Nothing beats the comfort of slow cooker French dip sandwiches after a long day. The tender meat, rich flavors, and cheesy goodness make it a favorite at my house. And best of all, it’s so easy to throw together!
Solves busy weeknight dinners by yielding tender beef, au jus, and sandwich-worthy meals with minimal hands-on time and simple ingredients.
I’ve often struggled with meal planning, especially since I want to keep my meals delicious and safe for my family. This recipe really helps, because I can prepare it in just 15 minutes and let the slow cooker do the rest. It’s a lifesaver on busy days!
Using a slow cooker means the meat comes out beautifully tender, and the flavors develop over time. No more worrying about dry or tough sandwiches! You can set it in the morning, and by dinner, you’ll have a hearty meal ready to serve.
If you love making sandwiches, this is a must-try. If you want something sweet to go along with it, I highly recommend checking out my Greek Chicken with Peas in Tomato Sauce recipe!
Table of contents
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Hands-Free Cooking The slow cooker handles the work, letting you go about your day while dinner cooks. It’s a simple way to get a hearty meal on the table.
- Flavorful Dipping Experience The rich au jus adds a savory dimension that enhances each bite. Dipping your sandwich into it makes every mouthful even more satisfying.
- Customizable Cheese Options You can use Swiss or provolone, or mix and match depending on your mood. This flexibility makes each sandwich feel a bit special.
- Easy Storage Leftovers can be stored in the fridge and enjoyed within a few days. Plus, you can freeze extras for later, making meal planning even easier.
Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cool Time: N/A
- Cook Time: 8 to 10 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: sandwich
- Method: slow cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: low fat
Description
Delicious slow cooker French dip sandwiches with tender beef and melted cheese.
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil, for searing the beef
- 2 ½ to 3 pounds beef chuck roast, well-marbled
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground pepper, to taste
- 2 (1-ounce) packages dry onion soup mix
- 2 cups water, filtered for best taste
- 2 (14.5-ounce) cans beef broth, low-sodium recommended
- 6–8 slices Swiss or provolone cheese, deli slices preferred
- 6–8 crusty rolls, fresh
Instructions
- Season the Roast: Start by seasoning the roast on all sides with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper. Ensure it is nicely seasoned to avoid blandness.
- Brown the Roast: Sear the roast in a hot skillet until browned all over. Focus on achieving that deep color for added depth of flavor.
- Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker: Transfer the browned roast to the slow cooker. Add the beef broth, dry onion soup mix, and the water. Make sure not to overcrowd the slow cooker for even cooking.
- Slow Cook to Perfection: Set your slow cooker to low and cook for 8 to 10 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender. Avoid opening the lid frequently to maintain the cooking temperature.
- Shred the Beef: Once cooked, remove the roast from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks, allowing the meat to pull apart easily.
- Prep the Rolls: While the beef rests, toast your rolls lightly to provide a nice crunch and to prevent sogginess.
- Serve & Enjoy: Fill the toasted rolls with the shredded beef and serve with a side of the au jus for dipping. Broil the sandwiches with cheese for optimal meltiness if desired.
Notes
- Storage Tips: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. They may also be frozen for longer preservation.
- Expert Tips: Using a fat separator when preparing the au jus can greatly enhance its flavor. Season the au jus with Worcestershire sauce or garlic powder for additional flavor if it tastes bland. If using larger cuts of meat, consider cutting it into chunks for more even cooking.
- Reheating Instructions: Reheat in a microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. For sandwiches, reassemble and use the broiler for melting cheese a second time.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair with a side salad for a balanced meal, or serve with crispy french fries for a classic combo. Adding pickles or jalapenos gives a nice kick to the meal.
- Recipe Variations: Replace the beef with 2-3 pounds of chicken for a lighter option, or use baguettes for a different texture. You can also incorporate extra seasonings for a spicier dip.
- Ingredient Notes: Choose a good quality olive oil for searing, preferably extra virgin. The beef chuck roast should be well-marbled to ensure tenderness. Freshly cracked pepper provides a better flavor than pre-ground. For rolls, select fresh, crusty options that can hold the filling well.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 474
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 1941mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 108mg
Ingredient Notes
- Olive oil: You’ll need this to sear the beef before it goes in the slow cooker. A good quality extra virgin oil makes a big difference!
- Beef chuck roast: This cut is perfect for slow cooking since it gets tender and juicy with all those hours in the pot. Look for well-marbled meat!
- Kosher salt: It brings out the flavors in your beef and broth. Just remember to season liberally, but always taste as you go!
- Freshly ground pepper: Freshly cracked pepper adds a lovely kick. If you don’t have a grinder, just use pre-ground but go easy on it!
- Dry onion soup mix: This is where a lot of the flavor comes from! You can make your own with onion powder and herbs if you’re feeling adventurous.
- Water: This helps create the broth in your slow cooker. Use filtered water if you can; it really does make a difference in taste.
- Beef broth: Canned broth adds that savory depth to your sandwiches. Low-sodium is a great choice if you want to control salt levels.
- Swiss or provolone cheese: Choose your go-to for melting. Both add that creamy texture that makes each bite so good! Go for deli slices for easy layering.
- Crusty rolls: These are key for holding everything together. Ciabatta is awesome, but any hearty roll will do the trick. Just make sure it’s fresh!
Recipe Tips
- If your au jus seems bland, a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a sprinkle of garlic powder can really amp up the flavor.
- When using larger cuts, like a chuck roast, cutting it into chunks can help achieve even cooking and prevent toughness.
- If you want the cheese to melt nicely, placing the sandwiches under the broiler for three to five minutes is a great option.
- For cleaner preparation, using crockpot liners simplifies the cleanup process significantly, saving you time and effort.
- If the meat feels tough, it’s a signal that it may need more time in the slow cooker. Letting it cook longer can help achieve tenderness.
Serving Suggestions
Pair slow cooker French dip sandwiches with a side salad for a nutritious meal. Crispy French fries make a familiar addition, while pickles or jalapeños can add some heat.
These sandwiches can also shine in other recipes like French dip sliders, served with vegetables or a hearty side dish. Consider making a loaded French dip casserole that incorporates these flavors for variety.
Top the sandwiches with au jus for dipping or add a drizzle of horseradish sauce for extra zest. Sautéed onions or garlic can also enhance the serving experience simply and effectively.
Recipe variations
- You can use chicken in place of beef for a lighter take on these slow cooker french dip sandwiches.
- Add 1 teaspoon garlic powder and 1 teaspoon smoked paprika for an extra layer of flavor in the broth.
- Either use baguettes or rolls made from whole grain for a different texture and taste experience.
- If you’re cooking for a larger group, you can increase the beef to 4 pounds and adjust the broth accordingly to 3 cups.
Save This Recipe!
How to Store?
To keep your slow cooker french dip sandwiches fresh, follow these storage tips:
Refrigeration: Place leftovers in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Wrap sandwiches tightly in plastic wrap then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Warm sandwiches in the oven at 350°F until heated through. Enjoy with warm au jus for dipping.
Other Recipes You’ll Love
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