An easy recipe for Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches! These are filled with tender and flavorful beef, melty cheese and a beefy au jus for dipping!
Sandwiches are a great quick meal! If sandwiches are your jam try these Pepperoni Pizza Sliders, Tuna Melt Sandwiches, or Italian Grilled Cheese Sandwich.
*Originally published February 2017. Some text updated.*
Super Easy Slow Cooker Meal!
I have an insanely easy recipe for slow cooker french dip sandwiches that I have been making for years and thought it was high time I share it with you.
It’s a family favorite, all the kiddos love it and I think it has to do with the fact they get to dip their sandwich in the au jus. Something about that just makes them smile.
I love it because it is so stinkin’ easy thanks to my handy dandy crockpot!! You just have to assemble the sandwiches and melt the cheese. See nothing to it.
Oh, and straining the au jus is entirely up to you. When we are just eating it ourselves I don’t usually strain it but if I make it for company then I do.
Easy Meal Full of Flavor!
And since we are making this in the crockpot that au jus will be so flavorful and so will the meat. The meat will also be super tender making it perfect for a sandwich!
I usually keep my french dip sandwiches pretty straight forward and simple. I have used other spices and seasonings in the past but always come back to making it this way.
Nothing super fancy just simple goodness with melted cheese and a crusty bun.
Tips and Suggestions:
- To get this crazy tender I highly recommend cooking this low and slow for 8 hours. I have cooked on high for 5 hours but it just doesn’t turn out quite the same. I also choose to shred the meat instead of slice it. It’s so tender at the end of 8 hours it is nearly impossible to slice it anyway.
- If I’m not straining the au jus then I just shred the meat right in the slow cooker (less dishes that way) Then when it’s time to assemble your sandwiches just give the meat a little squeeze to get rid of some of the liquid (that way the bottom of the bun doesn’t become too soggy) then layer on the cheese and place it under the broiler to melt away.
What to Serve with French Dip Sandwiches
- Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole or Roasted Parmesan Potatoes
- Tomato Cucumber and Avocado Salad, Spinach Apple and Pomegranate Salad, Broccoli Bacon and Grape Salad, OR just a simple side salad.
Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches
Ingredients
- 1 (3½ pound) (105kg) chuck roast, trimmed of excess fat
- 3 cups (710ml) beef stock
- 1 small to medium onion, thinly sliced
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1½ tablespoon bouillon (I like better than bouillon brand) or 5 cubes beef bouillon
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 8 french rolls or hoagie buns or something similar
- 18-24 slices provolone cheese (I use 3 slices per sandwich)
Instructions
- Place roast in bottom of slow cooker. Top with sliced onion and minced garlic. In a small bowl combine the stock, bullion and worcestershire sauce. Pour over beef. Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours.
- If you choose not to strain the au jus you can just shred the meat right in the slow cooker otherwise remove meat and shred. Strain au jus then return shredded meat and strained au jus to the slow cooker to keep warm.
- When ready to assemble the sandwiches give the meat a little squeeze with your hands to drain off some of the liquid (that way the bottom of the sandwich doesn’t become to soggy before you’re ready to eat it) and place on your buns. Top each sandwich with 3 slices of cheese. Place sandwiches on a baking tray then broil until cheese is melted. Serve with au jus.
Notes
- If I have time I like to sear the meat before placing in the slow cooker. It adds a lot of flavor!
- I recommend only cooking this on low for the 8 hours to achieve really tender beef.
- Freezer Friendly: Place completely cooled meat into a freezer safe container and freeze for up to 6 months. Thaw overnight in the refirgerator and reheat as desired.
- Nutrition Facts: Since different brands of ingredients have different nutritional information, the information shown is just an estimate.
Love a comfort food slow cooker dish! Whole family loved this.
Our family loved this! So tender and delicious, thanks for sharing!
These were amazing! We’ll definitely be adding this one to the rotation. And I love how easy it was!
I seared the meat like you suggested and these turned out fantastic! My family is begging for them again.
Great article. Thanks for mentioning that you shredded the beef to make it tender. I will do this on other dishes instead of slicing. Can I also cook my meat for 8 hours without the crockpot?
The pictures blew my mind, they are so alive.
Hi! So sorry I didn’t answer your question sooner, I have been sick. I don’t recommend cooking the roast that long in the oven. If you prefer cooking it in the oven try 275 degrees F for around 3.5 hours or until it’s fall apart tender.
Sorry about your health. I hope you are feeling better. I cooked it for 300 degrees F and just kept checking till it was tender.
This recipe was the most amazing thing I have ever tasted when I made a sandwich with it on banana bread. Really appreciate.
Thank you for commenting back! I am finally starting to feel better! So glad you liked it!
If I make a larger piece of meat do I need to increase the liquids? I want to serve at a holiday party with a lot of people. I thought this could work on a buffet table, small sandwiches where they can help themself
No need to increase the liquids, there will still be enough to cook a larger roast. That sounds like a wonderful idea for a party!! Let me know how everything goes for you!
Do I sear the roast before I put it in the cooker?
Hi Ron, you don’t have to sear the roast before but it will add extra flavor if you do. If you do choose to sear the roast be sure to deglaze the pan and add those juices to the slow cooker too!! Hope you enjoy!
Do you put the cubes in the crockpot too or do you put one cup of water to the cubes to make a sauce and then put it in the crockpot?
Hi thanks for asking! I just mix them in with the beef stock then add it to the crockpot. Hope you enjoy!
I haven’t eaten one of these for ages. Must make some soon. Sounds so good.
Thanks Grandma!! 🙂