If you love a hearty, comforting sandwich that’s packed with rich, savory flavors, you are going to adore these Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches. This recipe turns humble ingredients into a tender, juicy beef roast that effortlessly shreds and soaks up an irresistibly flavorful broth. Perfect for a casual dinner or feeding a crowd, these sandwiches deliver that classic French dip experience with minimal fuss — all the magic happens in the slow cooker, leaving you free to relax while the flavors develop beautifully. Get ready for a meal that’s bursting with melted cheese, crusty bread, and a warm au jus that invites endless dipping.

Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches is in their simplicity. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to build layers of flavor and texture without overwhelming your pantry. From the juicy beef chuck roast to the punchy onion soup mix, every component contributes something special.

2 Tablespoons olive oil: For searing the roast and locking in those savory juices that make all the difference.
2 1/2 to 3 pounds beef chuck roast: The star of the show—this cut becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender after slow cooking.
Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning the meat and enhancing its natural flavors.
Freshly ground pepper: Adds a subtle kick and depth without overpowering the beef.
2 (1-ounce) packages dry onion soup mix: The secret flavor booster that gives an unbeatable savory profile.
2 cups water: Helps create the perfect cooking liquid to tenderize the meat and form the au jus.
2 (14.5-ounce) cans beef broth: Deepens the richness of the juices for dipping the sandwiches.
6-8 slices Swiss or provolone cheese: Melts beautifully over the shredded beef for that gooey, comforting bite.
6-8 crusty rolls (ciabatta recommended): Bread with a sturdy crust and soft inside to hold all the delicious fillings.

How to Make Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches

Step 1: Sear the Beef

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. While it’s warming up, generously season the chuck roast on all sides with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to bring out the meat’s natural richness. Once the oil starts to shimmer, carefully add the roast and sear it on every side. This quick browning process is crucial as it seals in the juices and creates a flavorful crust that will deepen the taste of your final dish.

Step 2: Set Up the Slow Cooker

Transfer the beautifully seared roast into your slow cooker along with all the pan juices — they’re packed with flavor! Sprinkle the dry onion soup mix evenly over the top, then pour in the water and beef broth. This mixture will slowly infuse the beef while keeping it juicy and tender during the long cooking time. Choose high heat for 4 to 6 hours if you’re short on time, or low heat for 8 to 10 hours to let the flavors develop even more deeply.

Step 3: Shred the Tender Beef

When the meat is fork-tender and easily pulls apart, it’s time to remove it from the slow cooker. Use two forks to shred the beef, soaking up as much of the flavorful cooking liquid as possible. This shredded beef is the heart of your Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches, ready to fill your crusty rolls with juicy deliciousness.

Step 4: Assemble and Toast

Slice your rolls and pile on generous portions of shredded beef. Top each sandwich with a slice of Swiss or provolone cheese, then place the open-faced sandwiches under the broiler just until the cheese melts and the bread starts to toast. This step adds a satisfying golden crust and makes every bite ooze with cheesy goodness. Don’t forget to serve with bowls of the warm au jus from the slow cooker, perfect for dipping!

How to Serve Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches

Garnishes

Enhance your sandwiches with simple but flavorful garnishes like caramelized onions, a few crunchy dill pickle slices, or even a smear of horseradish sauce for an extra zing. Fresh herbs such as parsley or thyme sprinkled over the top can add a lovely pop of color and a hint of freshness that contrasts beautifully with the richness of the beef.

Side Dishes

These sandwiches are so satisfying on their own, but pairing them with crispy French fries, a light green salad, or roasted vegetables makes for a complete and balanced meal. A side of creamy coleslaw offers a crisp, tangy counterpoint that complements the tender meat perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving the shredded beef and melted cheese piled high inside mini slider buns for a party-friendly appetizer. You can also turn these sandwiches into open-faced melts served on a rustic wooden board with small dipping bowls of au jus and assorted mustards, creating a delightful spread for sharing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover shredded beef, store it along with some of the cooking liquid in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This keeps the meat juicy and flavorful for up to 3 days, making it easy to reheat for quick meals later in the week.

