Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches

These Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches are the ultimate comfort food—tender, flavorful beef cooked low and slow, then piled onto a toasted bun and served with a savory au jus for dipping. Perfect for an easy dinner or a crowd-pleasing party treat, these sandwiches are simple to prepare but loaded with rich, mouthwatering flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

This French dip sandwich recipe is all about convenience and flavor. Using a slow cooker, the beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, and the au jus is packed with deep, savory flavor. It’s one of those set-it-and-forget-it meals that will have you coming back for more. Plus, the sandwiches are fully customizable—add cheese, pickles, or whatever toppings you like.

Ingredients

This recipe calls for just a few essential ingredients:

• For the Beef:
• beef chuck roast
• olive oil
• salt
• black pepper
• garlic powder
• onion powder
• dried thyme
• Worcestershire sauce
• can beef broth
• water
• onion soup mix
• garlic, minced
• For the Sandwiches:
• rolls or French baguettes
• provolone or Swiss cheese
• butter, melted

How to Make Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches

Brown the beef

Start by searing the beef chuck roast in a hot pan with a bit of oil until it’s browned on all sides. This step helps lock in flavor.

Set up the slow cooker

Transfer the beef to the slow cooker. Add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, garlic, and onions. Stir everything together and cover the slow cooker.

Slow cook

Set your slow cooker to low and cook for 7–8 hours, or until the beef is tender and shreds easily with a fork.

Shred the beef

Once the beef is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded beef to the au jus, stirring to coat it in all that flavorful liquid.

Toast the buns and assemble

While the beef is cooking, toast your buns in the oven until golden and crispy. Once everything’s ready, pile the shredded beef onto the toasted buns and serve with a side of au jus for dipping.

Expert Tips and Tricks

• For a richer flavor, add a splash of red wine to the broth before cooking.
• If you prefer a more savory sandwich, you can top your French dip with melted provolone or Swiss cheese.
• For extra texture, add crispy fried onions on top of the beef before serving.
• Don’t skip the searing step! It helps develop deeper flavors.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

• You can swap the beef chuck for a brisket or round roast, but chuck tends to be more tender when slow-cooked.
• Try using hoagie rolls or baguettes instead of standard sandwich buns for a more substantial sandwich.
• For a lighter option, use a whole-wheat bun or serve the beef on a bed of greens.
• Add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

These French dip sandwiches are hearty enough to be a meal on their own, but you can serve them with a side of crispy fries, a simple salad, or even a cup of creamy coleslaw. They also pair wonderfully with a cold beer or a glass of red wine.

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Store leftover beef and au jus in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Reheat the beef in the au jus to keep it moist and flavorful.
• You can freeze the beef and au jus for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes! This recipe is perfect for meal prep. The beef gets even more flavorful after sitting in the au jus overnight.

What’s the best way to shred the beef?
Using two forks is the easiest method, but you can also use a hand mixer on low speed for a quicker shredding process.

Can I use a different type of bread?
Absolutely! French dip sandwiches are versatile—crusty baguettes, hoagie rolls, or even slider buns all work well.

Can I make this in the Instant Pot instead?
Yes, you can cook the beef in the Instant Pot on high pressure for 60 minutes and let it naturally release. It will be just as tender!

Conclusion

Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches are a comforting, flavorful meal that requires minimal effort but delivers big results. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy dinner at home, these sandwiches are always a hit. Tender beef, savory au jus, and a toasted bun—what more could you want?

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