Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches are the perfect combination of tender beef, savory broth, and melty cheese all served on a hearty roll. This dish brings the comforting flavors of a French dip to the table with minimal effort. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or simply craving something indulgent, this slow-cooked recipe is sure to satisfy. The beef is slow-cooked in a flavorful broth until it’s so tender it falls apart with a fork, and the au jus dip is the perfect accompaniment to each bite. These sandwiches are easy to prepare and ideal for busy days when you want a delicious meal with little hands-on time. Serve them at a family gathering, game day party, or make them ahead for an effortless dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Hands-Off Cooking

Using a slow cooker means you can set it and forget it, making the cooking process nearly effortless.

2. Flavorful, Tender Beef

Slow cooking the roast allows the beef to become incredibly tender and full of flavor, making each bite melt in your mouth.

3. Customizable

You can adjust the type of bread and cheese to fit your preferences, whether you like a crusty baguette or a softer sandwich roll.

4. Perfect for Meal Prep

This recipe is great for leftovers and can easily be reheated for another meal, saving you time throughout the week.

5. Crowd-Pleaser

These sandwiches are sure to impress a crowd. Perfect for parties, gatherings, or casual weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

For the French Dip:

Beef chuck roast or rump roast (or leaner cuts like sirloin or boneless bottom round)
Low sodium beef broth

Worcestershire sauce
Extra virgin olive oil
Yellow onions

Garlic
Bay leaf
Salt and pepper

For the Sandwiches:

Sandwich rolls (preferably not too soft)
Cheese slices (Provolone, Swiss, Havarti, or Monterey Jack)

Variations

Different Cuts of Beef

You can use other cuts like sirloin, bottom round, or even a brisket for a leaner option.

Add More Flavor

For extra richness, add a splash of red wine to the broth or experiment with herbs like thyme or rosemary.

Cheese Options

Switch up the cheese based on your preferences. Swiss, Havarti, and cheddar are all great options.

Add Veggies

If you like, you can add mushrooms, bell peppers, or even sautéed spinach to your sandwich for extra flavor and texture.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

Trim any excess fat from the roast and season generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Brown the beef on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side, to lock in flavor.

Step 2: Add to Slow Cooker

Place the browned beef in the slow cooker. Add sliced onions, minced garlic, bay leaf, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth. Cover and set the slow cooker to low, cooking for 7-8 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender.

Step 3: Shred the Beef

Once the beef is fully cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded beef to the broth and stir to combine.

Step 4: Toast the Rolls

While the beef is cooking, toast the sandwich rolls lightly in the oven or on a skillet. This prevents them from getting soggy when dipped into the broth.

Step 5: Assemble the Sandwiches

Layer the shredded beef onto the toasted rolls, adding slices of cheese on top. For a melted, gooey finish, place the sandwiches under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly.

Step 6: Serve

Serve the sandwiches with a bowl of the flavorful au jus from the slow cooker for dipping.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Choose a good quality beef roast: The better the beef, the more flavorful and tender the end result.
Toast your bread: Toasting the rolls prevents them from becoming soggy when dipped into the au jus.

Don’t skip browning the beef: Searing the beef before slow cooking adds extra depth and flavor to the final dish.
Strain the au jus (optional): If you prefer a smoother dipping sauce, strain the broth to remove the onions and other solids before serving.

How to Serve

Serve the French Dip Sandwiches with a side of crispy fries, a simple green salad, or even a pickle for a complete meal. The sandwiches are ideal for dipping, so don’t forget to provide a generous amount of au jus on the side.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover French dip beef and broth separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

The beef and broth can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat the beef and broth together in a pot on the stovetop or in the microwave. Toast fresh rolls when ready to serve.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes, leaner cuts like sirloin or bottom round can work, but chuck roast is preferred for its tenderness and flavor.

2. Can I add more vegetables to the slow cooker?

Yes, you can add mushrooms, bell peppers, or other vegetables to the broth for added flavor.

3. Can I cook this recipe on high in the slow cooker?

Yes, you can cook the beef on high for 4-5 hours if you’re short on time.

4. Can I freeze the French dip?

Yes, the beef and broth freeze well for up to 3 months. Just freeze the beef in the broth for easy reheating.

5. What type of bread is best?

Sturdy rolls like baguettes, hoagie rolls, or French bread work best, as they hold up when dipped in the broth.

6. How do I make this spicier?

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the broth to add some heat.

7. Can I make this without a slow cooker?

Yes, you can cook it on the stovetop or in the oven at low heat, though the slow cooker yields the best results.

8. Can I skip the cheese?

Yes, the French dip is just as delicious without cheese, but the melted cheese adds richness to the sandwich.

9. How do I prevent the beef from drying out?

Don’t overcook the beef—check it after 7 hours to ensure it’s fork-tender. Adding enough broth keeps it moist.

10. Can I make the au jus thicker?

If you prefer a thicker au jus, mix a bit of cornstarch with water and stir it into the broth towards the end of cooking.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches are an easy, comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With tender, flavorful beef, melted cheese, and a savory dipping broth, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re serving it for dinner or bringing it to a gathering, these sandwiches are guaranteed to be a hit. The beauty of this recipe is how effortless it is—set it in the slow cooker, and let the flavors develop while you go about your day.