Slow Cooker Broth

Now that we have our beef and aromatics ready, it’s time to bring everything together with a flavorful broth.

Here’s what you’ll need to add to the slow cooker:

2 cups beef broth (low-sodium is best so you can control the salt level)
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce (adds a deep umami flavor)
1 teaspoon soy sauce (for extra savoriness)
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1 bay leaf

Once you’ve added all the ingredients, give it a gentle stir, cover the slow cooker, and set it to cook on low for 8 hours or high for 6 hours.

And that’s it for now! While the slow cooker works its magic, you can go about your day knowing that something incredible is happening in your kitchen.

Step 4: Shredding the Beef

After 6-8 hours of slow cooking, your chuck roast should be so tender that it practically falls apart on its own. This is the moment we’ve been waiting for!

Here’s how to shred it like a pro:

Using tongs, carefully remove the beef from the slow cooker and place it on a large cutting board.
Grab two forks and start shredding the beef, discarding any large pieces of fat. (This part is super satisfying!)
Once shredded, return the beef to the slow cooker and let it soak in the juices for another 20-30 minutes. This helps it absorb even more flavor.

Pro Tip: If you prefer a thicker au jus, you can skim off some of the fat from the surface of the slow cooker liquid before returning the shredded beef.

Step 5: Preparing the Rolls

A great French dip sandwich isn’t just about the beef—the bread matters too! You want something crusty on the outside but soft enough to soak up that delicious au jus.

Here’s how to prep the rolls for the perfect sandwich:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Slice 6 hoagie rolls or baguettes in half.
If you love a buttery, toasty roll (highly recommended!), spread a little butter on each half and place them on a baking sheet.
Toast in the oven for 5-7 minutes until golden and crisp.

Pro Tip: If you want extra crunch, place the rolls under the broiler for the last 1-2 minutes, but keep an eye on them so they don’t burn!

Step 6: Assembling the Sandwiches

Now for the best part—putting everything together!

Here’s how to build the ultimate French dip sandwich:

Pile a generous amount of shredded beef onto each toasted roll.
Top each sandwich with a slice of provolone, Swiss, or mozzarella cheese.
Place the sandwiches under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
While the cheese is melting, strain the remaining juices from the slow cooker into small serving bowls—this is your au jus for dipping.
Serve the sandwiches hot, alongside the au jus for the ultimate French dip experience!

Pro Tip: If you love extra flavor, sprinkle a little chopped fresh parsley on top before serving.

Optional Garnishes & Toppings

Want to take your French dip sandwiches to the next level? Try adding one (or all) of these delicious toppings:

Horseradish sauce – Adds a little heat and tangy kick!
Sautéed mushrooms – A rich, earthy addition.
Caramelized onions – For even more sweet-savory goodness.
Roasted bell peppers – A little color and a touch of sweetness.

At this point, your sandwiches are ready to be devoured. But before you take that first bite, make sure you’ve got plenty of napkins—because these are juicy, messy, and oh-so-delicious!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes! While chuck roast is the best choice for tenderness and flavor, you can also use rump roast, bottom round, or brisket. Just make sure to cook it low and slow so it becomes fall-apart tender.

2. What if I don’t have a slow cooker?

No problem! You can make this in a Dutch oven instead. Sear the beef as directed, then add all the ingredients and cook in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 3-4 hours, or until the beef is tender enough to shred.

3. Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, the flavors get even better the next day. Store the shredded beef and au jus separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

4. Can I freeze the beef?

Yes! Let the shredded beef and au jus cool completely, then store them in separate freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat before assembling the sandwiches.

5. What’s the best cheese for French dip sandwiches?

The best choices are provolone, Swiss, or mozzarella because they melt beautifully and complement the beefy flavor. You could also try white cheddar or Monterey Jack for a twist.

6. How do I make the au jus thicker?

If you prefer a richer, thicker au jus, whisk 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the strained broth. Simmer on the stovetop for a few minutes until slightly thickened.

7. Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?

Yes! Sear the beef using the Sauté function, then add the remaining ingredients. Cook on High Pressure for 60 minutes, followed by a 15-minute natural release. Shred the beef and let it soak in the juices before serving.

Final Thoughts & Serving Tips

These Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches are the kind of meal that feels fancy but couldn’t be easier to make. Whether you’re serving them for a cozy family dinner, game day, or even meal prep, they’re guaranteed to be a hit.

A Few Extra Tips to Make Them Even Better:

Use a crusty roll – A soft roll will soak up the au jus too quickly and fall apart. Hoagie rolls or French baguettes work best.
Don’t skimp on the au jus – It’s what makes a French dip sandwich truly special! Serve each sandwich with a generous portion of dipping broth.
Add some crunch – A little toasted bread, crispy onions, or even a pickle on the side adds great texture.

Now that you know all the tips and tricks, it’s time to dig in! If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you. Drop a comment below, let me know if you made any variations, and most importantly—enjoy every delicious bite!

SLOW COOKER FRENCH DIP SANDWICHES

Author: Mark's Recipe
Total Time: 8 hours, 15 mins

Print Recipe

Description

These Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches are incredibly tender, juicy, and packed with rich, savory flavors. Slowly cooked in a flavorful broth, the beef becomes fall-apart tender, perfect for piling onto a crusty roll with melted cheese. Served with a side of warm au jus for dipping, this sandwich is comfort food at its finest!

Instructions

1️⃣ Sear the Beef:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Pat the chuck roast dry and season generously with salt and black pepper.

Sear the beef on all sides until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. This step enhances the flavor.

Transfer the beef to the slow cooker.

2️⃣ Prepare the Aromatics:

In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.

Scrape up any browned bits. Let it cook for 1-2 minutes, then pour the mixture over the beef in the slow cooker.

3️⃣ Assemble the Broth:

Add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, thyme, rosemary, and the bay leaf to the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine.

Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 6 hours, until the beef is fork-tender.

4️⃣ Shred the Beef:

Remove the beef from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks, discarding any excess fat.

Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker to soak in the juices for another 20-30 minutes.

5️⃣ Prepare the Rolls:

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Slice the rolls in half and butter them if desired. Toast them in the oven for 5-7 minutes until golden and crisp.

6️⃣ Assemble the Sandwiches:

Pile the shredded beef onto the toasted rolls.

Top each sandwich with a slice of cheese and place them under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serve with a small bowl of the strained au jus from the slow cooker for dipping.

Notes

Beef Choice: Chuck roast is ideal because it becomes incredibly tender when slow-cooked.
Au Jus: Strain the cooking liquid to remove bits of onion and herbs for a smooth dipping sauce.
Make Ahead: The beef can be cooked a day in advance and stored in the fridge. Just reheat it in the juices before serving!

Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 8 hours

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