Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwich Recipe

Slow cooker french dip sandwich
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Imagine coming home after a long day to the smell of tender, juicy beef simmering in a rich, flavorful broth. The best part? You barely had to lift a finger! That’s the magic of this Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwich—a meal that’s as easy as it is delicious.

French dip sandwiches are a classic comfort food made with slow-cooked beef piled high on a toasty hoagie roll and served with a side of warm au jus (a fancy name for the flavorful broth).

When you dip the sandwich into the au jus, it soaks up all that rich, savory goodness, making every bite extra delicious.

This recipe is perfect for busy days, cozy weekends, or when you just want a meal that feels special without a lot of work.

Whether you’re cooking for the family or making an easy dinner for yourself, this slow cooker French dip sandwich will quickly become a favorite.


Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Hands-Off Cooking: The slow cooker does all the hard work while you go about your day.
  • Super Tender Beef: Cooking the meat low and slow makes it incredibly juicy and flavorful.
  • Perfect for Meal Prep: The beef tastes even better the next day, making leftovers a treat!
  • Great for Sharing: Whether it’s a game day, family dinner, or casual gathering, this sandwich is always a hit.
  • Easy to Customize: You can add cheese, caramelized onions, or your favorite toppings for extra flavor.

Ingredients

For the Beef:

  • 3-4 lbs beef chuck roast
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup water
  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 bay leaf

For the Sandwiches:

  • 6 hoagie rolls (or any sturdy sandwich roll)
  • 6 slices provolone cheese (optional but delicious!)
  • 2 tablespoons butter (for toasting the rolls)

Optional Toppings:

  • Caramelized onions (cooked in butter until soft and golden)
  • Horseradish sauce (for a little kick)
  • Mayo or mustard (if you like extra condiments)

Kitchen Tools Needed

Before we start cooking, here are the tools you’ll need:

  • Slow Cooker – The star of this recipe! A 6-quart slow cooker works best.
  • Cutting Board & Knife – For trimming the beef and slicing the rolls.
  • Measuring Cups & Spoons – To get the right balance of flavors.
  • Tongs – For handling the hot, tender beef.
  • Small Strainer (Optional) – To remove any bits from the au jus.
  • Skillet or Toaster Oven – If you want to toast the hoagie rolls with butter.

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Beef

  1. Trim excess fat from the chuck roast if needed. This helps prevent the broth from becoming too greasy.
  2. Place the beef in the slow cooker and pour in the beef broth, water, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and balsamic vinegar.

Step 2: Add Seasonings

  1. Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper over the beef.
  2. Toss in the bay leaf and give everything a light stir to combine the flavors.

Step 3: Slow Cook the Beef

  1. Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 8-10 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours. The beef should be tender enough to shred easily with a fork.

Step 4: Shred the Beef

  1. Once done, remove the beef from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Let it rest for 5 minutes.
  2. Use two forks to shred the beef into thin pieces.

Step 5: Prepare the Au Jus (Dipping Sauce)

  1. Strain the cooking liquid to remove any solids, leaving behind a smooth, flavorful broth. This is your au jus!
  2. Pour the au jus into small bowls for dipping. If it’s too salty, add a little water to balance the flavor.

Step 6: Assemble the Sandwiches

  1. Butter and toast the hoagie rolls in a skillet or toaster oven for extra crunch.
  2. Pile the shredded beef onto each roll and top with provolone cheese if using. Let the cheese melt slightly.
  3. Serve with a small bowl of au jus for dipping.

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french dip sandwich

Tips and Tricks for Success

  • Use the Right Cut of Beef: Chuck roast is the best choice because it becomes tender when slow-cooked.
  • Cook Low and Slow: Cooking on low for 8-10 hours makes the beef extra juicy and flavorful.
  • Skim Off Extra Fat: If the au jus seems too greasy, let it sit for a few minutes and skim off the fat before serving.
  • Toast the Rolls: A crispy roll holds up better when dipped in the au jus.
  • Make it Extra Savory: Add a splash of red wine or a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the broth for deeper flavor.
  • Leftover Tip: Store leftover beef in the cooking liquid to keep it moist. It tastes even better the next day!

Now, all that’s left is to enjoy your homemade Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwich with a warm bowl of au jus on the side. Perfect for a cozy dinner, a fun weekend meal, or even meal prep for the week!

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are some easy swaps and variations:

Substitutions:

  • Beef Chuck Roast → Brisket or Rump Roast: If you can’t find chuck roast, these cuts also work well for slow cooking.
  • Beef Broth → Chicken or Vegetable Broth: If you’re out of beef broth, other broths can work, but the flavor will be lighter.
  • Provolone Cheese → Swiss, Mozzarella, or Cheddar: Any melty cheese works great! Swiss adds a nutty flavor, while mozzarella is mild and creamy.
  • Hoagie Rolls → Baguette, Ciabatta, or French Bread: Any sturdy bread will hold up well for dipping.

Variations:

  • Garlic Butter Toasted Bread: Mix melted butter with garlic powder before toasting the rolls for extra flavor.
  • Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the au jus.
  • Italian Twist: Sprinkle in some Italian seasoning and top with roasted red peppers.
  • French Onion Style: Caramelized onions make a delicious, slightly sweet topping.

