Ultimate Slow Cooker French Onion French Dip Sandwiches: Easy, Flavorful & Family-Favorite Recipe
Prepare yourself for the best Crock Pot French Dip Sandwiches you’ll ever savor! This recipe is an absolute classic, incredibly simple to prepare, and bursting with flavor. It’s perfect for those busy days when you want to keep things easy in the kitchen without sacrificing taste. For many, this slow cooker sandwich is a game-changer, elevating the humble sandwich to an unforgettable meal.
When we say you’re going to adore this recipe, we mean you are *truly* going to fall head over heels for these Crock Pot French Dip Sandwiches! Imagine succulent, fall-apart tender roast beef, perfectly seasoned, and piled high with gooey, melted provolone cheese. All of this deliciousness is nestled between crisp, toasted hoagie rolls, ready to be dunked into its very own rich au jus that develops while it slow-cooks. It’s an incredibly satisfying and flavorful experience! If you’re already a fan of French dips, this recipe is an absolute must-try. Its unique French onion twist adds a depth of flavor that sets it apart from all other versions.
The BEST French Dip Sandwich Recipe You’ll Ever Make
This particular French dip recipe is a cherished gem, unearthed from an old church cookbook many years ago. While it seems everyone has a go-to French Dip recipe, we confidently warn you: after experiencing this version, you might never go back to your old favorite. What makes it truly exceptional is the infusion of classic French onion soup flavors. If you, like us, absolutely love the savory, caramelized goodness of French onion soup, then you are going to deeply love this slow cooker French dip sandwich.
Growing up, sandwiches weren’t exactly my culinary passion. I was the kid who carried a thermos of soup in a Snoopy lunch box, proudly declaring my love for hearty, warm meals. But then, I encountered *this* sandwich, and it completely transformed my perception of what a sandwich could be. It wasn’t just a simple lunch item; it was a comforting, substantial meal that redefined my expectations. This recipe also opened my eyes to the incredible potential of my slow cooker, making it a staple in my kitchen for preparing effortless yet extraordinary dishes.
Are you in the mood for something incredibly low-maintenance, super simple to prepare, and guaranteed to have your entire family requesting seconds? Then look no further! This original French dip recipe is your answer. You’ll want to make sure you prepare enough for everyone, because we can almost guarantee that seconds (and maybe even thirds!) will be desired. What could possibly be better than a warm, hearty sandwich filled with tender beef and dipped into a rich, savory au jus sauce, infused with the comforting flavors of French onion soup mix? This combination is truly unbeatable and incredibly satisfying.
One of the most remarkable aspects of this recipe is its ingenious simplicity: you don’t need to prepare the au jus in a separate pot or worry about complicated steps. The magic happens right in the slow cooker! As the beef slowly braises over hours, it releases its delicious juices, combining with the other ingredients to create its own flavorful au jus, making the process even easier and the cleanup minimal.
What is the Best Meat for French Dip Sandwiches?
For this French Dip recipe, we highly recommend using a beef chuck roast. This cut of meat is ideal because it contains just the right amount of fat and connective tissue that breaks down beautifully during the long, slow cooking process. The result is incredibly tender beef that literally falls apart with a fork, perfect for shredding and absorbing all the rich flavors of the au jus. While some French dip recipes call for thinly sliced roast beef, we find that a shredded version, made from a slow-cooked chuck roast, offers a far more satisfying texture and a more robust flavor profile.
Whether you’re planning a casual game day gathering, hosting a lively party, or simply looking for a comforting and easy weeknight dinner, these French Onion French Dip Sandwiches are perfectly fitting for any occasion. You will undoubtedly fall in love with this effortless recipe because it offers the ultimate combination of savory, cheesy, and deeply comforting flavors that appeal to everyone.
Essential Ingredients for Your Delicious French Dip Sandwiches
- Beef Chuck Roast: This is truly essential for achieving meat that is wonderfully tender and falls apart effortlessly. Chuck roast is our preferred cut because its marbling and connective tissues render down over time, creating a rich flavor and a melt-in-your-mouth texture. It also absorbs the delicious au jus exceptionally well, making for a perfectly juicy sandwich filling.
