Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches Recipe

There’s something incredibly satisfying about biting into juicy, tender beef nestled in a crusty roll, cheese melted just right, and dipping it into flavorful au jus. This Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches Recipe captures all that goodness effortlessly, turning humble ingredients into a cozy, crowd-pleasing meal. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or feeding friends, these sandwiches are the perfect blend of convenience and wow factor that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple, straightforward ingredients come together here to create a deeply savory and comforting dish. Each component, from the hearty beef chuck roast to the robust beef broth and melty cheese, plays a crucial role in delivering all the flavors and textures that define this Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches Recipe.

• 2 Tablespoons olive oil: For searing the beef, locking in flavor and juices before slow cooking.
• 2 1/2 to 3 pounds beef chuck roast: The star of the dish – perfect for shredding when cooked low and slow.
• Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the beef’s natural flavors.
• Freshly ground pepper: Adds the right amount of kick and depth.
• 2 (1-ounce) packages dry onion soup mix: A game-changer in seasoning with rich, herby onion notes.
• 2 cups water: Helps create the flavorful au jus as the roast cooks.
• 2 (14.5-ounce) cans beef broth: Adds deep, meaty richness to the dipping sauce.
• 6-8 slices swiss or provolone cheese: Melts beautifully over the shredded beef for that gooey finish.
• 6-8 crusty rolls (we like ciabatta): The sturdy bread that holds all the goodness together.

How to Make Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Sear the Beef

Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet until it shimmers over medium-high heat. Generously season your beef chuck roast on all sides with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the roast in the skillet and sear it on all sides, allowing it to brown without moving for a couple of minutes per side. This step adds incredible flavor and seals in those juices, setting up a moist and tender finish.

Step 2: Set Up the Slow Cooker

Transfer the seared roast along with all those savory pan juices into your slow cooker. Sprinkle the dry onion soup mix evenly over the roast, then pour in the water and beef broth. This flavorful broth will slowly infuse the meat as it cooks, creating the delicious au jus that makes this Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches Recipe so memorable.

Step 3: Cook Low and Slow

Cover and cook on high for 4 to 6 hours, or on low for 8 to 10 hours, depending on your schedule. You’ll know it’s done when the roast is so tender that it shreds effortlessly with a fork. This slow cooking is the magic that transforms the beef into melt-in-your-mouth perfection.

Step 4: Assemble the Sandwiches

Once your roast is cooked and shredded, pile it generously onto sliced crusty rolls. Top each sandwich with a slice of Swiss or provolone cheese, then broil briefly to melt the cheese and toast the bun slightly. Serve hot with a small bowl of the rich au jus for dunking, and prepare to savor every bite.

How to Serve Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches Recipe

Garnishes

Adding fresh, simple garnishes can elevate your French dip sandwiches. Think thinly sliced pickles or a smear of horseradish sauce for a subtle spicy punch. A sprinkle of fresh parsley can add a bright note, contrasting the rich beef and melted cheese beautifully.

Side Dishes

Classic French fries or crispy potato wedges are always a winning side, soaking up the au jus once the sandwich is gone. For something lighter, a crisp garden salad with a zesty vinaigrette balances the richness perfectly. Even a bowl of homemade coleslaw adds delightful crunch and tang.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party or casual gathering, slice the sandwiches into slider-sized portions and serve on a platter with mini bowls of au jus for individual dipping. You could also turn this into a deconstructed board featuring the shredded beef, rolls, cheese slices, and au jus served separately, letting guests build their own perfect bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, store the shredded beef and au jus in airtight containers in the refrigerator. They’ll stay good for 3 to 4 days and can be easily reheated for a quick meal or revamped into other delicious dishes like tacos or chimichangas.

Freezing

Both the meat and au jus freeze well when kept separately in airtight containers. Freeze for up to 2 to 3 months, making sure to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. This makes for a convenient ready-made meal when you need it most.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of au jus or broth if needed to keep the beef juicy. Toast fresh rolls and add cheese for a fresh sandwich experience just like the first time around.

