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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.
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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