If you’re craving a warm, comforting, and utterly satisfying meal, look no further than this Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches Recipe. This dish takes tender, slow-cooked beef chuck roast, infused with rich flavors and juicy goodness, then piled high into crusty rolls with melty Swiss or provolone cheese. The magic happens when you dip each bite into savory au jus, making every mouthful a celebration. It’s the perfect combination of ease and indulgence that will quickly become a staple in your dinner rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays an essential role—bringing together robust flavors, tender texture, and an irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen. Keep these staples handy, and you’ll have a crowd-pleaser in the making.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For searing the roast, adding a rich base flavor and ensuring a golden crust.
- 2½ to 3 pounds beef chuck roast: The star of the recipe; ideal for slow cooking until perfectly tender and shreddable.
- Kosher salt, to taste: Enhances the natural beefiness and balances the overall flavor.
- Freshly ground pepper, to taste: Adds a subtle kick and depth to the seasoning.
- 2 (1-ounce) packages dry onion soup mix: Infuses the meat with hearty onion and herb flavors that bring everything together.
- 2 cups water: Provides the necessary liquid to keep the roast moist during slow cooking.
- 2 (14.5-ounce) cans beef broth: Enhances the au jus with rich, beefy goodness for dipping.
- 6-8 slices Swiss or provolone cheese: Melts beautifully over the shredded meat adding creamy, savory notes.
- 6-8 crusty rolls (such as ciabatta): Offer the perfect sturdy and crunchy canvas for all the juices and layers of flavor.
How to Make Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Roast
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers invitingly. Season your beef chuck roast generously with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper—don’t be shy here because this seasoning forms the foundation of your flavor. Then, sear the roast on all sides for 1 to 2 minutes each until it develops a gorgeous brown crust. This step locks in those juices and adds a caramelized layer of taste you won’t want to miss.
Step 2: Slow Cook the Beef
Transfer the seared roast into your slow cooker, making sure to pour any pan juices along for the ride. Sprinkle the dry onion soup mix evenly over the top for that classic savory punch. Next, pour in the water and beef broth; these liquids will mingle with the spices and meat, slowly transforming into a rich au jus. Cover the slow cooker and set it to high for 4-6 hours or low for 8-10 hours. Patience is key here—by the end, you’ll have beef so tender it practically melts apart at the touch of a fork.
Step 3: Shred the Meat
When the cooking time is up, carefully remove the roast from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board or large plate. Use two forks to shred the beef into bite-sized pieces. This step releases even more flavor from the meat, and the strands soak up the juices dripping from the slow cooker, making each shredded bite juicy and flavorful.
Step 4: Assemble and Melt
Load your crusty rolls with a generous helping of shredded beef, then top with a slice of Swiss or provolone cheese. To get that perfect melt and warm toasty bread, place the assembled sandwiches under the broiler for a few minutes. Keep a watchful eye—they should be bubbly and lightly golden, with the cheese stretching just enough to invite that first satisfying bite.
Step 5: Serve with Au Jus
Don’t forget the best part: the au jus dipping sauce. Strain or pour the flavorful cooking liquid from the slow cooker into small bowls and set alongside the sandwiches. Dunk, dip, and savor each bite with the rich, tender jus that elevates this sandwich from tasty to unforgettable.
How to Serve Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes to your Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches Recipe gives an extra layer of brightness and texture. Consider topping your sandwich with thinly sliced pickles, a handful of fresh arugula, or a sprinkle of fresh parsley. These little touches will add contrast and freshness that balance the richness of the beef and cheese.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs beautifully with sides that are both simple and hearty. Crispy French fries or sweet potato fries offer a satisfying crunch, while a light side salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness. If you want to keep it cozy, creamy mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables make excellent companions.