- Dry Onion Soup Mix: A single package of this versatile soup mix is all you need! It’s a fantastic shortcut that infuses the beef and au jus with that classic savory, umami-rich French onion flavor. You can easily find it in the soup or seasoning aisle of most grocery stores.
- Mushrooms (Optional): While not strictly necessary, adding mushrooms can elevate the depth of flavor in your au jus. You can use either canned sliced mushrooms for convenience or freshly sliced mushrooms for a more robust texture and earthy taste. They blend seamlessly into the sauce, adding another layer of complexity.
- Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: We opt for low-sodium soy sauce to add a beautiful umami kick and a hint of salinity without making the dish overly salty. It complements the beef and onion flavors perfectly, enhancing the overall savory profile.
- Hoagie Rolls: The foundation of any great French dip is a sturdy, yet delicious, roll. Toasting these hoagie rolls is a crucial step for an extra perfect sandwich, providing a slight crispness that holds up well to the juicy beef and the dipping au jus. If you’re lucky enough to find Rotella hoagie rolls, they are an excellent choice for their texture and size.
- Cheese (Swiss or Provolone): Topping your sandwich with melted cheese is non-negotiable! Our favorites are classic Swiss or provolone cheese. Both melt beautifully, adding a creamy, tangy, or slightly nutty counterpoint to the rich beef and enhancing the overall decadence of the sandwich.
- Garlic and Large Sliced Onions: Minced garlic provides an aromatic foundation, while large slices of fresh onion caramelize slowly, contributing natural sweetness and a savory depth that perfectly mimics traditional French onion soup.
- Water: The liquid base for the slow cooking process, allowing the flavors to meld and creating the abundant au jus.
How to Make Irresistible French Dips in Your Crock Pot
We are so excited for you to try this incredibly delicious and remarkably simple recipe! We’ve been making this slow cooker French Dip for years because its “dump and go” nature is pure kitchen bliss. All you need to do is combine everything in your Crock-Pot, set it, and simply walk away, letting the slow cooker work its magic to create a truly fantastic meal.
Step 1: Place Roast and Aromatics in Crock Pot
Begin by placing your beef chuck roast directly into the slow cooker. Next, generously cover the roast with the dry onion soup mix, minced garlic, and the large slices of fresh onion. If you’ve decided to include mushrooms, now is the perfect time to add them to the pot as well. This layering of ingredients ensures maximum flavor infusion from the start.
Once the aromatics are in place, pour the low-sodium soy sauce and water evenly over the top of the beef. This liquid will be the foundation for your rich, savory au jus.
Step 2: Cover and Slow Cook to Perfection
With all ingredients nestled in the pot, cover it securely with the lid. Set your slow cooker to the “low” setting and let it cook all day, typically for 6-8 hours. The magic of slow cooking will transform the chuck roast into incredibly tender meat that will literally fall apart with minimal effort. As it cooks, the meat, onions, and seasonings will create the most fantastic, flavorful au jus – ready for dipping!
Once the cooking time is complete and the meat is perfectly tender, carefully remove the roast from the slow cooker. Using two forks, shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. Then, return the shredded beef back into the slow cooker, allowing it to soak up all the flavorful au jus, keeping it incredibly moist and flavorful.
Step 3: Toast Rolls and Assemble Sandwiches
For that perfect crunch and to ensure your rolls don’t get soggy, lightly toast the hoagie rolls in the oven for about three minutes at 375°F (190°C). This step is simple but makes a big difference in texture. As soon as they’re lightly toasted, place one or two slices of your chosen cheese (provolone or Swiss work wonderfully) onto each warm hoagie roll. Allow the residual heat to slightly melt the cheese, then generously top with the shredded, au jus-soaked beef.
Finally, serve these incredible sandwiches immediately with a side of the warm, flavorful homemade au jus from the slow cooker for dipping. Each dunk enhances the savory experience!
