This Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwich is the ultimate, crave-worthy comfort food made easily in the crockpot. Tender, juicy beef, simmered in a savory au jus broth, piled high on toasted hoagie rolls with melty provolone cheese.
Love slow cooker recipes? Try our Slow Cooker Cubano Pork Sandwich, Crockpot Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches, Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken, and Crockpot Corn Chowder.
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Chuck Roast: Bottom Round Roast or Rump Roast are the best beef cuts for French Dip Sandwiches.
- Avocado Oil: If searing the meat, use this oil or any of your favorites, such as canola oil or vegetable oil. Or a combination of unsalted butter and oil can be used for additional flavor.
- Fat-Free Beef Broth: This makes the au jus for the French dip sandwiches. I prefer fat-free broth for reduced calories but regular broth can be used.
- Light Soy Sauce: Adds umami flavor. Low sodium is preferred. Gluten-free option: tamari or liquid amino acids can be used.Other options: Swiss Cheese, Mozzarella cheese, or smoked
- Worcestershire Sauce: Enhances the savory richness in the broth.
- Dijon Mustard: Adds tanginess to the au jus, and it is an excellent flavor enhancer. If Dijon is unavailable, feel free to use another mustard you have in the refrigerator.
- Thyme & Bay Leaf: Classic herbs that elevate the broth.
- Hoagie Rolls: A thicker hoagie roll is best to stand up to the beef and au jus.
- Provolone Cheese: Melts beautifully and is the classic choice for the perfect sandwich. Other options: Swiss Cheese, Mozzarella cheese, or smoked
- Salted butter, optional: For extra flavor, add salted butter to the bread before placing bread under the broiler.
How to make Slow Cooker French Dips
- Generously season the meat.
- Sear the meat until golden brown on all sides.
- Sauté onions; add the beef stock to pick up any brown bits on the bottom of the pan.
- Place the browned meat, onions, beef broth, remaining liquids, Dijon, and herbs in the slow cooker vessel.
- Slow cook on low for 7 to 8 hours or on high for 5 to 6 hours, until the beef is fork-tender.
- Shred the meat. Add back into the au jus.
- Broil the hoagie rolls with butter and provolone cheese.
- Add the shredded beef to the rolls
- Serve the French dip sandwiches with au jus sauce.
Eileen's Tips for the Best French Dip Sandwiches
- Extra Steps to Brown the Beef: Searing the meat before slow cooking adds deep, rich flavor to the au jus—don’t skip this step.
- For extra flavor, skim excess fat from the au jus before serving.
Slow Cooker French Dip FAQs
Can I make this without browning the meat?
Searing the meat adds amazing flavor to the sandwiches. I recommend taking the extra step by browning the meat.
What to serve with French Dip Sandwiches
Have a well-balanced meal with any of these delicious side dishes:
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Eileen xo
If you click on the number of servings in the recipe card, you can adjust the measurements up or down for the exact number of servings you need.
📖 Recipe
Easy Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwich
The easiest recipe to make a delicious sandwich with melt in your mouth beef. The beef is served on a hoagie roll with melted provolone cheese and a tasty au jus sauce that adds amazing flavor.
Equipment
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pat 4 pounds boneless chuck roast dry using a paper towel. Set aside.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic powder , ½ teaspoon onion powder, and ½ teaspoon kosher salt. Sprinkle the meat all over with the seasonings.
Browning Meat and Onion Option
- Method one- most preferred. Heat a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat add 1 Tablespoon avocado oil. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned meat and brown on all sides. Place the browned beef in the slow cooker.
- To the pan, add 1 large yellow onion (thinly sliced), saute for about 5 to 7 minutes to soften the onions. Add 14.5 ounce can, low sodium beef broth to the pan and use a wooden spoon to loosen the brown bits at the bottom of the pan. Add the broth and onions to the slow cooker.
- Add remaining ingredients to the slow cooker: ¼ cup light soy sauce , 3-4 dashes Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 Bay Leaf, and 3 sprigs fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme.
- Place the lid on the slow cooker. Cook on high for 5 hours or low for 7 to 8 hours. The meat will be tender and pull apart easily. Shred the beef with forks.
- To prepare the 6 hoagie rolls hoagies. Place the broiler on high. Place oven rack on the third rack from the top of the oven.Slice rolls in half, lengthwise. I prefer to remove some of the breading inside the hoagie. If adding, divide 2 teaspoons salted butter (softened onto the sliced hoagie halves.
