Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches: A Tender and Flavorful Classic

There is nothing quite like a tender and savory French dip sandwich. This Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches recipe delivers an incredibly delicious version with minimal effort. The slow cooker transforms an affordable chuck roast into a melt-in-your-mouth meal. As a result, you get a tender beef pot roast on a toasted roll with a side of rich au jus for dipping.

Ingredients & What You’ll Need

For the Beef and Au Jus:

• Chuck Roast (4-5 lbs): The main star of the sandwich.
• Salt and Black Pepper: You will use these for seasoning.
• Olive Oil: Used for searing the beef.
• Onion (1 whole): This should be sliced.
• Garlic (6 cloves): You should mince these.
• Beef Broth (2 cups): The liquid for the sauce.
• Red Wine (½ cup): This adds depth of flavor.
• Worcestershire Sauce (2 tbsp): It provides a savory kick.
• Soy Sauce (2 tbsp): This adds a salty umami flavor.
• Dried Thyme, Rosemary, Parsley, and Oregano (1 tsp each): These are the dried herbs.
• Chili Powder (1 tsp): This adds a bit of warmth.
• Cumin (½ tsp): It adds an earthy flavor.
• Red Pepper Flakes (½ tsp): These provide some heat.
• Fresh Bay Leaves (2): Use these to infuse flavor.

For the Sandwiches:

• Hoagie Rolls (6): The bread for your sandwiches.
• Melted Butter: You will use this for toasting the rolls.
• Swiss Cheese: This is for topping the sandwiches. Provolone or mozzarella also work well.

How to Make Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches

This recipe requires a bit of upfront effort but then cooks effortlessly in the slow cooker.

Preparing the Beef

First, season your beef chuck roast generously with salt and black pepper on both sides. Next, drizzle olive oil into a skillet and heat it over medium-high heat until it is hot and just beginning to smoke. Add the chuck roast to the skillet and let it sear undisturbed for about 3 minutes per side until you see a deep, golden-brown crust. Once you have seared the beef, move it to your slow cooker. Repeat this process with any remaining pieces.

Crafting the Flavorful Sauce

Using the same pan, sauté the sliced onions over medium heat. Once the onions are soft and fragrant, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until it is aromatic. Now, add the beef broth, red wine, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, all of the dried herbs and spices, and the fresh bay leaves to the onions and garlic. Mix everything together, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Finally, pour this mixture over the seared beef in the slow cooker.

Slow Cooking and Finishing the Meat

Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours. When the beef is done, use a spoon to skim off any excess oil from the surface of the sauce. Carefully remove the beef from the slow cooker and transfer it to a plate. Using two forks, shred the meat, and discard any excess fat you find. Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker and mix it back into the sauce. Let it sit and soak up the flavors for another 30 minutes with the slow cooker turned off.

Assembling and Serving the Sandwiches

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Slice the rolls and brush them generously with melted butter, both inside and out. Toast the rolls for 5 to 7 minutes, until they are golden and slightly crunchy on the outside but still soft inside. Next, scoop some of the sauce from the slow cooker and strain it through a sieve to create your dipping sauce (au jus). Now, pile the shredded beef onto each toasted roll. Top the beef with your favorite cheese. Place the assembled sandwiches back in the oven for about 3 minutes, until the cheese is melted and gooey. Serve each sandwich with a small bowl of the strained au jus. To eat, dip your sandwich into the sauce before each bite.

Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches

• Searing is Key: Do not skip the searing step. It is essential for developing the deep, rich flavor that makes this recipe so delicious.
• Let It Soak: Allowing the shredded beef to sit in the sauce for a little while makes it even more flavorful.
• Choosing Cheese: While Swiss cheese is a classic choice, provolone or mozzarella also melt beautifully and are excellent alternatives.
• Au Jus: The au jus from this recipe is incredibly flavorful. Straining it will give you a clear, concentrated dipping sauce.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches recipe is the perfect comfort food. It’s a wonderful example of how a little upfront effort can lead to an incredibly satisfying meal. The rich, tender beef and the savory au jus are a combination you will want to make again and again.