There's something incredibly comforting about a sandwich that’s juicy, flavorful, and perfect for dipping. This Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches Recipe promises tender beef chuck roast slow-cooked to perfection, topped with melty provolone and a zingy horseradish mayo, all served with rich au jus for dunking. Trust me, you’re going to want to make this one again and again.

The image shows two sandwiches on a wooden cutting board with a metal handle. Each sandwich has three layers: a soft light brown bun on top, a slice of melted white cheese topped with small green herb flakes in the middle, and a dark brown cooked meat layer at the bottom resting on the bottom bun. To the right of the sandwiches, there is a white bowl filled with a brown liquid. Some green herb sprigs are placed on the cutting board near the sandwiches. The background has a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I absolutely adore how this recipe turns a humble chuck roast into tender slices of savory magic. The slow cooker does all the work while filling your kitchen with the most inviting aromas — it’s like comfort food at its finest without the fuss.

Hands-off Cooking: Let your slow cooker do the heavy lifting while you relax or prep a side dish.
Incredibly Tender Beef: Slow cooking breaks down the chuck roast until it’s melt-in-your-mouth soft.
Flavor-packed Au Jus: The rich broth infused with onions and herbs makes every bite a perfect dip.
Customizable Assembly: From zesty horseradish mayo to gooey provolone, you can tweak it just the way you like.

Ingredients & Why They Work

When you shop for this Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches recipe, grabbing quality ingredients really makes a difference. Picking a good beef chuck roast and fresh herbs will take your au jus and beef slices to the next level.

Flat lay of a fresh boneless beef chuck roast, a small white bowl of extra-virgin olive oil, coarse kosher salt crystals scattered neatly, a small pile of freshly ground black pepper, a small white bowl of all-purpose flour, a simple white bowl filled with rich beef broth, a small white bowl of dark Worcestershire sauce, two medium yellow onions halved and sliced, three fresh thyme sprigs, one large bay leaf, three fresh French sandwich rolls, a small white bowl of creamy mayonnaise, a small white bowl of smooth horseradish, and four slices of pale provolone cheese, all arranged with perfect symmetry, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Beef Chuck Roast: The perfect cut for slow cooking, packed with flavor and breaks down beautifully into tender slices.
Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps in getting that perfect sear on the roast.
Kosher Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Basic but essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the beef.
All-Purpose Flour: Helps create a nice crust during searing and slightly thickens the au jus.
Beef Broth with Culinary Concentrate: Using a concentrated beef base elevates the broth’s richness — a key player in your au jus.
Worcestershire Sauce: Adds umami depth and a little tang to the broth.
Yellow Onions: Slow-cooked to sweet, tender perfection, they enrich both the meat and broth.
Thyme Sprigs: Fresh thyme imparts a lovely herbal note that complements beef beautifully.
Bay Leaf: Adds a subtle earthiness to the slow-cooked broth.
French Sandwich Rolls: A crusty yet soft roll is perfect for soaking up the au jus and holding your stacked sandwich together.
Mayonnaise: Forms the creamy base for the horseradish spread.
Horseradish: Gives the spread a bright, spicy kick that cuts through the richness.
Provolone Cheese: Melts beautifully for that gooey, savory finish on top of your sandwich.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches Recipe is how easy it is to tweak to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Whether you want to kick up the heat, add more veggies, or swap ingredients for a lighter version, the possibilities are endless and delicious!

Spicy Kick: I love mixing a little extra horseradish into the mayo or adding a thin slice of jalapeño for a spicy bite that complements the rich beef beautifully.
Veggie Boost: For more texture and nutrients, try adding roasted bell peppers or sautéed mushrooms right before assembling the sandwiches. It adds wonderful color and depth of flavor.
Gluten-Free Option: Swap the French rolls for gluten-free buns or sturdy lettuce wraps for a fresh, low-carb alternative. Just be sure to check your broth ingredients for gluten as well.
Make It Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free cheese or omit the cheese altogether and add a creamy avocado spread for richness without the dairy.
Slow Cooker Timing: If you’re short on time, cook the roast on HIGH for about 4 hours instead of LOW for 8—just keep an eye on the tenderness so it stays juicy and shreddable.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches Recipe

A close-up shows a woman's hand holding a sandwich over a white bowl filled with dark brown soup. The sandwich has a soft light brown bun sliced open, revealing two main layers: a dark brown cooked meat layer at the bottom, topped by a layer of melted white cheese with a smooth texture. In the background, more sandwiches with the same layers sit on a wooden board, placed on a white marbled surface. The scene has a rustic feel, with natural lighting highlighting the sandwich's textures and colors. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Season and Flour the Beef

Start by patting the beef chuck roast dry and generously seasoning it all over with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Sprinkle the all-purpose flour evenly on all sides, gently rubbing it in. This flour coating helps develop a gorgeous crust that locks in those meaty juices when you sear the roast. I find it’s a small step that makes a big difference in flavor and texture.

