Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches
Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches are a hands-off way to enjoy tender, juicy beef that’s been simmered to perfection. The beef slowly cooks in a flavorful broth with onions and…
Tip: save now, cook later.Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches are a hands-off way to enjoy tender, juicy beef that’s been simmered to perfection. The beef slowly cooks in a flavorful broth with onions and spices, making it super soft and packed with flavor. When piled onto soft sandwich rolls and dipped into the rich au jus, these sandwiches are pure comfort food that’s easy to love.
I love making these sandwiches when I want something warm and satisfying without spending all day in the kitchen. The slow cooker does all the work, and the beef turns out so tender it practically melts in your mouth. A quick tip: let the beef rest a little before shredding, so you don’t lose all the yummy juices—those juices become your au jus for dipping!
These sandwiches are fantastic on their own, but I like adding a slice of provolone or Swiss cheese and toasting the rolls just enough for a little crunch. It’s the perfect mix of soft beef and melty cheese with a juicy dip that keeps everyone coming back for more. I usually serve them with some crispy fries or a simple salad on the side – makes for an easy, delicious meal any night of the week.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef chuck roast: This cut is perfect because it becomes tender and flavorful after slow cooking. If chuck isn’t available, you can try brisket or bottom round roast for similar results.
Onions & garlic: These add a rich, aromatic base to the broth. Yellow onions work best, but white or sweet onions are fine too. Fresh garlic is ideal, but garlic powder can work in a pinch.
Beef broth: It gives depth to the au jus. Low-sodium broth allows you to control saltiness better. If you don’t have beef broth, a mix of water and beef bouillon cubes is a good substitute.
French rolls or hoagie buns: Choose sturdy bread that can hold juicy beef without falling apart. Crusty rolls like baguettes work well. If you want a lighter option, try ciabatta rolls.
Provolone or Swiss cheese: These melt nicely and add mild creaminess. You can swap with mozzarella or even Monterey Jack if you want a different flavor.
How Do You Get Tender, Shreddable Beef in a Slow Cooker?
The key is low and slow cooking that breaks down the meat fibers gently. Here’s how I make sure it comes out tender every time:
- Sear first: Browning the beef locks in flavor and adds a nice crust that enhances taste.
- Use enough liquid: The broth and water keep the slow cooker moist, helping the beef stay juicy.
- Cook long: Let the beef cook on low for 8-9 hours or high for 4-5 hours. Don’t rush it—patience gives you tender meat.
- Rest before shredding: After cooking, let the beef rest for 10 minutes so juices redistribute. This stops the meat from drying out when shredded.
- Shred with forks: Using two forks to pull apart the beef keeps it shredded evenly and maintains a nice texture.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Slow cooker – does all the work while you relax and get tender, juicy beef.
- Large skillet – for searing the beef, which adds great flavor and locks in juices.
- Sharp knife – helps slice the onions and cut the rolls cleanly.
- Forks (two) – perfect for shredding the cooked beef easily and evenly.
- Fine mesh sieve – strains the au jus, making it smooth and clear for dipping.
- Baking sheet – to broil the sandwiches and melt the cheese just right.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Try swapping beef chuck roast for pork shoulder for a different, slightly sweeter flavor.
- Add sliced mushrooms to the slow cooker for extra earthiness and texture.
- Use pepper jack cheese instead of provolone for a little spicy kick to your sandwiches.
- Mix fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme into the au jus for a more fragrant dip.
How to Make Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Roast and Broth:
- 3-4 lbs beef chuck roast
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups beef broth
- 1 cup water
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
For The Sandwiches:
- 6-8 French rolls or hoagie buns
- 8 slices provolone or Swiss cheese
- Fresh thyme sprigs (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep. Then you’ll cook the beef in your slow cooker for 8-9 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high, until the meat is tender and easy to shred. Add a few extra minutes for shredding and broiling the sandwiches before serving. Overall, plan for about 9 hours mostly hands-off time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Searing the Beef:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the beef chuck roast and sear it on all sides. This should take about 3 to 4 minutes per side. Browning the meat helps lock in flavor. After searing, set the roast aside.
2. Preparing the Slow Cooker:
Place the sliced onions and minced garlic in the bottom of your slow cooker. Pour in the beef broth, water, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, rosemary, salt, black pepper, and add the bay leaf. Stir the mixture to combine everything evenly.
3. Cooking the Beef:
Place the seared beef roast on top of the onion and broth mixture. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-9 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours. The roast should be very tender and easy to pull apart when done.
4. Resting and Shredding the Beef:
Carefully remove the roast from the slow cooker and let it rest for about 10 minutes. In the meantime, skim off any excess fat from the cooking liquid in the slow cooker and remove the bay leaf. Shred the beef with two forks until it’s tender and juicy.
5. Making the Au Jus:
Strain the cooking liquid through a fine mesh sieve to remove the onions and herbs, keeping the liquid smooth and clear. Keep this warm — it will be your delicious dipping sauce for the sandwiches.
6. Assembling and Broiling The Sandwiches:
Preheat your oven’s broiler. Split each French roll or hoagie bun in half. Layer a good amount of shredded beef on the bottom half, then add a slice of provolone or Swiss cheese. Place the sandwiches on a baking sheet and broil for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the rolls toast lightly.
7. Serving:
Put the top halves of the rolls on, then serve the sandwiches immediately. Offer small bowls of the warm au jus on the side so each person can dip their sandwich for maximum flavor. Garnish with fresh thyme if you like!
Can I Use Frozen Beef Chuck Roast for This Recipe?
Yes, but make sure to fully thaw the roast in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. Using frozen beef may affect the slow cooker’s cooking time and tenderness.
Can I Make These Sandwiches Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can slow cook the beef and prepare the au jus a day in advance. Store them separately in the fridge and reheat gently before assembling and broiling the sandwiches.
How Should I Store Leftover Beef and Au Jus?
Keep leftover shredded beef and au jus in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the beef with a little broth or water to keep it moist, and warm the au jus before serving.
Can I Substitute the Cheese or Bread?
Definitely! Swiss or provolone are classic choices, but mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for a bit of spice work well too. For bread, crusty rolls like ciabatta or baguettes make great alternatives.
