Slow Cooker French Dip Makes Weeknights Easy & Delicious

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Slow-cooker French dip sandwiches feature fall-off-the-bone tender beef in a rich, flavorful broth just begging to be soaked up by crusty bread! They make a satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.

I love this recipe because it takes all the deliciousness of a classic French dip sandwich and makes it a simple, hands-off process. Just toss the simple ingredients in, and your crock pot will do all the work. You come home to the aroma of pure comfort food bliss.

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What more do you need than tender beef tucked into a crusty roll topped with melty cheese and served with a rich, savory au jus for dipping? Sounds your new favorite dinner recipe!

In the following few paragraphs, I will reveal all the secrets to creating this mouthwatering masterpiece with minimal effort. We’ll discuss cuts of meat, the simple steps to make it, and serving ideas.

Looking for more slow cooker meals? Try slow cooker corned beef, slow cooker short ribs, or Crock Pot brown sugar pork chops.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Read my disclosure policy.

🥘Ingredient Notes

For exact amounts needed see the recipe card below

  • Beef roast: I like to use chuck roast, which practically falls apart after a slow cook, making it perfect for piling high on sandwiches.
  • Onion
  • Water
  • Au jus gravy mix: You can substitute French onion soup mix.
  • Beef broth
  • Provolone cheese: Any cheese works, but my favorite is Provolone because it melts nicely into the beef. Swiss cheese or American cheese are other classic choices.
  • Rolls: Choose crusty rolls so they don’t get soggy when you dip them into the beefy sauce.
Slow Cooker French Dip ingredients

🥣How to Make Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches

  1. Start by laying onion slices in the bottom of the slow cooker. Then, nestle that beef roast right on top.
  2. Combine your water (or wine) with the au jus gravy mix and pour it over the roast, followed by enough beef broth to cover the meat.
  3. Set your slow cooker high for 5-6 hours or low for 10-12 hours, and walk away.
  4. When the time’s up, take the beef out and shred or slice it so you can pile it high onto your rolls and top with a slice of Provolone. Don’t forget to scoop some of that savory jus sauce into a cup for dipping – it’s the French dip way.
ingredients of Slow Cooker French Dip in a crock pot
Put onions and roast in the slow cooker.
A crock pot full of meat and onions being poured with sauce.
Pour the gravy mix and broth.
A meat is being cooked in a slow cooker.
Slice or shred the beef.

🍴Serving Ideas

When it comes to these Crock Pot French dip sandwiches, it is all about hearty, hands-on dining. Picture this: your sandwich, oozing with melted cheese, nestled next to a pile of crispy sweet potato fries or a fresh, tangy coleslaw.

Want to get a bit fancy? Add a side of garlic parmesan roasted vegetables or a green salad for a simple touch. Or, if you’re feeling the comfort food vibe, a steaming bowl of creamy tomato soup goes perfectly with your sandwiches.

You can always serve it up on slider rolls for a crowd-pleasing appetizer for game day or a casual gathering. They are a hearty game day dinner that will disappear in no time.

A bowl of stew with meat, onions and bread.

💭How to Store

Store any leftover shredded beef and au jus separately in airtight containers in the fridge, and they’ll be good for about 3 to 4 days. When you’re hit with round two cravings, reheating is simple.

Warm the beef gently in the microwave or on the stove – just enough to heat through without drying it out. And for that au jus, a quick simmer on the stove will bring it back to its dip-worthy glory.

A sandwich with meat and gravy on a plate next to a bowl of sauce.

⭐Tips

Be sure to check out the step by step instructions

  • Choose a well-marbled cut like chuck or rump roast so every bite is dripping with flavor.
  • A good splash of red wine can deepen the flavor profile of your au jus, giving it a richness that water alone can’t achieve.
  • You can slice the beef or shred it before serving. I find it easier to serve the sandwiches when I slice the meat.

📝Reader Questions

How do I avoid soggy bread?

Pick something crusty, like a ciabatta or a French roll, not a soft sandwich roll. If all you have are soft rolls, then toast them. A quick broil in the oven before piling on the beef will give you a sturdy, crunchy exterior that stands up to all that juicy goodness.

Can I freeze the leftover beef and au jus?

Yes! Freeze them in separate, airtight containers or freezer bags. They’ll keep for up to 3 months, making your future self very happy on a busy weeknight.

My au jus is too thin. How can I thicken it?

Au jus is supposed to be a thin sauce, not thick like gravy. But if you want it thicker, make a cornstarch slurry. Mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and stir it into your simmering au jus until it reaches your desired consistency.

⭐Did You Make This? Leave a Star Rating!

A sandwich with meat and gravy on a plate next to a bowl of sauce.
5 from 2 votes

Slow Cooker French Dip Recipe

Published By Anne
This slow cooker French Dip recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. Tender beef, rich au jus, crusty bread – pure comfort food bliss!
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time10 hours
Total Time10 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 6
Print Save Rate Pin

Ingredients
 

  • 1 onion sliced
  • 3 pound beef roast
  • ½ cup water or wine
  • 1 package au jus gravy mix 1 ounce
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 6 slices Provolone cheese
  • 6 rolls

Instructions

  • Slice the onions and add them to the bottom of the slow cooker.
    1 onion
  • Put the roast on top.
    3 pound beef roast
  • Combine the water with the gravy mix and beef broth. Pour over the roast.
    ½ cup water, 1 package au jus gravy mix, 2 cups beef broth
  • Cover and cook on low for 10-12 hours or high for 5-6 hours.
  • Slice or shred the beef.
  • Pile the roll with beef and top with a slice of cheese. Scoop out the cooking liquid in the slow cooker for dipping the sandwich.
    6 slices Provolone cheese, 6 rolls

Notes

  • Choose a well-marbled cut like chuck or rump so every bite is dripping with flavor.
  • If you don’t have au jus gravy mix, use a packet of French onion soup mix instead.
  • You can slice the beef or shred it before serving. I find it easier to serve the sandwiches when I slice the meat.
  • Pick something crusty like ciabatta instead of a soft sandwich roll. If all you have are soft rolls, toast them before adding the beef.
 

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 8g | Calories: 661kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 55g | Fat: 33g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 15g | Trans Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 170mg | Sodium: 932mg | Potassium: 849mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 197IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 198mg | Iron: 16mg

Nutrition facts are estimates.

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A sandwich with meat and gravy on a plate next to a bowl of sauce.
anne

Hi, I’m Anne!

I love to cook and I want to share my recipes with you. I believe cooking should be approachable and fun, not a chore. I want to make simple recipes using everyday ingredients that you can make again and again, whether it is for a busy weeknight, a summer cookout or a special dessert. Read more...

1 thought on “Slow Cooker French Dip Makes Weeknights Easy & Delicious”

  1. 5 stars
    Something to consider for my husband! Never bought Au Jus gravy mix so i am going to buy it when i make leftover beef roast (for sandwich).

    Reply

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