Slow Cooker French Dip sandwiches are a fun meal that the whole family is going to love. It’s comfort food made easy. Crusty bread piled with flavorful, tender beef and melty cheese– mmmmm. The ultimate hot sandwich made with minimal effort in your crock pot!
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If you’ve tried some of my other beef Crock Pot recipes like Beef Tips and Gravy, Salisbury Steak Meatballs, or Ribeye Steak in Crock Pot, this easy french dip recipe will be right up your alley.
Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker French Dip
- Super Flavorful: Using pan drippings and seasonings gives these sandwiches a bold flavor that’s so yummy.
- Comfort Food: French dip sandwiches are filling and satisfying. The melt-in-your-mouth consistency of the beef is *chef’s kiss*!
- Hands-Off Recipe: Making this slow cooker french dip recipe is simple and there’s only 10-15 minutes of prep required.
- Easy to Customize Leftovers: The meat freezes well, so why not make another meal out of it later– just change up the bread, cheese, and toppings a little bit.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Chuck Roast: Chuck roast is a great choice for slow cooking. It’s an affordable cut of meat and the fat marbling breaks down in the Crock Pot, helping give it that slow-cooked, pull-apart texture.
- Au Jus Mix and Onion Soup Mix: These spice packs speed up your shopping and prep time for this french dip slow cooker recipe.
- Butter: I recommend searing the meat in butter but you could also use olive oil or avocado oil if you prefer. This seals in the juices and gives it that crispy, browned crust.
- White Onion and Garlic: These fresh aromatics add some punchy flavor to the dish. You could always sub in yellow onion or use less garlic for a milder flavor.
- Beef Broth: The broth is used as the cooking liquid, helping keep the meat tender. You can use low sodium broth if you want.
- Hoagie Rolls: Great quality bread is what makes this sandwich so good! The roll is used to soak up all that tasty au jus sauce. Toasting the buns will ensure they don’t crumble or fall apart. You could also use ciabatta rolls or crusty artisan bread.
- Provolone Cheese: Adds the perfect creamy, gooey layer that complements the beef. Throw on an extra slice or two if you're craving it. You can also leave the cheese off if you prefer.
See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.
Variations
- Vary the Cut of Meat: Instead of chuck roast, you could use brisket, rump roast, or top sirloin. Marbled cuts give a richer taste because the fat breaks down while the beef cooks.
- Make ‘Em Sliders: Want a show-stopping game day appetizer? Use leftovers from this recipe on little Hawaiian buns so everyone can have a bite-size French dip sandwich!
- Change the Toppings: Add caramelized onions, sauteed bell peppers, and mushrooms to the sandwich.
- Try a Different Cheese: You could also use cheddar, Swiss, Havarti, or Monterey Jack.
How To Make French Dip In The Crock Pot
What’s great about these slow cooker french dip sandwiches is just how effortless the prep is. You can sear the meat and prep everything in less than 15 minutes, then just leave it in the slow cooker all day before assembling.
- Step 1: Sear the Beef. Heat the butter in the pan while you season the roast with salt and pepper. When the pan is nice and hot, sear the beef on all sides for 2-3 minutes to get that perfect golden brown crust. Place the roast in your 6-quart slow cooker.
- Step 2: Add the Spices and Liquid. Now we’re going to give the beef the cooking liquid that dreams are made of! Sprinkle on the aus jus packet and onion soup mix and add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Pour the beef broth over the top.
- Step 3: Cover and Cook. Add the lid to the top and cook on low for 7-8 hours until the meat is easy to pull off with a fork.
- Step 4: Assemble the Sandwiches. Remove the roast and shred up the meat. Strain the fat off the aus ju. Add cheese to each hoagie roll and broil in the oven for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese has melted. Pile the shredded beef on top and there you have it!
- Step 5: Serve with Au Jus. Pour the au jus dipping sauce into small serving bowls and you’re ready to enjoy the sandwiches– maybe throw in a couple extra napkins for everyone, too!
Hint: Searing the Meat is Key!
While some people skip this step, I recommend it to lock in juices and ensure the beef stays tender, not tough or chewy.
Storage Directions
- Storing: Leftovers keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Store the au jus separately.
- Freezing: Let the beef cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze the au jus separately. The meat lasts for up to 3 months in the freezer.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave on medium heat for 30-60 second intervals until the beef is heated through. Be sure to use fresh hoagie rolls and cheese. If frozen, thaw it out in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Serving Suggestions
This french dip slow cooker recipe is great for a family lunch or dinner, weekend tailgate, or birthday party.
