Slow Cooker French Dip

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it comfort food. The slow cooker transforms an affordable cut of beef into melt-in-your-mouth perfection, while the flavorful broth doubles as a delicious dipping sauce. Perfect for game days, cozy weekends, or when you want a hands-off dinner that still feels indulgent.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Beef chuck roast, trimmed of excess fat
• Vegetable oil
• French rolls or hoagie buns
• Provolone cheese slices
• Reduced sodium soy sauce
• Coke (not diet)
• Beef consommé
• Dried minced onions
• Beef bouillon
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Dried oregano
• Salt
• Pepper
• Dried thyme
• Bay leaf

Directions

1. Sear the beef: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chuck roast on all sides until browned.
2. Prepare the slow cooker: In the slow cooker, combine soy sauce, Coke, beef consommé, minced onions, bouillon, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, pepper, thyme, and bay leaf. Stir to combine.
3. Cook low and slow: Add the seared beef to the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 8–10 hours or high for 4–6 hours, until beef is fork-tender.
4. Shred the beef: Remove beef and shred using two forks. Discard any large pieces of fat. Return shredded beef to the slow cooker to soak in juices until ready to serve.
5. Assemble the sandwiches: Slice and lightly toast French rolls. Pile beef onto each roll, top with provolone cheese, and melt under a broiler or in a toaster oven for about 1–2 minutes.
6. Serve with au jus: Ladle the cooking liquid into small bowls for dipping. Serve sandwiches hot with au jus on the side.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 6 sandwiches
• Prep time: ~15 minutes
• Cook time: 8–10 hours on low or 4–6 hours on high
• Total time: About 8–10 hours (mostly unattended)

Variations

• Cheese options: Swap provolone for Swiss, mozzarella, or cheddar for a different flavor.
• Bread choice: Use ciabatta rolls for a crustier bite.
• Extra savory: Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the broth.
• Vegetable boost: Include sliced onions and bell peppers in the slow cooker for added flavor and texture.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store shredded beef and au jus separately in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze beef with some of the cooking liquid for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Warm beef gently in a saucepan with some au jus to keep it moist; toast bread and melt cheese fresh.

FAQs

1. Can I make this without searing the beef?

Yes, but searing adds deeper flavor and color to the meat.

2. Can I use another cut of beef?

Yes brisket or bottom round also work, though cooking times may vary.

3. What is beef consommé?

It’s a concentrated, clarified beef broth that adds rich flavor; you can substitute regular beef broth if needed.

4. Can I cook this in an Instant Pot?

Yes cook on high pressure for about 60–70 minutes, then natural release for 15 minutes.

5. How do I keep the bread from getting soggy?

Toast the rolls before adding beef, and drain beef slightly before placing on bread.

6. Can I make this ahead for a party?

Yes keep beef warm in the slow cooker on the “keep warm” setting, and set bread, cheese, and au jus on the side for self-assembly.

7. Can I add wine to the broth?

Yes a splash of dry red wine adds depth to the au jus.

8. Can I make this gluten-free?

Use gluten-free rolls and ensure soy sauce and consommé are gluten-free.

9. How do I thicken the au jus?

Whisk in a cornstarch slurry and simmer briefly, though traditionally it’s served thin for dipping.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker French Dip delivers tender beef, a rich and savory broth, and gooey melted cheese all with minimal hands-on time. Perfect for feeding a crowd or treating yourself to a warm, satisfying sandwich, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to whenever you want maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Print