Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches are the ultimate comfort food made easy. Tender beef, savory onions, and rich au jus come together in a hands-off slow cooker recipe that delivers classic deli flavor right at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches are incredibly flavorful, easy to prepare, and perfect for busy days. The beef cooks until melt-in-your-mouth tender, the onions add natural sweetness, and the homemade au jus makes every bite irresistible. It’s a family-friendly meal that feels special without extra effort.
Ingredients
- 2–3 lb beef chuck roast or rump roast, trimmed
- 3 cups low sodium beef broth
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 4–6 sturdy sandwich rolls
- 8–12 slices cheese (provolone, Swiss, Havarti, or Monterey Jack)
Instructions
- Season the beef generously with salt and pepper.
- Mix the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the beef on all sides until deeply browned. Transfer to the slow cooker.
- In the same pan, cook onions for 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1–2 minutes more. Deglaze with a few tablespoons of broth, scraping the pan.
- Add onion mixture, remaining broth, and bay leaf to the slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 5–6 hours or high for 3–4 hours until fork-tender.
- Remove beef, slice or shred against the grain.
- Strain cooking liquid to create au jus; discard bay leaf.
- Return beef and onions to the slow cooker with a little au jus.
- Toast rolls, fill with beef and onions, top with cheese, and melt in the oven.
- Serve warm with au jus for dipping.
Tips & Tricks
- Chuck roast gives the richest flavor, but bottom round works for a leaner option.
- Slice beef against the grain for maximum tenderness.
- Use sturdy rolls so they hold up when dipped.
Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 sandwiches
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary Notes: Halal-friendly
Notes
Serve with roasted potatoes, a crisp green salad, or oven fries. Swiss cheese adds a classic deli flavor, while provolone melts beautifully.
Nutrition (Approximate per sandwich)
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 38g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fat: 24g
FAQ
Can I make Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches ahead of time?
Yes, the beef reheats very well in its juices.
What’s the best bread for French dip sandwiches?
French rolls or hoagie rolls work best.
Can I freeze the beef?
Yes, freeze the meat with some au jus for up to 2 months.
How do I keep the sandwiches from getting soggy?
Dip just before eating instead of soaking the sandwich.
Can I make this without cheese?
Absolutely, it’s delicious even without cheese.
Storage
Store beef and au jus separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Similar Recipes
Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches
Ingredients
- 2 –3 lb beef chuck roast or rump roast trimmed
- 3 cups low sodium beef broth
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 yellow onions thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 4 –6 sturdy sandwich rolls
- 8 –12 slices cheese provolone, Swiss, Havarti, or Monterey Jack
Instructions
- Season the beef generously with salt and pepper.
- Mix the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the beef on all sides until deeply browned. Transfer to the slow cooker.
- In the same pan, cook onions for 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1–2 minutes more. Deglaze with a few tablespoons of broth, scraping the pan.
- Add onion mixture, remaining broth, and bay leaf to the slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 5–6 hours or high for 3–4 hours until fork-tender.
- Remove beef, slice or shred against the grain.
- Strain cooking liquid to create au jus; discard bay leaf.
- Return beef and onions to the slow cooker with a little au jus.
- Toast rolls, fill with beef and onions, top with cheese, and melt in the oven.
- Serve warm with au jus for dipping.
Notes
Conclusion
These Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches are proof that simple ingredients can create incredible flavor. Whether for a cozy family dinner or casual entertaining, this recipe delivers every time.