If you love a hearty sandwich that basically makes itself, these Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches are going to be on repeat in your kitchen. A simple beef chuck roast simmers low and slow in a bath of savory broth, onions, garlic, and herbs until it’s fall-apart tender and packed with flavor.

When it’s time to eat, you pile that juicy shredded beef onto toasted rolls, top it with melty provolone, and serve it with a warm cup of au jus for dipping. It’s cozy, satisfying, and feels like something you’d order at a little neighborhood diner—only you made it at home with almost no effort.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches

Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches are the definition of low-stress comfort food. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting while you go about your day, and you’re rewarded with a dinner that tastes like it came from a restaurant.

They’re also incredibly versatile. Make them for an easy weeknight dinner, a game-day crowd, or meal prep for busy weeks. Leftovers reheat beautifully, and the beef is just as good tucked into sliders, quesadillas, or over mashed potatoes.

What Cut of Beef Works Best for Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches?

For classic French dip, a well-marbled cut like beef chuck roast is your best friend. It has enough fat to stay moist during long, slow cooking, and all that connective tissue melts into tender shreds and rich flavor.

You can also use bottom round or rump roast if that’s what you have on hand, but chuck will usually give you the juiciest, most flavorful result. Whichever cut you choose, cook it low and slow and slice or shred it against the grain so every bite stays tender.

Ingredients for the Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches

Before you start, it helps to know what each ingredient brings to the party. These simple pantry staples build layers of flavor in both the beef and the dipping jus.

Beef chuck roast – The star of the show. Chuck becomes incredibly tender and shreddable after hours in the slow cooker, and its marbling enriches the broth.
Olive oil – Used to sear the roast before slow cooking. Browning the meat adds deep, savory flavor that you won’t get if you skip this step.
Yellow onion – Sliced onions melt into the cooking liquid, adding natural sweetness and body to the au jus.
Beef broth – Forms the base of the dipping sauce. A good-quality low sodium broth lets you control the salt and keeps the flavor rich but not overwhelming.
Soy sauce – Adds umami and depth, boosting the beefy flavor without tasting obviously “soy.”
Worcestershire sauce – Brings tang, savoriness, and a subtle hint of sweetness that makes the jus taste restaurant-worthy.
Balsamic vinegar – Just a splash brightens the rich broth and balances all the savory notes.
Garlic – Fresh garlic cloves infuse the meat and broth with warm, aromatic flavor.
Dried thyme – Adds gentle herbal notes that pair beautifully with beef.
Dried rosemary – Crushed rosemary gives the jus that classic steakhouse aroma.
Kosher salt and black pepper – Essential for waking up all the flavors. Seasoning the roast before searing makes a big difference.
Bay leaf – Simmered in the broth to add subtle depth and complexity.
Hoagie rolls or French rolls – Sturdy rolls hold up to all that juicy beef and dunking into hot au jus without falling apart.
Provolone cheese – Mild, creamy, and perfectly melty on top of the warm beef.
Unsalted butter – Brushed on the rolls before toasting to add flavor and help them crisp up.
Fresh parsley – A sprinkle on top adds color and a fresh finish to each sandwich.

How To Make the Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches

Once your ingredients are prepped, the slow cooker takes over. A quick sear on the beef and a few simple steps are all that stand between you and the best French dip you’ve had at home.

Step 1: Season and Sear the Beef

Pat the beef chuck roast dry with paper towels, then season it generously on all sides with kosher salt and black pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, sear the roast for a few minutes per side until deeply browned. This caramelization adds big flavor to your finished sandwiches.

Step 2: Build Flavor in the Slow Cooker

Place the sliced onions in the bottom of the slow cooker. Set the seared roast on top. Pour in the beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and balsamic vinegar. Add the minced garlic, dried thyme, dried rosemary, bay leaf, and any pan drippings from the skillet.