Freezing

Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches freeze beautifully. Portion the shredded beef and broth into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Reheating

Warm your leftovers slowly over low heat with a splash of reserved au jus or beef broth to keep the beef moist. Reheat the sandwiches under the broiler again with fresh cheese for that freshly made taste and texture that feels just as good as day one.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

Absolutely! While beef chuck roast is ideal due to its marbling and tenderness after slow cooking, you can also use other cuts like brisket or even a round roast, though cooking times might vary slightly.

Is it necessary to sear the beef before putting it in the slow cooker?

Searing is not mandatory but highly recommended because it develops richer flavor and locks in juices, resulting in a more delicious sandwich overall.

Can I make Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches in an Instant Pot?

Yes! You can brown the beef using the sauté function right in the Instant Pot and then pressure cook it with the broth and onion soup mix for about 60-70 minutes, which speeds up the process significantly.

What type of cheese works best for these sandwiches?

Swiss and provolone are classic choices because they melt well and complement the savory beef without overpowering it. You can also experiment with mozzarella or fontina for a different flavor profile.

How do I make the perfect au jus for dipping?

Simply strain the cooking liquid from the slow cooker to remove any solids, then warm it before serving alongside the sandwiches. You can enhance it by simmering with a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of garlic powder if desired.

Final Thoughts

These Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches are a true crowd-pleaser, combining tender beef, melty cheese, and crusty bread with luscious, flavorful au jus that invites dipping at every bite. Whether you’re making them for a family dinner or a casual get-together, this recipe is sure to become one of your favorites to return to again and again. So grab your slow cooker and get ready to savor every delicious, comforting mouthful!

Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 13 reviews

Author: Harry
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes (high) to 10 hours 15 minutes (low)
Yield: 6 to 8 sandwiches 1x
Diet: Halal

Print Recipe

Description

A delicious and easy-to-make Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwich recipe featuring tender, shredded beef chuck roast simmered in savory au jus, topped with melted Swiss or provolone cheese, and served on crusty rolls. Perfect for a comforting meal with minimal effort using a slow cooker.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef and Seasoning

2 1/2 to 3 pounds beef chuck roast
Kosher salt, to taste
Freshly ground pepper, to taste
2 Tablespoons olive oil
2 (1-ounce) packages dry onion soup mix

Broth and Liquid

2 cups water
2 (14.5-ounce) cans beef broth

For Serving

6–8 slices Swiss or provolone cheese
6–8 crusty rolls (ciabatta preferred)

Instructions

Season and Heat Oil: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. While the oil is heating, generously season all sides of the chuck roast with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper.
Sear the Roast: When the oil starts to shimmer, carefully place the roast in the hot pan and sear it on all sides by letting it sit without moving for 1-2 minutes per side. This quick browning adds flavor and seals in the juices.
Transfer to Slow Cooker: Transfer the seared roast along with any pan juices to the slow cooker. Sprinkle the dry onion soup mix evenly over the roast. Add water and beef broth to the slow cooker.
Cook the Beef: Cook on high for 4 to 6 hours or on low for 8 to 10 hours, until the meat is very tender and easily shreds with a fork.
Shred the Meat: Remove the roast from the slow cooker and shred the beef using two forks.
Assemble Sandwiches: Pile the shredded beef onto sliced crusty rolls and top each with a slice of Swiss or provolone cheese. Place the open sandwiches under a broiler until the cheese melts and the buns start to toast lightly.
Serve: Serve the sandwiches hot with the reserved au jus (juices from the slow cooker) on the side for dipping.

Notes

For best flavor, use a well-marbled beef chuck roast.
You can substitute beef broth for reduced sodium versions to reduce salt content.
If you prefer, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the cooking liquid for an extra depth of flavor.
Use sturdy rolls such as ciabatta or French rolls to hold the juices without becoming soggy.
Leftover meat can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4 to 6 hours (high) or 8 to 10 hours (low)
Category: Sandwiches
Method: Slow Cooking, Searing
Cuisine: American