Creative Ways to Present
For a twist on traditional presentation, serve your Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches Recipe open-faced on rustic wooden boards or tray with dipping bowls generously filled with au jus. You could even make sliders for a casual party or use pretzel rolls for a fun salty-sweet contrast. No matter how you present them, these sandwiches are sure to wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover shredded beef and au jus in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 to 4 days. Store the rolls separately to prevent them from becoming soggy. When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheat the beef gently with some of the au jus to keep it moist.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover shredded beef in a sealed, freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Make sure to include some au jus to maintain moisture during thawing. Frozen properly, it lasts for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftover beef gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of au jus or broth to keep it juicy. Toast the rolls separately in the oven or toaster oven to retain that delightful crispness. Assembling and melting the cheese again before serving will recreate that fresh-from-the-slow cooker experience.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
While beef chuck roast is ideal due to its marbling and tenderness when slow-cooked, you can use brisket or bottom round as alternatives. Just keep in mind that cooking times and texture may vary slightly.
Is it necessary to sear the roast first?
Searing isn’t mandatory, but it does add depth of flavor and a beautiful brown crust to the meat, which enhances the final taste significantly. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step but expect a slightly milder flavor.
Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot instead of a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Using an Instant Pot on the meat/stew setting for about 60-70 minutes will speed up the cooking process while still delivering tender, shred-worthy beef.
What kind of cheese works best for French Dip sandwiches?
Swiss and provolone are the classic choices because they melt well and complement the beef’s flavor without overpowering it. You can experiment with mozzarella or cheddar if you prefer a different twist.
How do I store leftover au jus?
Strain the au jus to remove any solids and keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it gently on the stove or microwave before serving.
Final Thoughts
Making this Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches Recipe is like giving yourself a big, delicious hug at the end of the day. The tender shredded beef, the ooey-gooey melted cheese, and that rich, savory au jus combine to create a meal that’s both effortlessly comforting and impressively flavorful. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how it quickly becomes a favorite in your home. Trust me, once you taste this, you’ll be making it again and again.
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Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours (low) or 5 hours (high)
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 sandwiches
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches are a hearty and flavorful meal featuring tender, slow-cooked beef chuck roast seasoned with onion soup mix, served hot on crusty rolls with melted Swiss or provolone cheese. The rich au jus made from the cooking juices offers a perfect dipping sauce, making this recipe a comforting and easy sandwich ideal for casual dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Meat and Seasoning
- 2½ to 3 pounds beef chuck roast
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground pepper, to taste
Cooking Liquids and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for searing)
- 2 (1-ounce) packages dry onion soup mix
- 2 cups water
- 2 (14.5-ounce) cans beef broth
Sandwich Assembly
- 6–8 slices Swiss or provolone cheese
- 6–8 crusty rolls (such as ciabatta)
Additional Oil
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional, for toasting rolls)
Instructions
- Sear the Roast: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil until shimmering. Season the beef chuck roast generously with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper. Place the roast in the hot skillet and sear each side for 1-2 minutes until a rich brown crust forms, ensuring depth of flavor.
- Slow Cook: Transfer the seared roast along with any pan juices into a slow cooker. Sprinkle both packets of dry onion soup mix evenly over the roast. Pour in 2 cups of water and both cans of beef broth. Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 4-6 hours or on low for 8-10 hours, until the beef is very tender and shreds easily with a fork.
- Shred the Meat: Remove the fully cooked roast from the slow cooker and use two forks to shred the meat finely. Keep the cooking juices in the slow cooker for serving.
- Assemble Sandwiches: Preheat the broiler. Place shredded beef generously onto crusty rolls such as ciabatta. Top each sandwich with a slice of Swiss or provolone cheese. Place sandwiches under the broiler just long enough to melt the cheese and lightly toast the bread, approximately 2-3 minutes—watch closely to prevent burning.
- Serve with Au Jus: Pour the warm cooking juices (au jus) from the slow cooker into small bowls. Serve immediately alongside the sandwiches for dipping, enhancing each bite with moist, savory flavor.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a few cloves of garlic to the slow cooker.
- Toast the crusty rolls in a skillet with olive oil before assembling if you prefer extra crispness.
- Use provolone cheese for a milder taste or Swiss for a nuttier flavor profile.
- Leftover au jus can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
- Ensure the beef is thoroughly shredded to maximize tenderness and to soak up the au jus better in the sandwiches.
