If you’re into juicy, flavorful sandwiches that practically melt in your mouth, then I’ve got a treat for you: the Slow Cooker Beef French Dip Sandwiches Recipe. It’s one of those dishes I love to come back to when I want tender shredded beef paired with melty cheese and a rich dipping au jus. Trust me, it’s a game changer for sandwich nights!

The image shows two sandwiches on a white tray lined with white paper, each sandwich made with a golden brown crusty roll cut in half. Inside each sandwich there is a thick layer of dark brown shredded meat topped with a layer of melted white cheese that looks creamy and soft, garnished with small green herbs. In the background, there is a white plate with another sandwich and a small transparent bowl of light brown sauce. The surface beneath everything is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Slow Cooker Beef French Dip Sandwiches Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef French Dip Sandwiches Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Beef French Dip Sandwiches Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, these slow cooker French dip sandwiches have quickly become a favorite in my house. The ease of tossing everything in the slow cooker and coming back to a pot full of tender, juicy beef makes dinner a breeze. Plus, the flavors are incredibly satisfying every single time.

Effortless Cooking: Just set it and forget it—perfect for busy days when you want a hearty meal waiting for you.
Tender, Juicy Beef: Slow cooking breaks down the chuck roast into succulent shredded beef that’s full of flavor.
Perfect Pairings: Crusty rolls with melted Swiss or provolone cheese give you that ideal texture contrast.
Delicious Au Jus: The savory broth leftover in the slow cooker doubles as a flavorful dip that takes every bite up a notch.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you dive in, let’s chat about the star players in this recipe. Choosing a good quality beef chuck roast is key here—it’s perfect for slow cooking because of its marbling and texture. Also, those dry onion soup mix packets? They’re the secret shortcut magic that bring depth of flavor without fuss.

Flat lay of a whole raw beef chuck roast seasoned with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, two small white bowls—one filled with golden olive oil and the other with dry onion soup mix, two white ceramic bowls containing clear water and rich dark beef broth, several slices of pale yellow Swiss cheese neatly stacked, and a few rustic ciabatta rolls with crusty golden-brown exteriors, all arranged with perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Beef chuck roast: Rich in flavor and perfect for shredding after slow cooking, making your sandwiches tender and juicy.
Dry onion soup mix: Adds savory and herbal notes easily; it’s like giving your roast an instant flavor boost.
Beef broth: Keeps the beef moist and creates the delicious au jus you’ll dip your sandwiches in.
Olive oil: Helps sear the roast nicely, locking in that rich flavor before slow cooking—but optional if you’re short on time.
Swiss or provolone cheese: Melts beautifully over the shredded beef for that gooey, cheesy finish.
Crusty rolls (ciabatta preferred): Hold up well against the juicy beef and au jus without getting soggy.
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper: Simple seasonings to enhance the natural flavors throughout cooking.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Slow Cooker Beef French Dip Sandwiches Recipe is how easy it is to customize! Whether you're craving a little extra punch, want to lighten it up, or have specific tastes, there’s plenty of room to make this sandwich truly yours.

Cheese Choices: I’ve made these with both Swiss and provolone—Swiss adds that nutty depth, while provolone offers a mild creaminess. Try pepper jack if you want a little kick!
Herb Boost: Adding fresh thyme or rosemary to the slow cooker alongside the onion soup mix gives a lovely aromatic twist. I love this touch when making them for guests.
Make it Low-Carb: Swap the crusty rolls for hearty lettuce wraps or low-carb buns if you want to skip the carbs but still enjoy that tender beef and flavorful au jus.
Spicy Kick: Stir in some horseradish sauce or a dash of hot sauce when assembling the sandwiches for a little heat. It’s my go-to when I’m feeling adventurous!
Instant Pot Shortcut: If you’re like me and want dinner faster, use the Instant Pot method by searing the beef right in the pot, then pressure cooking for 60 minutes followed by a 15-minute natural release. You still get that tender, shreddable beef in record time.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Slow Cooker Beef French Dip Sandwiches Recipe

A close-up image shows a woman's hand holding a sandwich above a small clear glass bowl filled with brown dipping sauce. The sandwich has three clear layers: a top layer of light brown, crusty ciabatta bread with a soft texture and slight flour dusting; a middle layer of melted creamy white cheese slightly oozing down; and a bottom layer of dark brown shredded meat with a moist and tender look. The sandwich sits on a white marbled surface, with a silver tray underneath holding more sandwiches in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Season and Sear for Maximum Flavor

Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. While the oil warms up, generously season your 2 ½ to 3 pounds beef chuck roast all over with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper—don't be shy; this seasoning brings out the roast’s amazing flavor. When the oil starts to shimmer, carefully place the roast in the pan. Let it sear without moving for about 1-2 minutes per side until every surface is beautifully browned. This step locks in those juices and creates a deep, savory crust that makes the sandwich extra special.