FAQs

Can I use a frozen roast for this Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches Recipe?

Absolutely! You can place the frozen chuck roast directly in the slow cooker with all the other ingredients and seasonings. Just keep in mind that cooking time will need to be extended by a couple of hours to ensure the meat is tender and perfectly shreddable.

Is searing the beef necessary?

Searing adds additional depth of flavor and helps lock in juices, but it’s not a must. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step, season the beef, and slow cook it. The result will still be deliciously tender and flavorful.

What type of cheese works best?

Swiss and provolone are excellent choices for the melts, offering mild, creamy flavors that complement the beef without overpowering it. Feel free to experiment with your favorites, but keep the cheese mild and melty.

How should I reheat leftover sandwiches?

To keep leftovers tasting fresh, reheat the shredded beef gently with some of the au jus. Toast your bread separately and melt the cheese on top under the broiler or in a toaster oven for best results.

Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?

Yes, you can adapt this Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches Recipe for an Instant Pot. Sear the roast using the sauté function, then add broth and seasonings. Cook on high pressure for 60 minutes and allow a natural release for 15 minutes. The result is just as tender and flavorful.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you try this Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches Recipe, it will quickly become one of your go-to meals for its unbeatable combination of rich flavors, tender beef, and melty cheese all wrapped up in a crusty roll. It’s easy enough for a weeknight yet special enough to share with guests. Dive in and enjoy this comforting, delicious classic that everyone will love!

Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches Recipe

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These Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches feature tender, slow-cooked chuck roast served on crusty rolls with melted Swiss or provolone cheese and flavorful au jus for dipping. Perfect for an easy, satisfying meal with minimal hands-on time.

• Author: Paula
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours
• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 2 Tablespoons olive oil
• 2 1/2 to 3 pounds beef chuck roast
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Freshly ground pepper, to taste
• 2 (1-ounce) packages dry onion soup mix
• 2 cups water
• 2 (14.5-ounce) cans beef broth
• 6–8 slices Swiss or provolone cheese
• 6–8 crusty rolls (ciabatta recommended)

Instructions

1. Season and Heat Oil: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. While waiting for the oil to shimmer, season all sides of the chuck roast generously with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper.
2. Sear the Roast: Place the roast in the hot skillet and sear it on all sides, letting it sit without moving for 1-2 minutes before flipping to brown evenly and seal in juices.
3. Transfer and Cook in Slow Cooker: Move the seared roast along with any pan juices into the slow cooker. Sprinkle dry onion soup mix over the roast, then pour in water and beef broth. Cook on high for 4-6 hours or on low for 8-10 hours until the meat is tender and easy to shred.
4. Shred the Meat: Remove the roast from the slow cooker and shred it with forks until it breaks apart easily.
5. Assemble Sandwiches and Melt Cheese: Pile shredded beef onto sliced crusty rolls, top each with a slice of Swiss or provolone cheese. Place sandwiches under the broiler to toast the rolls and melt the cheese until bubbly and golden.
6. Serve with Au Jus: Serve the sandwiches hot with the warm cooking juices from the slow cooker as au jus for dipping.

Notes

• You can use a frozen chuck roast without thawing by adding it directly to the slow cooker; increase cooking time by at least 2 hours.
• Searing the meat is optional but adds extra flavor; you can skip and cook directly in the slow cooker.
• Leftover shredded beef keeps well refrigerated for 3-4 days and can be used in other meals like tacos or chimichangas.
• Freeze meat and au jus separately in airtight containers for 2-3 months; reheat before serving.
• For an Instant Pot version, sear using sauté function, deglaze pot with water, add broth and onion soup mix, then cook on high pressure for 60 minutes with natural pressure release.
• This recipe is from the cookbook “House of Nash Eats Everyday!” page 160.