What cut of beef is best for making Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches?

The best cuts for Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches are typically chuck roast and rump roast because they have enough fat and connective tissue that break down during slow cooking, resulting in tender, flavorful meat. Leaner options like bottom round or top sirloin can also be used if you prefer less fat. Keep in mind that fat adds juiciness and taste, but you can trim excess fat before cooking if desired.

How do you make the au jus dipping sauce for French Dip Sandwiches?

Au jus is made by straining the flavorful liquid left in the slow cooker after roasting the beef. This liquid usually contains beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and the meat drippings. After removing the solids, you’ll have a thin, savory broth perfect for dipping. It’s not thick like gravy; its thin consistency helps keep the sandwich moist and enhances the beef flavor.

How long should I cook the roast in the slow cooker for the best French Dip sandwiches?

For tender, pull-apart beef, cook the roast on low for 8 to 10 hours or on high for 4 to 6 hours. Low and slow is preferred to break down connective tissue and retain moisture. Cooking times can vary depending on the roast size and your slow cooker model, so check for tenderness before shredding.

Can I prepare French Dip sandwiches ahead of time and reheat them?

Yes, you can prepare the roast and au jus ahead of time. Store the cooked beef in its juices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the slow cooker, adding extra broth if needed. Assemble the sandwiches just before serving to keep the bread from getting soggy.

What bread is best for French Dip sandwiches?

French rolls, hoagie rolls, or baguettes work well for French Dip sandwiches because they have a sturdy crust and soft interior that hold up to dipping in au jus without falling apart. Look for fresh rolls that aren’t too dense or too soft to maintain the sandwich’s structure and texture. Toasting the rolls lightly can also improve durability and flavor.

Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches With Savory Au Jus Sauce

Name: Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches
Prep time: PT-489621H29M33S
Cook time: PT-489621H14M33S
Total time: PT-489621H14M33S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2-3 pounds (approximately 900-1350 grams) beef chuck roast or rump roast, trimmed of excess fat (alternatives include sirloin roast or boneless bottom round for a leaner option); 3 cups (about 710 ml) low sodium beef broth; ¼ cup (60 ml) Worcestershire sauce; 2 tablespoons (30 ml) extra virgin olive oil; 2 yellow onions, quartered and thinly sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 bay leaf; Salt and pepper to taste; 4-6 crusty rolls suitable for dipping; 8-12 slices cheese (such as provolone, Swiss, Havarti, or Monterey Jack)

Description

🥪 Savor tender, flavorful beef slow-cooked to perfection, making these sandwiches a hearty, satisfying meal.
🍲 The rich au jus sauce enhances every bite, offering a classic taste to enjoy with crusty rolls and melted cheese.

Ingredients

Scale

2–3 pounds (approximately 900–1350 grams) beef chuck roast or rump roast, trimmed of excess fat (alternatives include sirloin roast or boneless bottom round for a leaner option)

3 cups (about 710 ml) low sodium beef broth

¼ cup (60 ml) Worcestershire sauce

2 tablespoons (30 ml) extra virgin olive oil

2 yellow onions, quartered and thinly sliced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 bay leaf

Salt and pepper to taste

4–6 crusty rolls suitable for dipping

8–12 slices cheese (such as provolone, Swiss, Havarti, or Monterey Jack)

Instructions

1-Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

2-Sear the roast on all sides until browned, then transfer it to the slow cooker.

3-Cook the sliced onions in the same pot for about 5 minutes, adding more oil if needed, then add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes.

4-Pour a few tablespoons of the broth mixture into the pot, scraping up those tasty browned bits from the bottom.

5-For slow cooker: Add the onion mixture to the slow cooker with the meat, pour in the remaining broth mixture, and add the bay leaf. Cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 5-6 hours until tender.

6-For Instant Pot: Put the meat back with the onions, add the broth mixture and bay leaf, then cook on high pressure for 60 minutes followed by a 20-minute natural release.

7-Remove the meat, slice or shred it, and strain the cooking juices to make the au jus, discarding the bay leaf.

8-Return the meat and onions to the pot, moisten with au jus, and adjust seasoning.

9-Toast the rolls, fill them with the mixture, top with cheese, and melt it in a 375°F oven or under the broiler.

10-Serve with au jus on the side for dipping pure bliss!

Notes

🥩 Browning the meat enhances flavor but can be skipped for quicker prep.
⏲ The Instant Pot method reduces cooking time to about 2 hours including pressure release.
🥖 Store leftovers separately refrigerated and reheat with au jus to maintain moisture.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 3-6 hours (slow cooker) or 1 hour 20 minutes (Instant Pot)
Cook Time: 3-6 hours (slow cooker) or 1 hour 20 minutes (Instant Pot)
Category: Main Dish
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 sandwich
Calories: 610
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 883mg
Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 27g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 44g
Cholesterol: 143mg

Keywords: French Dip, Slow Cooker Sandwich, Au Jus Sauce, Beef Sandwich