Name: Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 20 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 2-3 pound beef chuck roast or rump roast; 3 cups low sodium beef broth; 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce; 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; Salt and pepper; 2 yellow onions, quartered and thinly sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 bay leaf; 4-6 rolls (sturdy enough for dipping); 8-12 slices cheese (provolone, swiss, havarti, or monterey jack)

Jump to Recipe

If you’ve never made Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches at home, you’re in for a fantastic treat. This dish features fork-tender beef, deeply caramelized onions, gooey melted cheese, and all of it tucked inside a toasted roll that’s just begging to be dipped in savory au jus. Whether you’re serving up a cozy family dinner or looking to impress friends with minimal effort, these sandwiches are pure comfort food that always hits the spot—and they make your kitchen smell absolutely incredible!

Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is all about simple, humble ingredients coming together to create something unforgettable. Every element plays its own special part, from the color and sweetness of the onions to the melting richness of the cheese. Here’s what you’ll need to make Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches:

Beef roast: A 2-3 pound chuck or rump roast gives you the most tender, flavorful meat after a gentle slow cook.
Low sodium beef broth: Using reduced sodium lets you control the seasoning and creates a rich, dippable au jus.
Worcestershire sauce: Adds depth and savory complexity you just can’t get from broth alone.
Extra virgin olive oil: For searing the beef and sautéing onions; this step packs tons of flavor into every bite.
Yellow onions: Sliced and cooked until golden—these add sweetness and body to the finished sandwich.
Garlic: Three cloves, minced, for aromatic punch and depth.
Bay leaf: Adds gentle herbal notes as everything simmers away together.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning the beef and balancing out all the flavors.
Sturdy rolls: Go for something crusty, like French rolls or hoagie buns, so they hold up when dunked in au jus.
Cheese: Provolone, Swiss, Havarti or Monterey Jack all melt beautifully—pick your favorite or mix and match!

How to Make Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches

Step 1: Season and Sear the Beef

Start by liberally seasoning your beef roast on all sides with salt and pepper. Sear it in hot olive oil using a heavy skillet or your Instant Pot’s sauté function until it develops a gorgeous brown crust—don’t skip this step! Searing locks in flavor and makes your beef extra delicious.

Step 2: Mix the Liquid Seasoning

Whisk together your beef broth with Worcestershire sauce in a large measuring cup. This combo forms the backbone of your irresistible au jus and ensures every bite of your Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches will be packed with savory goodness.

Step 3: Cook Onions and Garlic

In the same pan where you browned the beef, sauté the sliced onions over medium heat until they start turning golden and soft—about five minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook another minute or two until fragrant. Splash in a bit of your broth mixture and use a wooden spoon to scrape up all the tasty brown bits from the bottom of the pan—this is pure flavor gold for your sandwiches!

Step 4: Combine Everything in the Slow Cooker

Transfer the seared beef and onion-garlic mixture (along with all their juices) into your slow cooker. Add the remaining broth mixture and the bay leaf. Set to cook on high for 3-4 hours, or low for 5-6 hours, until the beef is fall-apart tender and the onions are like sweet, jammy ribbons.

Step 5: Slice (or Shred) the Beef

When the beef is done, pull it from the slow cooker and let it rest a minute. Then slice it thinly against the grain or shred it, so you get super tender pieces perfect for piling up on your bread. Don’t forget to remove the bay leaf from the pot and strain the cooking liquid—this is your luscious au jus for dipping!

Step 6: Assemble the Sandwiches

Return the sliced beef and onions to the slow cooker with a splash of au jus to keep everything moist and flavorful. Now, toast your rolls until the edges are lightly crisp, then heap on the beef and onions. Top with your favorite cheese and pop everything in the oven or under the broiler until melted and dreamy. Serve with a side of that savory au jus for dipping, and watch the smiles appear!

How to Serve Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches

Garnishes

Dress up your Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color, or add thinly sliced pickles or pepperoncini for a tangy contrast to the rich flavors. A light smear of horseradish sauce or Dijon mustard can also be a welcome kick if you love a little heat.

Side Dishes

Keep things classic with a side of kettle chips or crispy fries, or go lighter with a simple green salad tossed in a sharp vinaigrette. For extra comfort, serve a bowl of coleslaw or roasted veggies—the bright crunch and acidity balance out that savory sandwich beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeding a crowd, try making “slider” versions on mini rolls for an easy-to-eat party platter. Or set up a build-your-own Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches bar, letting everyone choose their cheeses and toppings. You can even turn leftovers into an epic grilled cheese or breakfast hash the next day!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches filling keeps beautifully! Store the beef, onions, and au jus separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days—this keeps the bread from getting soggy and everything tasting fresh.

Freezing

You can freeze both the beef and onions together, as well as extra au jus, for up to 3 months. Just cool everything completely, then portion into freezer-safe bags or containers and squeeze out as much air as possible. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

For best results, gently reheat the beef and onions in a covered skillet with a splash of au jus or beef broth to keep everything juicy. Warm the au jus separately until piping hot, and toast your rolls just before assembling so your Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches taste freshly made.

FAQs

Can I make Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches in an Instant Pot?

Absolutely! Simply sear the beef and sauté the onions on the sauté setting, add everything back in, and cook on high pressure for 60 minutes with a 20-minute natural release. The result is just as tender and flavorful.

What’s the best cheese to use for these sandwiches?

Provolone is a classic choice for its melty texture and mild flavor, but Swiss, Havarti, and Monterey Jack all work wonderfully. You can even layer a couple of cheeses for extra gooey goodness!

How do I keep my rolls from getting soggy?

Toasted rolls are key. Use a sturdier bread rather than a soft bun, and don’t skimp on toasting—it creates a barrier that stands up to dunking in au jus. You can also pile the meat and onions on just before serving for best texture.

Can I make this ahead of time for a party?

Yes! Cook the beef and onions up to two days in advance, then gently reheat with a splash of au jus before assembling. Toast the rolls and melt the cheese just before serving so everything tastes freshly made.

What’s the difference between au jus and regular beef broth?

Au jus is essentially the savory, seasoned cooking juices from the beef and onions—thinner than gravy but full of deep beefy flavor, thanks to the slow simmer and extra seasonings. It’s perfect for dipping Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches!

Final Thoughts

If any recipe deserves a spot in your regular dinner rotation, it’s these Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches—simple to whip up, always crowd-pleasing, and impossibly tasty. Grab your slow cooker or Instant Pot, and give these sandwiches a place at your table soon. You’ll be glad you did!

Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 18 reviews

Author: Ella
Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Learn how to make delicious Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches with tender beef, caramelized onions, and melted cheese, served with au jus for dipping. This recipe is perfect for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Instructions

Sear the Beef: Salt and pepper the roast. Sear on all sides until browned.
Prepare Broth: Combine beef broth and Worcestershire sauce.
Cook Onions: Sauté onions and garlic until softened.
Cook in Slow Cooker: Transfer meat, onions, broth mixture, and bay leaf to slow cooker. Cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 5-6 hours.
Prepare Au Jus: Strain and reserve juices for dipping.
Assemble Sandwiches: Toast rolls, fill with meat, onions, and cheese. Melt cheese and serve with au jus for dipping.