Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches: Easiest Weeknight Comfort Food

Indulge in the deeply satisfying flavors of tender, slow-cooked beef with these effortless slow cooker french dip sandwiches. This recipe combines ease and incredible taste, delivering a melt-in-your-mouth experience with minimal effort. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal or a relaxed weekend gathering, these sandwiches are sure to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love These Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches

These aren’t just sandwiches; they’re an experience. Here’s why you’ll keep coming back to this recipe:

• Unbelievably Tender Beef: The slow cooking process transforms a simple chuck roast into incredibly tender, shreddable perfection.
• Rich and Flavorful Au Jus: The beef simmers in a deeply savory au jus, infusing every strand with flavor and providing the perfect dipping sauce.
• Effortless Preparation: This recipe is truly “set-it-and-forget-it,” freeing you up to focus on other things.
• Simple Ingredients: No fancy ingredients required! You likely already have most of them in your pantry.
• Customizable: Easily adaptable to your preferences, from adding cheese to experimenting with different bread.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients and some potential substitutions:

• 3 lb Beef Chuck Roast: This cut of beef is ideal for slow cooking as it becomes incredibly tender. You could also use a brisket, although the cooking time may vary.
• 1 packet (1 oz) Dry Onion Soup Mix: Adds a depth of savory flavor. Look for a Halal-certified brand to ensure it aligns with dietary requirements.
• 1 can (10.75 oz) Condensed Beef Consommé: Provides a rich, concentrated beef flavor.
• 1 cup Water: Helps to create the au jus.
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce: Adds umami and complexity. Ensure it’s a Halal-certified or suitable vegetarian/vegan Worcestershire sauce alternative.
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder: For a touch of garlicky goodness.
• 1/2 tsp Black Pepper: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
• 6 Hoagie Rolls or French Bread Rolls: Choose your favorite type of roll! Crusty rolls work best for dipping.
• Optional: Provolone Cheese Slices: Adds a creamy, melty element. Other cheese options include mozzarella or Monterey Jack.

How to Make Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches

Follow these simple steps for sandwich perfection:

1. Place the beef chuck roast in the slow cooker.
2. In a bowl, combine the dry onion soup mix, beef consommé, water, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper. Whisk until well combined.
3. Pour the mixture over the beef roast in the slow cooker.
4. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, or on high for 4 hours, or until the beef is very tender and easily shreds with a fork.
5. Remove the beef from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker to soak up the au jus.
6. If using, place provolone cheese slices on the bottom halves of the hoagie rolls.
7. Spoon the shredded beef onto the rolls. Toast under a broiler if desired.
8. Serve immediately with the au jus from the slow cooker for dipping.

Tips for Success

Here are a few tips to ensure your slow cooker french dip sandwiches are a resounding success:

• Sear the Beef: For an even richer flavor, sear the beef roast in a hot skillet with a little oil before placing it in the slow cooker. This adds a beautiful crust and enhances the depth of flavor.
• Don’t Overcook: While it’s hard to overcook in a slow cooker, keep an eye on the beef. It should be easily shreddable, but not completely falling apart.
• Taste and Adjust: Before serving, taste the au jus and adjust the seasoning as needed. A little extra salt, pepper, or even a dash of hot sauce can make a big difference.
• Thicken the Au Jus (Optional): If the au jus is too thin, you can thicken it by whisking in a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with two tablespoons of cold water during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Serving Suggestions

These sandwiches are delicious on their own, but here are a few ideas to complete the meal:

• Classic Sides: Serve with a side of coleslaw, potato salad, or a simple green salad.
• Soup: A bowl of tomato soup or French onion soup complements the richness of the sandwiches.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or carrots add a healthy and flavorful touch.

Storage & Reheating

Storage: Store leftover shredded beef and au jus separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating: Reheat the beef in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a little of the au jus to keep it moist. Warm the au jus separately. Assemble the sandwiches just before serving.

FAQ

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can cook the beef and au jus a day or two in advance and store them in the refrigerator. This is a great way to save time on busy weeknights.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, the shredded beef and au jus can be frozen separately for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

What kind of slow cooker should I use?

Any standard slow cooker will work for this recipe. A 6-quart or larger slow cooker is recommended.

If you love slow cooker recipes, you might also enjoy these slow cooker birria tacos.

Looking for other meal ideas? CookReel has a great slow cooker beef manhattan recipe.

These slow cooker french dip sandwiches are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With their tender beef, flavorful au jus, and effortless preparation, they’re the perfect choice for a comforting and satisfying meal. Enjoy!