- Make a batch of Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes or the Best Green Beans to go with the french dip sandwiches.
- Serve with a green salad, potato salad, coleslaw or fries.
- Making a game day spread? Serve with chips and Crock Pot Mexican Street Corn Dip or Crock Pot Jalapeno Popper Dip.
- What’s for dessert? How about Cracker Barrel Fried Apples or Crock Pot Apple Crisp! Talk about the perfect cozy fall or winter meal!
Expert Tips
- Season Generously: Don’t be afraid to use a good amount of salt and pepper on the roast. It’s a pretty big cut of meat, so don’t skimp on seasoning.
- Low and Slow: Cooking the meat on the low setting of your crock pot is what keeps it from drying out or getting tough. Don’t use the high setting.
- Skim Off the Fat From the Au Jus: Before transferring the broth to individual serving bowls, remove any excess fat at the top.
- Keep a Close Eye on the Broiler: Toasting the bread and melting the cheese happens quickly so keep a close watch to make sure they don’t burn.
Recipe FAQs
How can I make French dip sandwiches a little healthier?
Opt for wheat rolls and leave off the cheese.
Is a French dip served hot or cold?
Definitely hot!
How do I thicken up the sauce more?
If you want a thicker sauce, you could add a thickening agent like cornstarch or flour. Mix the cornstarch or flour with water then add a tiny bit at a time.
More Delicious Slow Cooker Sandwich Recipes
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Crock Pot French Dip Recipe
Slow Cooker French Dip sandwiches are so easy to make! All you have to do is season, sear, and slow cook the roast before assembling. Who doesn’t love juicy, fall-apart beef piled high on crusty bread with melty cheese? I can’t get enough! Rich, savory au jus for dipping softens the bread and gives even more flavor with every bite. T
Ingredients
- 3-4 lb chuck roast
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 package au jus mix
- 1 package onion soup mix
- ½ white onion (sliced)
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- 4 cups beef broth
- 8 hoagie rolls
- 16 slices provolone cheese
Instructions
- Season roast with black pepper and salt and all side. Then set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add butter and melt. Add roast to the skillet and sear all sides for 2-3 minutes. Then add to a 6-quart slow cooker.
- Sprinkle au jus mix and onion soup mix over the roast. Add onions and garlic on top. Then pour beef broth over everything.
- Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or until fork tender.
- Remove roast and shred. Strain the broth to dip the sandwiches in.
- Put two pieces of cheese on each hoagie bun and place them on a baking sheet. Broil until the cheese has melted. It takes about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the shredded beef to the toasted buns.
- Serve with broth, and enjoy!
Notes
- Thicker Sauce: Add 3 tbsp of cornstarch and ¼ cup of water to a small bowl for a thicker sauce. Whisk until well combined. Pour into the broth and whisk until the sauce starts to thicken.
- Season Generously: Don’t be afraid to use a good amount of salt and pepper on the roast. It’s a pretty big cut of meat, so don’t skimp on seasoning.
- Low and Slow: Cooking the meat on the low setting of your crock pot is what keeps it from drying out or getting tough. Don’t use the high setting.
- Skim Off the Fat From the Au Jus: Before transferring the broth to individual serving bowls, remove any excess fat at the top.
- Keep a Close Eye on the Broiler: Toasting the bread and melting the cheese happens quickly so keep a close watch to make sure they don’t burn.
Nutrition
Calories: 628kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 49gFat: 32gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 13gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 144mgSodium: 1459mgPotassium: 704mgFiber: 1gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 364IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 339mgIron: 15mg
*Nutrition information is an estimate. It may vary based on ingredients, brands, and changes in cooking methods listed in the recipe. If you need exact ingredient numbers, I recommend calculating them with your preferred nutrition calculator.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Brian
Just finished making this recipe for the 7 of us. After I lost the first hoagie to the broiler(2m), I adjusted my time(1m15s) and they were perfect. The only thing I am going to change for next time is perhaps add some horseradish sauce. Thanks for sharing this easy, delicious recipe!
Ryan Allen
Glad you enjoyed them. I agree horseradish sauce is a must for these yummy sandwiches.
Julia
I’ve made this several times now! So yummy! I add Dan o’s seasoning to mine and swap the regular onion soup mix with beef onion soup mix instead. This is one of my favorites!
Ryan Allen
I am going to have to try it with the Dan O's seasoning.