Step 2: Slow Cook with Onion Soup Mix and Broth

Once your roast is perfectly seared, transfer it along with all those delicious pan juices to your slow cooker. Sprinkle two 1-ounce packages of dry onion soup mix evenly over the top. Pour in 2 cups of water and two 14.5-ounce cans of beef broth to create a rich cooking liquid. Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 6 hours (or on low for 10 hours if you prefer). By the end, the beef will be so tender it practically falls apart at the touch of a fork—this long, gentle cooking is what makes this Slow Cooker Beef French Dip Sandwiches Recipe unbeatable.

Step 3: Shred the Beef and Keep That Au Jus

Once cooked, carefully remove the roast from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board or large platter. Using two forks, shred the meat into juicy, pull-apart strands. Don’t discard the cooking liquid! Leave it in the slow cooker warm—it’s your savory au jus for dipping later, packed with all those rich, beefy flavors.

Step 4: Assemble, Melt, and Toast the Sandwiches

Slice your crusty rolls—ciabatta works wonderfully here—and pile on generous amounts of the shredded beef. Top each sandwich with a slice of Swiss or provolone cheese. Pop them under the broiler for just a minute or two until the cheese melts and the buns get a little golden and crisp around the edges. That luscious melted cheese combined with the tender beef makes for an irresistible bite.

Step 5: Serve with Hot Au Jus for Dipping

Bring those sandwiches to the table with a small bowl of the warm au jus from the slow cooker on the side. Dunk each bite in that flavorful broth, and enjoy all the juicy, comforting goodness of a classic French dip sandwich made easy at home.

Top Tip

Getting the best results from your Slow Cooker Beef French Dip Sandwiches Recipe comes down to a few simple but game-changing tips I’ve picked up along the way.

Don’t Skip the Sear: Searing the chuck roast before slow cooking adds a depth of flavor and locks in juiciness that makes the beef truly irresistible.
Use Good Quality Rolls: Choosing crusty ciabatta or similar rolls helps hold up to the juicy beef and au jus, giving you that perfect sandwich bite every time.
Save That Au Jus: The flavorful broth leftover in the slow cooker is liquid gold—make sure to ladle it warm for dipping right at the table.
Slow and Low Wins: Cooking the roast on low for 10 hours yields melt-in-your-mouth tenderness that’s worth the wait — I learned this after testing multiple cook times!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef French Dip Sandwiches Recipe

A large black slow cooker is shown from above with a piece of browned meat placed in it. The meat has a rough texture, mostly dark brown with some lighter brown areas, and is partially covered with a light beige powder mixed with small bits of orange and white flakes. Next to the slow cooker on a white marbled surface, there are two clear glass measuring cups, one filled with a light brown liquid and the other with a clear liquid. The scene is clean and bright with soft natural light. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

While the sandwich shines on its own, a little fresh garnish elevates the experience. Try adding a few crisp pickle slices or a handful of pepperoncini on the side for a tangy contrast. Fresh sprigs of thyme or rosemary can also add a lovely aroma when served alongside. And if you like a bit of crunch, thinly sliced red onion or crispy fried onions are delightful toppers.

Side Dishes

Pair these hearty Slow Cooker Beef French Dip Sandwiches with classic sides like crispy French fries or sweet potato fries for that quintessential combo. A simple side salad with a bright vinaigrette cuts through the richness nicely. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or green beans also make great accompaniments. For something a little different, try creamy coleslaw or a tangy cucumber salad to keep things fresh.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once you’ve enjoyed your Slow Cooker Beef French Dip Sandwiches, store any leftover shredded beef and au jus in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for 3 to 4 days, making it easy to enjoy quick meals later in the week.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the shredded beef and au jus separately in airtight containers or freezer bags. Properly stored, they keep for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the shredded beef in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of reserved au jus to keep it moist and flavorful. Reheat the au jus separately so you can keep it warm for dipping your sandwiches. Alternatively, use the microwave but cover the beef to retain moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a frozen roast in the Slow Cooker Beef French Dip Sandwiches Recipe?

Yes! You can use a frozen beef chuck roast without thawing it first. Just add an extra 2 hours to the slow cooking time to ensure the meat is tender and fully cooked.

Is searing the meat necessary?

Searing is optional but highly recommended. It seals in juices and deepens flavor, making your French dip sandwiches extra delicious. However, you can skip this step and still have a great meal.

How long can I store leftovers?

Leftover shredded beef and au jus will keep well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Be sure to store them separately in airtight containers for the best quality.

Can I make these sandwiches in an Instant Pot?

Absolutely! Use the sauté function to sear the roast, then cook it under high pressure for 60 minutes with a 15-minute natural release. This method yields tender, shreddable beef similar to slow cooking.

Final Thoughts

Making Slow Cooker Beef French Dip Sandwiches is one of those simple pleasures that feels like a special occasion every time. With tender, flavorful beef, melty cheese, and savory au jus, it’s comfort food at its very best. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving a cozy meal, this recipe delivers every time. I hope you enjoy crafting and savoring these sandwiches as much as I’ve enjoyed sharing the recipe with you!