Nothing beats the comfort of a warm, melty sandwich with juicy beef, golden toasted bread, and rich au jus for dipping. Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches are a family-favorite classic that delivers bold flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re hosting game day or craving a cozy dinner, this is the kind of meal that makes everyone reach for seconds.

Slow cooking the beef allows it to become unbelievably tender, soaking up all the savory flavors of the broth, onions, and seasonings. Topped with gooey melted provolone and served on a crusty roll, each bite is dripping with comforting goodness. The au jus isn’t just a bonus—it’s a must-have for that perfect dip.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To pull off Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches with ease and flavor, the right tools make all the difference:

Slow Cooker: This is the star of the show. It tenderizes the beef over hours, locking in juicy flavor. Go for a programmable one for added convenience.
Cast Iron Skillet (Optional but useful): If you’re caramelizing onions for a flavor boost, a good skillet ensures even browning.
Sharp Knife: Essential for trimming any excess fat from your roast and slicing rolls.

Tongs: Perfect for handling the hot meat when transferring from the slow cooker.
Strainer: Use it to separate the meat from the broth before turning the liquid into au jus.
Oven or Broiler: For melting cheese on the sandwich. A broiler adds that perfect golden touch.

Prep is simple, and with these tools on hand, your kitchen will feel like a sandwich shop come to life.

Ingredients for the Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches

Each ingredient in this sandwich recipe plays a specific role in creating bold, savory, and satisfying flavor.

Chuck Roast: The go-to cut for this dish. It’s marbled and tenderizes beautifully in the slow cooker, soaking up all the savory juices.

Beef Broth: A rich base for cooking the roast and creating the au jus dip. Go for low-sodium if you want to adjust salt levels yourself.
Onion (Sliced): Adds natural sweetness and depth to the broth as it slowly cooks.
Garlic (Minced): Brings warmth and enhances the savory notes.

Worcestershire Sauce: Gives the broth a deep umami flavor and adds richness.
Soy Sauce: Adds salt and umami depth, complementing the Worcestershire.
Thyme and Rosemary: These herbs bring aromatic warmth to the meat and broth.

Provolone Cheese: Melts smoothly and offers a creamy, mild flavor that pairs perfectly with the roast beef.
Crusty French Rolls or Hoagie Buns: The vessel for all the goodness. They should be sturdy enough to hold up to the juiciness and the dipping.

How To Make the Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches

Step 1: Prep the Roast and Aromatics

Trim excess fat from the chuck roast. Place it into the slow cooker. Add sliced onions, minced garlic, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and herbs over the top.

Step 2: Slow Cook to Tender Perfection

Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours, until the beef shreds easily with a fork. Once done, remove the roast and shred it using two forks.

Step 3: Strain and Save the Broth

Strain the broth into a bowl to remove any solids. This will become your flavorful au jus for dipping.

Step 4: Assemble the Sandwiches

Toast your rolls lightly if desired. Pile shredded beef onto each roll and top with provolone cheese. Place the assembled sandwiches on a baking sheet.

Step 5: Broil to Melt the Cheese

Place under the broiler for 1-2 minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles slightly.

Step 6: Serve with Au Jus

Ladle the warm au jus into ramekins or small bowls and serve alongside each sandwich for dipping.

How to Serve and Store Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches

These sandwiches are best served hot, right after the cheese has melted and the rolls are warm. Pair them with individual bowls of au jus for dipping—it’s the heart of the experience. Serve with a side of crispy fries, a fresh green salad, or roasted veggies for a balanced meal.

If you’re prepping ahead or have leftovers, store the shredded beef and au jus separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat the meat in a skillet or microwave with a splash of broth to retain moisture. For best texture, toast the rolls fresh each time you serve.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely. Cook and shred the beef a day in advance. Reheat with a little broth before assembling the sandwiches.

What if I don’t have a slow cooker?

You can use a Dutch oven or oven-safe pot. Cover tightly and cook at 300°F for 3-4 hours until the beef is fork-tender.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes! Freeze the shredded beef in some of the au jus to keep it juicy. Thaw in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop.

What cheese substitutes work well?

Mozzarella or Swiss cheese are great alternatives if you don’t have provolone. Each adds a unique twist.

How do I make it more flavorful?

Add a splash of red wine to the broth or a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. You can also sear the roast before slow cooking for extra depth.

Are there low-carb bread options?

Yes. Use keto-friendly buns or serve the shredded beef and cheese over roasted vegetables for a low-carb twist.

Want More Sandwich Ideas with a Twist?

If you enjoyed these Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches, you’ll love these other flavorful and satisfying options:

• Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes — a cheesy, bold twist on two classic sandwiches.
• Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole — comforting and rich with layered textures.
• Southwest Grilled Chicken Wraps — a zesty wrap packed with bold spices.
• Savory Chicken Wraps with Garlic Cream Sauce — creamy, herby goodness in every bite.
• Air Fryer Spicy Buffalo Chicken Wraps — perfect for a spicy snack or quick lunch.

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And let me know in the comments how your sandwiches turned out! Did you toast the buns, or go soft and pillowy? Did you add extra cheese or mix up the herbs?

I love seeing your versions of these recipes, so don’t be shy about sharing. Questions welcome—let’s make cooking more fun together!

Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches

Author: Olivia McKenney
Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 6 sandwiches

Print Recipe

Description

Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches are packed with tender, flavorful beef slow-cooked in a rich broth with onions, garlic, and herbs, then piled onto crusty rolls, topped with melted provolone cheese, and served with a warm bowl of savory au jus for dipping. It’s an easy dinner that tastes gourmet with every bite.

Instructions

1. Trim any excess fat from the chuck roast and place it in the slow cooker.

2. Add sliced onion, garlic, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, thyme, and rosemary on top of the roast.

3. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4–5 hours, until the beef is fork-tender.

4. Remove the roast and shred using two forks. Strain the broth to remove solids and set aside for au jus.

5. Lightly toast your rolls if desired. Place shredded beef onto each roll and top with provolone cheese.

6. Place sandwiches on a baking sheet and broil for 1–2 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.

7. Serve hot with warm au jus on the side for dipping.

Notes

For deeper flavor, sear the roast in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker.

Use low-sodium broth if you’re watching salt levels, especially with soy sauce included.

Make it spicier by adding red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the broth.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours
Category: Sandwiches, Dinner

Method: Slow Cooker, Broil
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 sandwich

Calories: 520
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 880mg

Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g

Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 2g

Protein: 36g
Cholesterol: 100mg

Keywords: French dip, slow cooker, shredded beef, au jus, easy dinner