Fall-apart tender beef, savory au jus, and melty cheese on a toasted roll—what’s not to love? These Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches turn a humble chuck roast into something crave-worthy with minimal effort. The meat simmers low and slow in a flavorful broth of garlic, onion, herbs, and beef stock until it’s juicy and perfectly shreddable. Dip, bite, repeat—this is the kind of sandwich that makes you pause mid-bite and say, “Whoa.”
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Hands-off slow cooker magic.
Incredible depth of flavor with only a few ingredients.
Great for feeding a crowd or making ahead.
Dipping sauce built right into the cooking liquid.
The sandwich you’ll request again and again.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches
To whip up these mouthwatering Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches, you’ll need a handful of ingredients that come together beautifully.
Here’s what you’ll gather:
Beef chuck roast: This cut is perfect for slow cooking, becoming tender and juicy as it simmers.
Olive oil: A splash of this adds richness and helps achieve that beautiful sear on the beef.
Onion: Sliced onions bring sweetness and depth to the dish, enhancing the overall flavor.
Garlic: Minced garlic adds a punch of flavor that elevates the beef to new heights.
Beef broth: This is the heart of the dipping sauce, providing a savory base for the sandwich.
Worcestershire sauce: A dash of this tangy sauce adds complexity and umami to the mix.
Dried thyme and rosemary: These herbs infuse the beef with aromatic flavors, making each bite delightful.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning, these staples enhance all the other flavors.
Hoagie rolls: Soft and sturdy, these rolls are perfect for holding all that delicious beef.
Provolone cheese: Melty and mild, this cheese adds a creamy finish to your sandwich.
Feel free to get creative!
For extra flavor, consider adding sliced mushrooms to the slow cooker along with the onions.
If you’re feeling adventurous, swap out the provolone for Swiss or cheddar cheese for a unique twist.
Exact measurements for each ingredient can be found at the bottom of the article, ready for printing!
How to Make Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches
Creating these Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches is a breeze.
Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready to enjoy.
Let’s get started!
Step 1: Sear the Beef
Begin by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Season your beef chuck roast generously with salt and pepper.
Once the oil is hot, carefully place the roast in the skillet.
Sear it for about 4-5 minutes on each side until it’s beautifully browned.
This browning is crucial; it locks in flavor and gives your beef that rich, savory taste.
Once done, remove the roast and set it aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Onions and Garlic
In the same skillet, toss in the sliced onion.
Cook it for about 3-4 minutes until it softens and becomes translucent.
Next, add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute.
This step enhances the dish by releasing the sweet and aromatic flavors of the onion and garlic, making your kitchen smell heavenly.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
Now, transfer the onion and garlic mixture to your slow cooker.
Place the seared beef roast right on top.
This layering allows the flavors to meld beautifully as they cook together.
Step 4: Add Broth and Seasonings
Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce over the roast.
These ingredients create a savory base for your sandwiches.
Sprinkle the dried thyme and rosemary on top for that aromatic touch.
These herbs will infuse the beef with delightful flavors as it cooks.
Step 5: Slow Cook the Beef
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
During this time, the beef will become incredibly tender and easy to shred.
When it’s done, you’ll know it’s ready when it falls apart with a fork.
Step 6: Shred the Beef
Once the beef is cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker.
Using two forks, shred the beef into bite-sized pieces.
Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker and stir it into the flavorful juices.
This step ensures every bite is packed with flavor.
Step 7: Prepare the Hoagie Rolls
Preheat your oven to 350°F.
Split the hoagie rolls and place them on a baking sheet.
Fill each roll generously with the shredded beef.
Top it off with slices of provolone cheese, allowing it to melt beautifully.
Step 8: Bake the Sandwiches
Pop the baking sheet in the oven for about 5-7 minutes.
You want the cheese to be melted and bubbly, creating that perfect gooey texture.
Serve the sandwiches with a small bowl of the cooking liquid for dipping.
This adds an extra layer of flavor that makes each bite irresistible!
Tips for Success
Don’t skip the searing step; it adds depth to the flavor.
Use a good quality beef broth for the best taste.
Let the beef rest for a few minutes before shredding for easier handling.
Experiment with different cheeses to find your favorite combination.
Make extra beef and freeze leftovers for a quick meal later.
Equipment Needed
Slow Cooker: Essential for this recipe; a 6-quart model works great.
Skillet: A non-stick or cast-iron skillet is perfect for searing the beef.
Cutting Board: Use this for slicing and shredding the beef.
Forks: Two forks are handy for shredding the beef easily.
Baking Sheet: Needed for toasting the hoagie rolls in the oven.
Variations
Mushroom Medley: Add sliced mushrooms to the slow cooker for an earthy flavor boost.
Spicy Kick: Incorporate sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy twist.
Herb Infusion: Experiment with fresh herbs like basil or oregano for a different aromatic profile.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free hoagie rolls or serve the beef over rice for a hearty meal.
Low-Fat Version: Opt for lean cuts of beef, like sirloin, to reduce fat content while still enjoying the flavors.
Serving Suggestions
Classic Sides: Pair your sandwiches with crispy French fries or a fresh garden salad for a balanced meal.
Drink Pairing: Enjoy with a cold beer or a glass of red wine to complement the rich flavors.
Presentation: Serve the sandwiches on a wooden board with small bowls of dipping sauce for a rustic touch.
FAQs about Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While beef chuck roast is ideal for its tenderness, you can also use brisket or round roast. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop to maintain flavor.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the beef and store it in the fridge overnight. Just reheat it in the slow cooker the next day for a quick meal.
What can I serve with French Dip Sandwiches?
These sandwiches pair wonderfully with crispy fries, coleslaw, or a light salad. The dipping broth also makes a great side for extra flavor!
Can I freeze the beef for later use?
Definitely! Shredded beef freezes well. Just make sure to store it in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it in the fridge and reheat before serving.
Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches are more than just a meal; they’re an experience that brings warmth and comfort to the table.
The joy of coming home to the rich aroma of beef simmering away is unmatched.
Each bite of tender, flavorful beef nestled in a soft hoagie roll, topped with gooey cheese, is pure bliss.
Whether you’re sharing with family or enjoying a quiet night in, this recipe is a reminder that good food can create lasting memories.
So, roll up your sleeves and dive into this delicious adventure—you won’t regret it!
A delicious and easy recipe for Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches, perfect for a hearty meal.
Ingredients
Scale
2 pounds beef chuck roast
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups beef broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
Salt and pepper to taste
4 hoagie rolls
8 slices provolone cheese
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the beef chuck roast with salt and pepper, then sear it in the skillet for about 4-5 minutes on each side until browned. Remove the roast and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Transfer the onion and garlic mixture to the slow cooker. Place the seared beef roast on top.
Pour the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce over the roast. Sprinkle the dried thyme and rosemary on top.
Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours, until the beef is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
Once cooked, remove the roast from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker and stir to combine with the juices.
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Split the hoagie rolls and place them on a baking sheet. Fill each roll with the shredded beef and top with provolone cheese.
Bake in the oven for about 5-7 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve the sandwiches with a small bowl of the cooking liquid for dipping.
Notes
For extra flavor, add sliced mushrooms to the slow cooker along with the onions.
Try using different types of cheese, such as Swiss or cheddar, for a unique twist on the classic French dip.
