Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches Recipe
These Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches feature tender, flavorful beef chuck roast cooked low and slow with onion soup mix and beef broth. Served on crusty rolls with melted Swiss or provolone cheese and a rich, savory au jus for dipping, this recipe offers a comforting and easy meal perfect for gatherings or a hearty dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Sandwiches
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Meat and Seasoning
- 2 1/2 to 3 pounds beef chuck roast
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground pepper, to taste
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
Broth and Flavorings
- 2 (1-ounce) packages dry onion soup mix
- 2 cups water
- 2 (14.5-ounce) cans beef broth
To Serve
- 6–8 slices Swiss or provolone cheese
- 6–8 crusty rolls (ciabatta preferred)
Instructions
- Season and Heat Oil: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. While the oil is heating, generously season all sides of the chuck roast with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to enhance the flavor of the meat.
- Sear the Roast: Once the oil starts to shimmer, carefully place the roast into the hot skillet. Sear the beef by letting it sit undisturbed for 1-2 minutes on each side before flipping. This browning process locks in juices and develops rich flavor.
- Transfer to Slow Cooker: Place the seared roast and any pan juices into the slow cooker. Sprinkle the dry onion soup mix evenly over the roast, then add 2 cups of water and the two cans of beef broth to the cooker.
- Cook the Meat: Cover and cook on high for 4-6 hours or on low for 8-10 hours, until the beef is extremely tender and shreds easily with a fork.
- Shred the Meat: Remove the roast from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded beef to the juices to keep it moist and flavorful.
- Assemble Sandwiches: Slice the crusty rolls and pile them high with the shredded beef. Top each with a slice of Swiss or provolone cheese.
- Melt the Cheese: Place the open sandwiches under the broiler just until the cheese melts and the tops of the buns begin to toast, adding a delicious melted layer.
- Serve with Au Jus: Serve the sandwiches hot with a side of the warm beef cooking juices from the slow cooker for dipping, enhancing the enjoyment of every bite.
Notes
- For best results, use a well-marbled chuck roast for tenderness and flavor.
- Broiling the sandwiches briefly melts the cheese quickly without drying out the meat.
- Ciabatta rolls hold up well to the juicy meat and dipping au jus.
- Leftover au jus can be refrigerated and used as a flavorful soup base or for cooking rice.
- Adjust cooking time in the slow cooker based on your appliance’s performance.
