These Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches will definitely be added to your weekly dinner rotation! Chuck roast is slow cooked in the crockpot with onions, spices, and broth to create fall-apart, melt in your mouth, ultra juicy steak sandwiches that everyone will love!
Why you’ll love these
- So tender and flavorful. Slow cooked, tender beef swimming in a rich and savory dipping sauce…I’m drooling already, are you?
- Easy. After a quick sear on the stove (optional, but recommended), this is a true “set it and forget it” recipe!
- Perfect for game day. This recipe can easily be doubled for your next football Saturday party. Let your guests assemble their own sandwiches to keep things super hands off!
Ingredient notes
- Butter – unsalted or salted butter are great. Oil (avocado, vegetable, olive, etc.) or bacon grease may also be used.
- Beef – look for 1 (3 pound) boneless chuck roast. A chuck roast is a great cut for slow cooking, because it loves to be cooked low and slow in a bit of moisture! See Best Meat for more options.
- Spices: Garlic Powder, Salt, and Pepper – feel free to ditch the garlic powder or add more seasonings such as onion powder and paprika!
- Onion – yellow onion, white onion, red onion or shallots may be used, although I typically use yellow onion.
- Garlic – use 2 tablespoons jarred minced garlic or 4-8 cloves freshly chopped.
- Seasoning Packet – I used 1 (1 oz) packet McCormick Au Jus Gravy Mix. If desired, make your own seasoning blend! You could also try using a packet of brown gravy mix or onion soup mix.
- Worcestershire Sauce – I really recommend leaving this as is, but if you’re out and in a pinch you could try a splash of soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, steak sauce, and/or fish sauce
- Broth – you’ll need 1 (14.5 oz) can beef broth. Feel free to sub with water mixed with “better than boullion beef”. If you like a little extra liquid, you could also throw in your favorite can of beer!
- Bread – I served these on roasted ciabatta rolls, but any bread, as long as it’s not too soft, will work. See Best Bread for more options.
- Cheese – I love the mild flavor and creaminess of havarti, but any cheese is fine. See Best Cheese for more options.
Pro tip
Want to take it to the next level? I love serving these with a little mayo, horseradish, or truffle aioli with a little sprinkle of arugula!
How to make
- Sear beef in a pan on all sides until a golden brown crust forms. Set into 6 quart crockpot.
- Cook onions in the same pan with beef broth, worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, and au jus packet.
- Pour the onion mixture over the beef, then cover and cook on HIGH for 4 hours or (my preference) LOW for 8 hours.
- Shred the beef, discarding any excess fat, then assemble your sandwiches with bread, beef, and cheese.
Best meat for french dip sandwiches
Most French dip sandwiches are made with chuck roast or rump roast, but bottom round, top round, rump roast, brisket, or tri-tip roast should also be fine.
Best cheese for french dip sandwiches
Swiss or provolone cheese are most commonly found on a french dip, but I love havarti, pepper-jack, gouda, white cheddar, monterey-jack, etc.
Best bread for french dip sandwiches
I like ciabatta rolls, because they’re crusty, yet chewy when toasted. French rolls, sub/hoagie rolls, or a sliced baguette will also work. You want something hearty and dense since the bread will soak up all that yummy au jus!
Do i have to sear the meat first?
No. If you’re in a rush, skip his step! However, if you have the time, searing the meat and slightly caramelizing the onions add an amazing texture and flavor to the final dish.
Can i make french dip sandwiches in the instant pot?
Yes! Check out my Instant Pot French Dip Sandwiches.
What to serve with french dip sandwiches
- Salads: Caesar Salad or Broccoli Salad
- Potatoes: French Fries, Tater Tots, or Mashed Potatoes
- Pasta: Mac and Cheese or Macaroni Salad
- Baked Beans
How to store
Leftover meat will last in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days or in the freezer for 2-3 months. Store the cheese and bread separately.
To reheat: thaw in the fridge, if frozen, then heat on the stove or in the microwave until warm. Assemble the sandwiches as directed and enjoy!
– Jennifer
Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches
These Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches will definitely be added to your weekly dinner rotation! Chuck roast is slow cooked in the crockpot with onions, spices, and broth to create fall-apart, melt in your mouth, ultra juicy steak sandwiches that everyone will love!
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours
Yield: 6 sandwiches
Equipment for this recipe
(equipment shown are affiliate links)
Ingredients
- 1 (3 pound) boneless chuck roast pat dry
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 (14.5 oz) can beef broth *
- ¼ cup worcestershire sauce
- 2 yellow onions sliced
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 1 (1 oz) packet au jus
- Ciabatta rolls or bread of choice
- Havarti cheese or cheese of choice
- Truffle aioli, horseradish, mayo, arugula, etc. optional for serving
Instructions
- Season chuck roast with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
- Melt butter in a large pan over medium heat, then sear beef on all sides until a golden brown crust forms, about 3-5 minutes per side.
- Place seared beef into a 6 quart crockpot. Set aside.
- Deglaze the hot pan with beef broth, then add in worcestershire sauce, sliced onions, minced garlic, and au jus packet.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Pour the onion mixture over the beef, then cover and cook on HIGH for 4 hours or LOW for 8 hours (my preference).
- Shred the beef, discarding any excess fat, then assemble your sandwiches with bread, beef, and cheese.
- Optional, but recommended: broil or bake the sandwiches open faced to melt the cheese and toast the bread.
- Serve with au jus for dipping and enjoy!
- Take 5 seconds to rate this recipe below. We greatly appreciate it!
STORING
Room Temp:N/A
Refrigerator:3-4 Days
Freezer:2-3 Months
Reheat:Thaw, if frozen, then microwave or heat on stove
*Storage times may vary based on temperature and conditions
Notes
*If you like your French dips a little saucier and even more flavorful, feel free to deglaze the pan with your favorite 12 oz can of beer! Nutritional information is just for the beef/sauce. It does not include bread, cheese, or any other condiments.
People Also Viewed
Nutrition Information
Nutrition Facts
Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches
Amount Per Serving (1 sandwich)
Calories 490 Calories from Fat 270
% Daily Value*
Fat 30g46%
Saturated Fat 14g88%
Trans Fat 2g
Polyunsaturated Fat 2g
Monounsaturated Fat 14g
Cholesterol 167mg56%
Sodium 1357mg59%
Potassium 992mg28%
Carbohydrates 10g3%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 3g3%
Protein 45g90%
Vitamin A 159IU3%
Vitamin C 5mg6%
Calcium 78mg8%
Iron 6mg33%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
*Note: Nutrition information is estimated and varies based on products used.
Keywords: crockpot beef, crockpot french dip, crockpot french dip sandwich, crockpot french dip sandwiches, crockpot sandwich, crockpot shredded beef, crockpot shredded beef sandwich, crockpot steak, slow cooker beef, slow cooker french dip, slow cooker french dip sandwich, slow cooker sandwich, slow cooker shredded beef, slow cooker shredded beef sandwich, slow cooker steak