Juicy, tender beef cooked low and slow makes these Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches absolutely irresistible. Perfect for busy days!
Let me paint you a picture: It’s midweek, I’m running around trying to keep everything in my life from falling apart (you know the drill—deadlines, laundry piles, and a to-do list the length of my arm), and the thought of cooking dinner feels… daunting. Sound familiar?
That’s where these Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches saved me. The first time I made them, I had zero expectations. Honestly, I thought I’d just toss some beef in the slow cooker, pray for the best, and end up with something edible. But oh, I was so wrong—and in the best way possible.
The smell alone was enough to make everyone stop in their tracks. Rich, beefy, and slightly sweet from the French onion soup… it was like walking into a cozy diner. My husband, usually skeptical of anything made in a slow cooker (he thinks it’s cheating—pfft), took one bite and said, “This tastes like a restaurant sandwich.” Now, when I’m looking for another easy, flavorful dinner idea for those crazy days, something like Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas comes to mind, but these French Dip sandwiches always have a special place in my heart.
So, now these sandwiches have become a tradition for us. Game days? Check. Lazy Sundays? Check. A hectic weeknight where I want to pretend I’ve got my act together? Double-check. I love how simple they are to make and how they feel like a little luxury at the end of the day—melted cheese, tender beef, and that savory au jus for dipping.
It’s not just dinner; it’s comfort food at its finest.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches Recipe?
- Ridiculously easy: Throw it in the slow cooker and forget about it. The hardest part is resisting the smell while it cooks.
- The perfect texture: The beef is juicy, tender, and shreds beautifully.
- The au jus: That rich, savory dipping sauce is what takes these sandwiches over the top. You’ll want to drink it (and honestly, no judgment if you do).
- Feeds a crowd: This makes 8–10 sandwiches, which is perfect for family dinners or feeding a group on game day.
Ingredient Notes:
Here’s what makes these French Dip Sandwiches so good. You might already have most of this at home:
- Beef Chuck Roast: This cut is the MVP of slow cooking. It’s fatty enough to break down into melt-in-your-mouth tenderness after hours of cooking.
- Beef Consommé & Beef Broth: The consommé is rich and concentrated, and when paired with broth, it creates the ultimate au jus for dipping.
- French Onion Soup: A little sweet, a little savory—this is the flavor booster that makes the broth next-level.
- Red Wine (optional but amazing): Adding a splash of wine gives depth to the broth. Don’t have any? No worries—it’s still delicious without it.
- French or Italian Rolls: Sturdy rolls are non-negotiable here. Soft rolls are just going to fall apart when you dip them in the au jus.
- Cheese (Provolone, Mozzarella, or Swiss): The melty cheese is technically optional, but let’s be real—cheese makes everything better.
- Pepper: Just a pinch is enough since the soups and broth already bring plenty of salt.
How To Make Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches?
Making these sandwiches is like hitting the “easy button” for dinner. The slow cooker does most of the work while you go about your day. Here’s how it’s done:
1. Prep Your Slow Cooker
Start by lightly greasing the inside of your slow cooker. This helps with cleanup later because, trust me, you don’t want to be scraping dried-on beef juices at the end of the day.
2. Brown the Beef (Optional but Worth It)
If you’ve got an extra 5 minutes, don’t skip this step. Heat a little oil in a skillet, season your chuck roast with pepper, and sear it on both sides until it’s nice and golden brown. This adds so much flavor and makes you feel like a pro chef.
3. Build the Broth
Place the browned roast in the slow cooker. In a bowl, whisk together the beef consommé, beef broth, French onion soup, and red wine. Pour that liquid gold over the roast and let it settle in.
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4. Cook Low and Slow
Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 4 hours. Low and slow is my preference because the beef gets ridiculously tender, but either works.
5. Shred the Beef
Once the beef is falling apart (and I promise, it will be), pull it out of the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. You’ll probably be tempted to sneak a bite or two—it’s only fair after waiting all day.
6. Assemble the Sandwiches
Split your rolls and lay them on a baking sheet. Pile on the shredded beef and top each sandwich with a slice or two of cheese. Pop them in the oven at 400°F (or under the broiler) for a few minutes until the cheese is bubbly and melty.
7. Serve with Au Jus
Ladle the reserved broth into bowls for dipping. Dip, bite, repeat. If you’re like me, you’ll probably end up with sauce dripping down your chin—but that’s part of the fun.
Storage Options:
- Refrigerator: Store leftover beef and au jus in separate containers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze the shredded beef and broth in zip-top bags for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm the beef in a skillet with a splash of au jus to keep it juicy, or pop it in the microwave for a quick fix.
Variations and Substitutions:
You can totally tweak this recipe to make it your own. Here are a few ideas:
- No Wine? No Worries: Swap the wine for a splash of Worcestershire sauce or extra broth.
- Add Veggies: Throw in sliced mushrooms, onions, or bell peppers for a little extra something.
- Switch Up the Cheese: Try sharp cheddar, gouda, or pepper jack for a fun twist.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the broth for a little heat.
What to Serve with Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches?
These sandwiches are chef’s kiss on their own, but pair them with one of these sides for an even better meal:
- Garlic Parmesan Fries: Because fries and sandwiches are best friends.
- Coleslaw: Creamy, tangy slaw adds a nice crunch to balance out the rich beef.
- Roasted Veggies: Simple roasted carrots, asparagus, or green beans work perfectly.
- Pickles or Pepperoncini: A little tangy, crunchy bite makes these sandwiches even better.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yep! Brisket or bottom round roast work well, too—just be sure to cook them low and slow for the best texture.
What if I don’t have French onion soup?
No worries! Swap it for an extra can of beef broth and add a teaspoon of onion powder for flavor.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! The beef tastes even better the next day, so feel free to prep it ahead and reheat when you’re ready to serve.
And there you have it—Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches that are comforting, hearty, and so easy to make it almost feels like cheating. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or just treating yourself to a cozy dinner, these sandwiches are it.
Give them a try, and let me know if you’re as obsessed with that au jus as I am. Who knows? You might just have a new favorite recipe on your hands.
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Rich and Savory Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches
Ingredients
- 8 to 10 French rolls or Italian rolls split
- 4 lb beef chuck roast boneless
- 1 10.5 oz. can of condensed beef consomme
- 1 10.5 oz. can of condensed French onion soup
- 1 10.5 oz. can of condensed beef broth
- 1/2 c. red wine optional but highly recommended
- Pepper to taste
- package of mozzarella provolone, or Swiss cheese, sliced (optional, but highly recommended)
Instructions
- Using non-stick cooking spray, lightly grease a slow cooker.
- Place the roast on a large cutting board, then trim the excess fat.
- You can brown the roast (optional). Heat 2 tbsp cooking oil in a large skillet or dutch oven over medium-high heat. Then, place the roast and season with pepper. Sear both sides of the roast for a couple of minutes until browned.
- In the prepared slow cooker, place the roast.
- Whisk the soups and wine in a large bowl, then pour this over the roast.
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook the roast for 6 to 8 hours on low or 4 hours on high.
- Remove the roast from the slow cooker when ready and slice using a knife or shred with two forks.
- Reserve the broth (au jus) and keep it warm in the cooker.
To Assemble the Sandwich:
- After splitting the rolls, place them on a non-stick baking sheet. On each roll, place the beef and top with cheese.
- Bake in the oven (or broil) at 400 degrees F until the cheese begins to bubbly and melt.
- Serve the au jus in a bowl alongside the sandwich for dipping.
Notes
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I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