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While you’re here, be sure to explore our extensive collection of other sandwich recipes and discover more convenient and delicious slow cooker recipes for every occasion!
Expert Tips for Making the BEST French Dip Sandwiches
- Onion Slice Size: Make sure to cut your onions into relatively large slices, like eighths. This allows them to slowly caramelize and soften without disappearing, contributing distinct flavor and a lovely texture to the au jus and the meat.
- Choose Sturdy Rolls: The quality of your bread is crucial for a great French Dip. Opt for thick, sturdy hoagie rolls or baguettes that can withstand being generously filled and repeatedly dipped in the savory au jus without becoming soggy. A good crust is key!
- Toast Your Bread: Don’t skip the toasting step! Briefly toasting the rolls in the oven before assembling creates a slightly crispy exterior. This not only adds a delightful texture contrast but also forms a barrier that helps prevent the rolls from getting too saturated with the au jus.
- Optimal Storage: Store any leftover shredded beef and au jus in a single airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Keeping the meat submerged in the au jus ensures it remains incredibly tender and flavorful for later enjoyment.
- Serving Temperature: Always serve the au jus warm for dipping. Reheat any leftover au jus gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until hot, enhancing the dipping experience.
- Adjust Seasoning: While the dry onion soup mix provides a great base, always taste your au jus before serving and adjust salt and pepper if needed. You might want a little extra pepper for a bit of a kick.
What to Serve with This Incredible Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwich
This hearty and flavorful French Dip sandwich pairs wonderfully with a wide array of side dishes, making it a versatile meal for any occasion! For a classic and comforting combination, we absolutely love serving this recipe with our homemade double-fried French fries – their crispy exterior and fluffy interior are simply irresistible. Alternatively, for lighter, crunchy options, consider our homemade baked potato chips, savory Italian-style baked zucchini chips, or the subtly sweet baked sweet potato chips. The possibilities for delicious pairings are truly endless!
Other fantastic options that complement the rich flavors of the French Dip include a creamy potato salad, smooth and comforting slow cooker mashed potatoes, a fresh and vibrant bowl of marinated vegetables, or a uniquely flavorful pea salad with cauliflower. Each of these sides adds a different dimension of taste and texture, completing your French Dip feast perfectly.
Hungry for More Comfort Food? Check out these Great Recipes!
- Instant Pot Crack Chicken
- Cheddar Potato Soup
- Hearty Hamburger Soup
- Delicious Twice-Baked Potatoes
- Classic Beef and Noodles (shown above)
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Print Recipe
Crock Pot French Dip Sandwiches
Equipment
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12-Piece Black Sharp Knife Set with Covers, Cutting Board and Sharpener
Ingredients
- 3-4 pound beef chuck roast
- 1 package dry onion soup mix
- 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 5 cups water
- 1 large onion sliced in 1/8ths (big slices!)
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- Mushrooms (optional) you can use canned or sliced fresh
- 8 Hoagie Rolls toasted
- 8 slices of cheese we use provolone or swiss
Instructions
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Place the roast in the crockpot, cover with onion soup, minced garlic, and sliced onions. (+ mushrooms if adding)
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Pour soy sauce and water over the top.
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Cover and slow cook on low all day. (6-8 hours) The meat will literally fall apart.
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Shred meat and place back in the slow cooker.
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I like to toast our hoagie rolls in the oven for about 3 minutes.
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Place a slice or two of cheese on each hoagie roll, top with meat.
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Serve with the au jus it made on the side for dipping.
Notes
*If you are lucky enough to live where you can buy Rotella Hoagie rolls, toast them in the oven for about 3 minutes on 375 degrees. It makes them perfectly crusty! Mmmmm.
Nutrition
This beloved recipe was originally posted on October 11, 2011, marking it as one of the very first recipes shared on my blog. It has since been thoroughly updated to enhance user experience, improve clarity, and was proudly reshared on August 27, 2021.