Step 3: Cook Low and Slow

Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 7–8 hours, or on HIGH for about 4–5 hours, until the beef is very tender and shreds easily with two forks. Resist the urge to lift the lid too often—keeping the heat in helps the meat cook evenly.

Step 4: Shred the Beef and Strain the Jus

Transfer the cooked roast to a cutting board and shred it into bite-sized pieces, discarding any large pieces of fat. Skim excess fat from the surface of the cooking liquid, then strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve into a saucepan or heatproof bowl to remove the onions and herbs. This flavorful broth is your au jus.

Step 5: Toast the Rolls and Melt the Cheese

Preheat your oven broiler. Split the hoagie rolls and place them cut side up on a baking sheet. Lightly spread the cut sides with softened butter and toast under the broiler for 1–2 minutes until golden around the edges. Pile warm shredded beef onto each roll, top with provolone slices, and return to the broiler just until the cheese melts and bubbles.

Step 6: Serve with Warm Au Jus

Ladle the hot au jus into small bowls or ramekins for dipping. Sprinkle the sandwiches with chopped fresh parsley, if using, and serve immediately while everything is hot and melty.

Serving and Storing Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches

This recipe comfortably feeds about 6–8 people, depending on how generously you stuff the sandwiches and the size of your rolls. It’s perfect for a family dinner, casual company, or a game-day spread where everyone can build their own.

To serve, place a big platter of warm, cheesy sandwiches on the table and set out individual cups of au jus so everyone gets plenty for dipping. Add a simple green salad, roasted veggies, or chips on the side and dinner is done.

Leftovers keep very well. Store the shredded beef in its cooking liquid in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with some of the jus so the meat stays moist. Toast fresh rolls and add new cheese when you’re ready for another round of sandwiches.

What to Serve With Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches?

A rich, savory sandwich like this loves simple sides. Here are some tasty ideas to round out your plate:

Crisp Green Salad

A crunchy side salad with romaine, cucumbers, tomatoes, and a zippy vinaigrette adds freshness and cuts through the richness of the beef and cheese.

Oven-Baked Fries

Serve with classic fries, sweet potato fries, or wedges. They’re perfect for dipping into any extra au jus.

Roasted Vegetables

Roasted carrots, green beans, or broccoli bring color and balance to your plate and cook easily while the sandwiches are finishing.

Creamy Coleslaw

A cool, tangy slaw adds great crunch and contrast. You can pile it on the side or tuck a little right into the sandwich.

Potato Salad

A classic deli-style potato salad turns these sandwiches into a full backyard-style meal, any time of year.

Pickles and Pepperoncini

A small dish of pickles or pickled peppers adds brightness and a bit of heat that pairs beautifully with the rich beef.

Simple Pasta Salad

A light pasta salad with veggies and Italian dressing is easy to make ahead and great for feeding a crowd.

Want More Sandwich & Comfort Food Ideas?

If these Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches are your kind of cozy meal, you’ll probably enjoy these other hearty favorites from Nora Nosh:

Texas Toast Sloppy Joes for a cheesy, saucy open-faced twist on a classic.
No Peek Beef Tips Recipe when you want ultra-tender beef in a rich gravy with almost no hands-on time.
Cowboy Casserole loaded with beef, cheese, and crispy tater tots for the ultimate family-friendly bake.
Slow Cooker Hamburger Hash for another set-it-and-forget-it comfort dinner.
Beef Pasta in a Creamy Garlic Sauce when you’re craving a cozy skillet pasta night.

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Love slow cooker dinners and cheesy sandwiches? Save these Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to them any time.

When you make them, let me know how yours turned out. Did you go heavy on the provolone, add extra onions, or spice up the jus? I always enjoy hearing the little twists you put on these recipes. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter and eat better.

For even more comfort food inspiration and everyday dinner ideas, follow along on Pinterest at Nora Nosh Recipes where I share fresh recipes, step-by-step photos, and fun kitchen ideas every week.