Description
There’s something truly comforting about a warm, juicy French dip sandwich. The tender, slow-cooked beef, infused with rich flavors, piled high on a toasted roll, and served with a side of savory au jus for dipping—it’s the ultimate cozy meal. Whether you’re making this for a casual family dinner or serving it up for a game-day feast, this slow cooker French dip recipe is a surefire crowd-pleaser.
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to make. The slow cooker does most of the work, allowing the beef to become incredibly tender and flavorful over several hours. This means you can go about your day and return to a meal that tastes like it’s been simmering in a gourmet kitchen. Pair it with crispy fries, a simple side salad, or just enjoy it on its own—either way, it’s delicious.
Ingredients
- 3–4 lbs beef chuck roast
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 4–6 hoagie rolls
- 6 slices provolone cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
Start by seasoning your beef chuck roast with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme. This ensures that every bite of your sandwich is full of flavor. If you have a few extra minutes, searing the beef in a hot skillet before placing it in the slow cooker will give it a beautiful crust and deepen the flavors.
Step 2: Assemble Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
Place the sliced onions at the bottom of the slow cooker. This creates a delicious flavor base and prevents the beef from sticking. Lay the seasoned beef chuck roast on top of the onions. Then, pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce. These ingredients combine to create a rich, savory broth that will later be used as the dipping sauce.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours until the beef is tender and easily shreds with a fork. The longer cooking time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Step 4: Shred the Beef
Once the beef is fully cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker so it can soak up even more of the flavorful juices.
Step 5: Toast the Hoagie Rolls
For the best texture, lightly toast the hoagie rolls before assembling the sandwiches. You can do this by placing them under the broiler for a minute or two or toasting them in a dry skillet until golden brown.
Step 6: Assemble the Sandwiches
Using tongs, pile the shredded beef onto each hoagie roll. Top with a slice of provolone cheese and place the sandwiches under the broiler for about 1-2 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 7: Serve with Au Jus
Strain the cooking liquid to remove the onions and pour the remaining broth into small bowls for dipping. Serve each sandwich with a side of this flavorful au jus and enjoy!
Notes
- If you prefer a thicker dipping sauce, you can simmer the au jus on the stove for a few minutes to reduce it slightly.
- Leftovers can be used for tacos, beef bowls, or even added to a salad for extra protein.