Are you looking for a fun and easy way to whip up an unforgettable meal without spending hours in the kitchen? Look no further than the slow cooker French dip! This iconic sandwich boasts tender beef piled high on soft, fluffy rolls with melty cheese. The secret ingredient that sets this dish apart from other sandwiches is its delectable jus made with savory herbs and spices that simmer for hours in your slow cooker. Whether it’s a weeknight family dinner or a simple gathering of friends, this crockpot French dip will satisfy everyone’s cravings while packing a big flavor punch.
Do you love quick, flavor-packed dinners that are ready with minimal effort? If so, beef dip in the slow cooker is the perfect meal for you!
This crockpot version of a classic dish takes just minutes of prep time and has melt-in-your-mouth tender beef that’s cooked in a rich au jus.
Perfectly suited for feeding a crowd or making as an easy weeknight dinner, French dip in the crock pot will quickly become one of your favorites!
Ingredients
- Beef Roast: Use your favorite budget-friendly roast. Chuck roast, beef eye round, rump roast, and picanha (my favorite!) are all great options.
- Salt: Use about a teaspoon of salt per pound of meat. Make sure you don't under-salt this recipe - it helps make the meat tender.
- Pepper: Freshly ground pepper adds a nice, bright flavor.
- Butter: Adds richness to the jus and helps tenderize the meat. You could use oil if you prefer.
- Onion: Sliced thin and caramelized with sugar, this adds sweetness to balance out the savory flavors of the beef.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic is my preference, but ½ teaspoon of garlic powder may be used. You can use more or less garlic according to your personal preference.
- Thyme: Fresh thyme gives great flavor and aroma.
- Beef Broth: Provides the liquid to make the jus. You can substitute beef consomme if you have it.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a unique, umami-rich flavor to this dish.
- Rolls: Use hoagie rolls or your favorite sandwich rolls.
- Cheese: Swiss cheese is classic, but you could use other types if desired.
- Mayo: I like to add horseradish mayo to make the best french dip recipe in the slow cooker. It really takes flavors to the next level. But regular mayo is good too.
Step by Step
For the full recipe with measurements, see the recipe card at the end of the post.
Serve with warm jus for dipping.
Pro Tips
- I recommend cooking it long and slow if you want more tender meat. If you would rather have your meat rarer, you can shorten the cooking time. (In my experience, some cuts can be too tough for a sandwich if they aren't cooked long enough.)
- Make sure to let the meat rest for 15 minutes before shredding.
- To make horseradish mayo, mix together ½ cup of mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of prepared horseradish, and 1 teaspoon of white vinegar. Store in the refrigerator for up to four days.
Serving Suggestions
- Slaw - Jalapeno Coleslaw, No Mayo Coleslaw, or Broccoli Slaw Salad are great options.
- French fries
- Onion Rings
- Jicama Fries
- Green Beans - Try Ninja Foodi Green Beans, Instant Pot Green Beans, or Green Beans with Bacon.
- Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
FAQs
What is the Best Roast for French Dip Sandwiches?
The best beef roast for French dip sandwiches is a budget-friendly cut. Chuck roast, beef eye round, rump roast, and picanha are all great options but most any cut will work when making beef dip in the crockpot.
What is Au Jus Made of?
Au jus is a French term meaning “with juice” and is typically made from beef broth, beef drippings, beef stock or bouillon cubes. It is used as a flavorful dipping sauce for beef-based dishes such as French dip sandwiches.
What Kind of Cheese is Used for the French Dips?
Traditionally, Swiss cheese is used for French dip sandwiches. However, other types of cheese can be substituted if desired. Provolone, cheddar and Monterrey Jack are all popular alternatives.
Tools
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- Slow cooker - use a Crockpot, Ninja Foodi PossibleCooker, Instant Pot Dutch Oven, or your favorite slow cooker.
- Skillet (if your slow cooker does not have a saute function.)
More Slow Cooker Recipes to Try
- When you are craving a bowl of comfort, this easy crockpot broccoli cheese soup is sure to satisfy.
- Shredded crockpot salsa chicken is an easy family meal that is great for meal prep.
- Crockpot ravioli lasagna is super-simple to make and oh-so delicious.
- For a hearty meal that the whole family will enjoy, crockpot chicken pot pie is a winner.
- Slow cooker chicken alfredo is rich, creamy, and delicious.
Slow Cooker French Dip
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2-3 pounds chuck roast beef eye round roast, rump roast, or picanha roast
- 1 tablespoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 large onion sliced thin
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 clove garlic
- 3-4 springs fresh thyme
- 4 ½ cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- For Serving
- 6 - 8 hoagie rolls
- 12 slices swiss cheese
- Horseradish mayonnaise or mayonnaise optional
Instructions
- Sprinkle the roast with salt and pepper. Heat a large skillet to medium-high heat and add the butter. Add the roast and cook for 3 to 5 minutes per side, until brown.
- Transfer the meat to your slow cooker.
- Add the onion to the skillet and cook for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with the sugar and add garlic. Cook for 1 more minute. Transfer the onion to the slow cooker on top of the meat. Add the thyme, broth, and Worcestershire sauce to your slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours, until the beef is tender.
- Transfer the roast to a cutting board. Strain the jus, reserving the onions for the sandwiches if you like.
- Place the juice in a gravy boat or bowl.
- Let the meat rest for 15 minutes, and then shred.
- Toast your hoagie rolls and spread with mayonaise.
- Divide the meat between the buns and top with the cheese.
- Heat under the broiler for 2 minutes, until the cheese melts.
- Serve with the warm jus.
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