- Place one of the 6 slices provolone cheese on each of the top hoagie. Broil for a few seconds to melt the cheese, about 20-30 seconds. Watch closely so the bread and cheese do not burn.
- Once the bread is toasted, remove from the oven. Divide the shredded beef on the bottom hoagie. Serve with the au jus sauce. Serve immediately.
- Method two- Add everything to the slow cooker without browning the meat.
No prebrowning of the meat or onions
- Add all ingredients except for the sandwich makings of hoage bread and cheese. Follow the slow cooker method and sandwich creating above.
Note 1: Bottom Round Roast or Rump Roast can also be used for this recipe.
Note 2: Use your preferred oil to brown the meat.
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezer Instructions: The cooked meat can be stored in a freezer-friendly container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Make Ahead: Crockpot French Dip Recipe is perfect for make-ahead meals. Prepare up to 2 days before; store in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Assemble the sandwiches and serve.
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Nutritional information provided is an estimate only and is offered as a courtesy. Figures may vary based on brand, ingredient substitutions, or portion sizes. I am not a certified nutritionist or dietitian
Nutrition
Nutritional values are estimates only. Please consult a professional for strict dietary needs.
If you loved this recipe, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating below — it helps other find it and means the world to me! — Eileen xo 🍀
B
Made this for a gathering and they absolutely LOVED it!!! And the au ju was amazing
Eileen Murphy Kelly
I am so happy you enjoyed the recipe. This is a favorite for me and I love to serve this for family gatherings too.
Christine
I love love love french dip sandwiches! I haven't had one in a long time, but have definitely been craving it. Will need to make this, love that it's easy and can be made in the slow cooker!
Eileen xo
Awesome Christine, I hope you make this recipe soon. It is a keeper
Veronika's Kitchen
Oh yes! My fiance would eat it all! I definitely need to save this recipe to make it later!)
Eileen xo
Perfect Veronika, I hope your fiance loves it!
Sara
This looks really yummy! I can't wait to try your recipe! I love french dip!
Ashley @ Big Flavors from a Tiny Kitchen
French dips are one of my absolute favorites! I love how much flavor you can get for not much work - just let 'em cook away all day. Searing the meat first really does make the flavor even better. I tend to do mine on round sandwich rolls, but hoagie rolls look like they'd be easier to dip. Yum!
Kristina
Oh my, I miss French dip sandwiches! I rarely see them when eating out here in California, so when I do see it on a menu I have to order it. It looks like I need to start making them myself from home.
Eileen xo
Kristina, save your money and make your own. These are awesome.
Nicoletta @sugarlovespices
My husband loves to use the slow cooker and would love this slow cooker French dip sandwich! It looks absolutely scrumptious and comforting.
Leslie Haasch
Love a good french dip sandwich, but I've never tried to make it in a slow cooker before!
Eileen xo
Leslie, a must make in the slow cooker. I hope you try it and enjoy.
Veena Azmanov
I love when I can dunk my bread into something. This looks so yum. Love slow cooked tender beef and you make it look so easy. I'm saving this for later for sure. Can't wait to try.
Abby @ WinsteadWandering
I don't prepare a lot of beef in my slow cooker, but it looks like I need to start! These sandwiches look to-die-for!
Eileen xo
Abby, you really should start! These are tender beef sandwiches and super easy!
Elaine @ Dishes Delish
I am drooling looking at your delicious French dip sandwiches. And making it in the slow cooker. Holy moly, I want in!! I can't wait to make your delicious recipe!
Eileen xo
I am so with you Elaine. These are my favorite sandwiches. Complete comfort food
Carrie
I am literally drooling at this recipe, total comfort food and even better it can be made in the slow cooker!
Eileen xo
I agree Carrie, its my favorite sandwich
Analida @ ethnicspoon.com
Slow cooker tender beef is one of my favorites! I need to make this for my next party and serve with some slider buns! Thanks for sharing and I love the flavors in this!
Eileen xo
Awesome Analida! I am so glad you enjoy!
Tadej
Beef is one of the best meat that you can cook with. I like your idea of this sendwich, it looks tasty.
Eileen xo
Thank you Tadej! These are super easy and delish!
Patty
We made these today! Wow, they were delicious and you were right, easy. I did not brown the meat and it was super flavorful. The meat was melt in your mouth delicious!
Eileen xo
I am so happy that you enjoyed these as much as my family Patty! I agree, without the sear of the beef, the sandwich is amazing.Full of flavor