Serving Suggestions

This Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwich is a meal on its own, but here are some tasty sides to pair with it:

Classic Sides:

  • French Fries or Sweet Potato Fries – Crispy and perfect for dipping in au jus.
  • Coleslaw – A crunchy, tangy side to balance the richness of the beef.
  • Potato Chips – A simple, no-fuss side that adds crunch.

Lighter Sides:

  • Side SaladA fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette pairs well.
  • Steamed or Roasted Vegetables – Try broccoli, carrots, or asparagus.

Drinks to Pair:

  • Iced Tea or Lemonade – Refreshing and great for a casual meal.
  • Red Wine – A bold red, like Cabernet Sauvignon, enhances the beef’s flavor.
  • Root Beer or Cola – The sweetness balances the savory sandwich.
A plate of french dip sandwich

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Storing Leftovers:

  • In the Fridge: Store the shredded beef in an airtight container with some au jus to keep it moist. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days.
  • In the Freezer: Store the beef and au jus in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

Reheating Tips:

  • On the Stovetop: Heat the beef with some au jus over low heat until warmed through.
  • In the Microwave: Cover the beef with a damp paper towel and heat in 30-second bursts until warm.
  • For the Bread: Toast the rolls in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes to restore their crispiness.

FAQ

1. Can I make this without a slow cooker?

Yes! You can cook the beef in a Dutch oven or large pot. Simmer on low heat for 3-4 hours, covered, until the beef is fork-tender.

2. What’s the best cheese for a French dip sandwich?

Provolone is the most popular, but Swiss, mozzarella, or even white cheddar work well.

3. Can I use a different type of bread?

Absolutely! Baguettes, ciabatta, or even brioche rolls work well. Just choose a sturdy bread that won’t fall apart when dipped.

4. How do I make the au jus less salty?

Use low-sodium beef broth or add a little extra water to dilute the broth if needed.

5. Can I prep this ahead of time?

Yes! Cook the beef a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Reheat with the au jus when ready to serve.

Now you’re all set to make the best Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwich ever! Whether you’re making it for a cozy dinner or a fun gathering, this recipe is sure to impress. Enjoy!

Did you try this recipe? Let me know in the comments how it turned out!

Don’t forget to share your photos on Instagram and tag me @tasiahub. I’d love to see your creations!

Slow cooker french dip sandwich

Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwich Recipe

French dip sandwiches are a classic comfort food, made with slow-cooked beef piled high on a toasty hoagie roll and served with a side of warm au jus (a fancy name for the flavorful broth). When you dip the sandwich into the au jus, it soaks up all that rich, savory goodness, making every bite extra delicious.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Cook Time On High Heat 4 hours
Total Time 8 hours 10 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 550 kcal

Equipment

  • Slow cooker
  • Cutting Board & Knife
  • Measuring Cups & Spoons
  • Tongs
  • Small Strainer (Optional)
  • Skillet or Toaster Oven

Ingredients
  

For the Beef:

  • 3-4 lbs beef chuck roast
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup water
  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 bay leaf

For the Sandwiches:

  • 6 hoagie rolls or any sturdy sandwich roll
  • 6 slices provolone cheese optional but delicious!
  • 2 tablespoons butter for toasting the rolls

Optional Toppings:

  • Caramelized onions cooked in butter until soft and golden
  • Horseradish sauce for a little kick
  • Mayo or mustard if you like extra condiments

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prep the Beef

  • Trim excess fat from the chuck roast if needed. This helps prevent the broth from becoming too greasy.
  • Place the beef into the slow cooker and pour in the beef broth, water, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and balsamic vinegar.

Step 2: Add Seasonings

  • Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper over the beef.
  • Toss in the bay leaf and give everything a light stir to combine the flavors.

Step 3: Slow Cook the Beef

  • Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 8-10 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours. The beef should be tender enough to shred easily with a fork.

Step 4: Shred the Beef

  • Once done, remove the beef from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Let it rest for 5 minutes.
  • Use two forks to shred the beef into thin pieces.

Step 5: Prepare the Au Jus (Dipping Sauce)

  • Strain the cooking liquid to remove any solids, leaving behind a smooth, flavorful broth. This is your au jus!
  • Pour the au jus into small bowls for dipping. If it’s too salty, add a little water to balance the flavor.

Step 6: Assemble the Sandwiches

  • Butter and toast the hoagie rolls in a skillet or toaster oven for extra crunch.
  • Pile the shredded beef onto each roll and top with provolone cheese if using. Let the cheese melt slightly.
  • Serve with a small bowl of au jus for dipping.

Notes

Nutritional Value (Per Serving – Approximate)

  • Calories: 550-600 kcal
  • Protein: 45g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 110mg
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 900-1000mg (varies depending on broth and soy sauce)
 
Did you make this recipe? Leave a comment and rating!
 
Nutrition Disclaimer:
The nutritional information on this website is only an estimate and is provided for convenience and as a courtesy only. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed. It should not be used as a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
Keyword french dip sandwiches, slow cooker french dip sandwich

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