If you’re looking for a meal that’s as comforting as it is easy to make, let me introduce you to Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches. This recipe is perfect for busy days when you want something hearty, flavorful, and minimal effort—just set it and forget it! The beef cooks in a savory broth all day, creating melt-in-your-mouth sandwiches with a rich, flavorful au jus for dipping. Trust me, this one will become a staple in your weekly dinner rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
What’s not to love? This French Dip sandwich is perfect for any occasion. The best part? You don’t need to be a chef to make it. With a few ingredients and your trusty slow cooker, you can have dinner ready to serve when you’re hungry. The beef is tender, the flavors are bold, and it pairs perfectly with a warm, crusty roll. Plus, it’s so versatile—you can make it for dinner, take it to a potluck, or even serve it for game day. Oh, and did I mention it’s practically foolproof?
Ingredients
Before I walk you through the steps, let me quickly give you the rundown on the key ingredients you’ll need. (You’ll find the full list of ingredients at the end of this post!)
- Beef roast (preferably chuck roast)
- Beef broth
- Onion soup mix
- Worcestershire sauce
- Garlic
- French rolls or baguettes
- Swiss cheese (optional)
Directions
Step 1: Prep the Beef
Start by placing the beef roast into your slow cooker. You don’t need to do anything fancy—just drop it in. The slow cooker will do all the heavy lifting! Season the beef with some salt, pepper, and a bit of garlic powder, if you like.
Step 2: Add the Broth and Seasonings
Now it’s time to pour in the magic! Add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and onion soup mix over the beef. Give it a little stir to distribute the seasonings. The broth is what makes the beef juicy and flavorful, so don’t skip this step.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover the slow cooker and set it on low. Let it cook for about 6-8 hours, or until the beef is so tender it shreds easily with a fork. The long cooking time is key to getting that melt-in-your-mouth texture, so let it work its magic while you go about your day.
Step 4: Assemble the Sandwiches
Once the beef is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Slice the French rolls and spoon the shredded beef onto each roll. If you like, you can top it with some Swiss cheese for that extra cheesy touch.
Step 5: Serve with Au Jus
Don’t forget the star of the show—the au jus! Spoon some of the rich broth from the slow cooker into small bowls for dipping. It’s the perfect finishing touch to these sandwiches.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Searing the beef: If you have time, searing the beef before adding it to the slow cooker gives the meat an extra depth of flavor. Just brown it on all sides in a hot pan before transferring it.
- Flavor boost: Want to make it even more flavorful? Add a splash of balsamic vinegar or a few sprigs of fresh thyme to the broth.
- Use the right bread: Make sure to use sturdy French rolls or baguettes. Soft bread can get soggy when dipped, so you want something that can hold up to the au jus.
- Don’t skip the au jus: The au jus is what makes this sandwich a French Dip. Don’t just serve the beef without it!
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Beef substitute: If you prefer a lighter version, you could use turkey or chicken instead of beef. It won’t have the same rich flavor, but it’ll still be delicious.
- Cheese options: While Swiss cheese is traditional, you can swap it out for provolone, cheddar, or even pepper jack for a little kick.
- Make it spicy: Add some jalapeños or hot sauce to the au jus to bring the heat if you like things spicy!
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve your Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches with a side of crispy fries, onion rings, or a simple green salad. You could even pair it with a bowl of creamy potato soup for a cozy, comforting meal. As for drinks, a cold beer or a crisp iced tea would go wonderfully with these sandwiches.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Storing leftovers: If you happen to have any leftovers, store the shredded beef in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. The flavor actually improves as it sits, so leftovers are just as tasty as the first round!
- Reheating: Reheat the beef in the microwave or in a saucepan on the stove. If it’s too dry, add a bit of the au jus to moisten it.
4 FAQs
- Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, absolutely! You can prep the beef in the slow cooker the night before and let it cook overnight. Just assemble the sandwiches when you’re ready to eat.
- Can I freeze the leftovers? Definitely. After shredding the beef, let it cool down completely, then store it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, just thaw and reheat.
- What if I don’t have a slow cooker? You can make this in the oven! Just place the beef in a covered roasting pan with the broth and seasonings, and cook at 300°F for 3-4 hours until it’s fork-tender.
- Can I use a different type of beef roast? While chuck roast is ideal for this recipe, you can use other cuts like brisket or round roast. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on the cut.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches are the ultimate comfort food, and they couldn’t be easier to make. With tender, juicy beef, a rich, flavorful broth, and warm, toasted rolls, it’s a meal the whole family will love. Whether you’re serving it for a busy weeknight or bringing it to a party, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. So grab your slow cooker, get everything cooking, and enjoy!
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Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours (slow cooking)
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish / Sandwiches
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Description
This recipe offers a hearty, comforting meal made in a slow cooker. Tender beef roast is cooked in savory broth all day, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth sandwiches with a rich au jus for dipping. Ideal for busy days, it’s easy to prepare and guaranteed to become a weekly dinner favorite.
Ingredients
- Beef roast (preferably chuck roast): 3-4 lbs (about 1.5-2 kg)
- Beef broth: 4 cups (960 ml)
- Onion soup mix: 1 packet (about 1 oz / 28 g)
- Worcestershire sauce: 2 tablespoons (30 ml)
- Garlic: 3-4 cloves, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
- French rolls or baguettes: 4 rolls (or 1 large baguette, sliced into 4 portions)
- Swiss cheese (optional): 4 slices (1 slice per sandwich)
Instructions
- Prep the Beef: Place the beef roast into the slow cooker. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder (optional).
- Add the Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and onion soup mix over the beef. Stir to combine.
- Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours until the beef is tender and can be shredded easily with a fork.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Shred the beef using two forks. Slice the French rolls and spoon the shredded beef onto each roll. Optionally, top with Swiss cheese.
- Serve with Au Jus: Ladle some of the broth from the slow cooker into small bowls for dipping.
Notes
- Searing the Beef (Optional): For added flavor, sear the beef in a pan before placing it into the slow cooker.
- Flavor Boost: Add balsamic vinegar or fresh thyme to enhance the broth’s flavor.
- Bread Tip: Use sturdy French rolls or baguettes to avoid soggy bread when dipping into the au jus.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich (with beef and no cheese)
- Calories: 350-400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 700-800mg
- Fat: 15-20g
- Saturated Fat: 6-8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7-9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 60-70mg