A warm and easy sandwich to make in your slow cooker.
INTRODUCTION
Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches turn a simple roast into a rich and juicy meal. This recipe uses a beef chuck roast, slow cooked until it falls apart. You make a deep broth from the cooking juices and serve it as a warm dip. If you like hands-off slow cooker meals like my slow cooker beef chili recipe, you will enjoy how simple this sandwich is to make and eat.
This dish fits busy nights. You can start it in the morning and eat by dinner. The meat becomes soft and full of flavor. The hoagie roll gets a light toast and the cheese melts over the beef. You dip the sandwich into the hot au jus and get extra flavor with each bite.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
You will love these Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches because they are easy, comforting, and flexible. The slow cooker does the hard work. You do not need to watch the pot. The juice that cooks with the beef becomes a rich au jus. That juice makes each sandwich juicy and tasty. This recipe uses common pantry staples and few steps. It also makes extra beef you can use in other meals.
The recipe is family friendly. Kids and adults both enjoy dipping their sandwich. You can change the cheese or bread to suit tastes. This sandwich travels well if you need to pack a lunch. For another slow cooker comfort option on a cold day, try a cup of slow cooker creamy chicken and wild rice soup alongside your sandwich to make the meal even cozier.
HOW TO MAKE Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches
This recipe cooks the beef until it pulls apart easily. The slow cooker extracts flavor from the meat, onion, and seasonings. The broth you make with beef broth, Worcestershire, and soy sauce becomes the au jus. After shredding the meat, you place it back into the juices to soak up even more flavor. Toast the hoagie rolls and melt provolone on top for a hot, cheesy finish.
If you want a similar slow cooker roast that is bright and herbed, you can compare techniques with my slow cooker lemon herb chicken. It shows how slow heat gives tender results and how to keep meat moist.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Slow cooker (at least 6-quart recommended)
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Two forks for shredding
- Measuring spoons and cup
- Mixing bowl or measuring cup for broth mix
- Baking sheet for broiling the rolls
- Ladle for serving the au jus
Ingredients You’ll Need :
2 pounds beef chuck roast, 1 onion, sliced, 4 cloves garlic, minced, 4 cups beef broth, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon salt, 4 hoagie rolls, 8 slices provolone cheese, Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS :
Place the beef chuck roast in the slow cooker. Add the sliced onion and minced garlic on top of the roast.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, dried thyme, black pepper, and salt.
Pour the broth mixture over the roast and onions in the slow cooker.
Cover and cook on Low for about 8 hours, or on High for about 4 hours, until the beef is very tender and easily shreds with a fork.
Remove the roast from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Shred the meat using two forks, discarding excess fat.
Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker and stir to combine with the cooking juices. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Preheat the broiler. Slice the hoagie rolls and place them cut-side up on a baking sheet.
Pile a generous amount of shredded beef onto each roll and top each sandwich with 2 slices of provolone cheese.
Broil for 2–3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the edges of the rolls are lightly toasted. Watch closely to prevent burning.
Ladle some of the hot cooking liquid (au jus) into small bowls.
Serve the sandwiches hot with the au jus on the side for dipping, and garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
HOW TO SERVE Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches
Serve the sandwiches hot and fresh for best texture. Place a small bowl of warm au jus beside each sandwich. Let each person dip the sandwich into the jus as they eat. You can also spoon some au jus over the shredded beef before adding the cheese to make the roll extra juicy.
For a casual meal, serve on a tray with napkins. For a nicer dinner, add a side salad and set out the parsley garnish. If you want a warm drink with dessert, a mug of slow cooker grinch hot chocolate or regular hot cocoa lifts the meal for kids and adults.
STORAGE & FREEZING : Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches
Leftover shredded beef stores well in the fridge. Cool the beef and au jus to room temperature, then move both to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. Reheat the beef with some of the au jus in a pan over low heat or in the microwave until hot.
To freeze, place cooled shredded beef and some of the au jus in a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as you can before sealing. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Reheat slowly with extra broth or water if the meat seems dry.
If you freeze assembled sandwiches with the roll and cheese, the bread may become soggy. It is best to freeze just the beef and heat the roll fresh when you want to eat.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
- French fries or oven fries for a classic pairing.
- A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette to cut the richness.
- Coleslaw for a crunchy, cool side.
- Roasted vegetables like carrots or green beans for a balanced plate.
- For a warm drink, try a mug of slow cooker hot chocolate to make the meal feel special.
VARIATIONS
- Cheese: Swap provolone for Swiss, mozzarella, or cheddar for a different melt and taste.
- Bread: Use baguette halves, ciabatta, or kaiser rolls instead of hoagie rolls.
- Spices: Add a dash of smoked paprika or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the broth for a small heat boost.
- Onion: Caramelize the onions before adding to the slow cooker for a sweeter, deeper flavor.
- Vegetables: Add sliced mushrooms to the slow cooker in the last two hours of cooking for an earthy note.
- Low sodium: Use low-sodium beef broth and less salt if you watch salt intake.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different cut of beef?
A: Yes. You can use a chuck roast or a rump roast. Choose a cut with some fat for flavor. Lean cuts will cook but may be less tender.
Q: Do I need to sear the roast first?
A: No, you do not have to sear it. Searing adds more flavor, but the slow cooker will make the beef tender without searing. If you want a deeper crust, sear the roast in a hot pan for 2–3 minutes per side before slow cooking.
Q: How can I make a thicker au jus?
A: To thicken, remove a cup of the au jus and whisk in 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Bring the sauce to a simmer in a saucepan until it thickens. Do not add cornstarch directly to the slow cooker as it may clump.
Q: Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
A: Yes. Brown the roast on the sauté setting, add the broth mix, then cook on high pressure for 60 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 to 15 minutes, then shred the meat.
Q: How much au jus should I serve per person?
A: Plan on about 1/3 to 1/2 cup of au jus per sandwich for dipping. Offer extra for those who like a lot of dip.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches
- Morning start: Put the beef, onion, garlic, and broth mix into the slow cooker in the morning. Set it on low and let it cook all day. Shred in the evening and toast the rolls just before serving.
- Prep the broth mix: Combine the beef broth, Worcestershire, soy sauce, thyme, and spices in a jar the night before. Store it in the fridge and pour over the beef in the slow cooker in the morning.
- Shred ahead: You can shred the beef and store it in the fridge with some of the au jus for up to 2 days. Reheat before assembling the sandwiches.
- Chop garnish: Chop the parsley ahead and store it in a sealed container in the fridge so you can garnish quickly when serving.