Step 2: Sear the Roast

Heat a heavy skillet or your slow cooker insert’s sear function on medium-high. Add the extra-virgin olive oil and wait until it shimmers. Place the roast in the pan and sear for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side, turning carefully to brown all sides evenly. You want a deep golden-brown crust forming, which adds richness and beautiful color. Once browned, remove the roast and set it aside to keep warm.

Step 3: Prep Your Slow Cooker and Start Cooking

In the slow cooker insert, combine 4 cups of beef broth made with the Zoup! Culinary Concentrate, 3 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce, the sliced onions, thyme sprigs, and bay leaf. Nestle your seared roast right into this fragrant bath. Cook on HIGH for 4 hours or LOW for 8 hours until the beef is fork-tender and shreddable. The slow cooking allows that chuck roast to soak up all the onion and herb flavors, making every bite tender and flavorful.

Step 4: Slice the Beef

Once cooked, carefully transfer the roast to a cutting board and slice it into ¼-inch thick pieces. The meat will be so tender it practically slices itself. Remember to remove and discard the thyme sprigs and bay leaf from the slow cooker liquid to avoid any unwanted surprises in your sandwich.

Step 5: Strain and Prepare Your Au Jus

Strain the cooking broth to remove solids, then return the cooked onions and sliced beef back to the slow cooker. Add just enough of the reserved strained broth to keep the meat moist and luscious — this is your au jus in the making! Keep the extra broth warm separately in a saucepan. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. This warm, savory jus is what makes dipping these sandwiches so irresistible.

Step 6: Toast Rolls and Whip Up the Horseradish Mayo

Toast your French sandwich rolls until they’re golden and a little crisp on the outside. While the rolls toast, mix together mayonnaise and horseradish in a small bowl to create that zesty spread that brings just the right amount of tang and heat to the sandwich. Adjust horseradish to taste depending on your preferred kick.

Step 7: Assemble and Melt

Spread a thin layer of your horseradish mayo on each toasted roll. Layer on generous slices of the tender beef, some of those luscious onions from the slow cooker, and top with provolone cheese slices. Pop the assembled sandwiches under your broiler just long enough to melt the cheese until it’s bubbly and slightly golden — keep a close eye so it doesn’t burn!

Step 8: Serve and Dip!

Serve your Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches piping hot, alongside small bowls of warm au jus for dipping. The melty cheese, tender beef, and rich dipping sauce combine for a comforting and classic sandwich experience that’s perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. Enjoy every savory bite!

Top Tip

Cooking Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches Recipe is wonderfully simple, but a few insider tips can really elevate your experience and flavor.

Sear for Flavor: Taking the time to brown your beef chuck roast before slow cooking locks in deep, savory flavors that make all the difference.
Room Temperature Beef: Letting the roast come to room temperature before cooking ensures it cooks evenly and stays tender throughout.
Keep Jus Warm: Always keep extra strained broth warm separately for dipping — it’s the heart of the experience and keeps your sandwiches juicy and rich.
Watch the Broiler: Melting the provolone under the broiler is quick — keep an eye on it to prevent burning and achieve that perfect golden melt.

How to Serve Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches Recipe

A large piece of browned meat lies in the center of a black cooking pot, surrounded by thick, white onion slices spread evenly around it. The pot is set on a wooden board placed on a white marbled surface. Near the pot, there is a sprig of fresh green herbs and a glass of dark liquid, along with some whole onion and a small dish of salt. A white tray with slices of light bread is visible in the background. The scene includes a beige and maroon striped cloth near the pot's base. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Simple garnishes like fresh thyme sprigs or a sprinkle of cracked black pepper over the sandwiches add a touch of freshness and aroma that complements the rich beef perfectly. You can also offer thinly sliced pickles or fresh horseradish on the side for an added kick.

Side Dishes

Classic French fries or crispy baked potato wedges pair beautifully with these sandwiches. For a lighter touch, serve with a crisp green salad or a tangy coleslaw to balance the richness. Roasted vegetables or a simple bowl of homemade chips can round out the meal effortlessly.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover sliced beef and broth separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. This helps maintain the best texture and flavor for your next meal.

Freezing

Freeze leftover beef and broth separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.

Reheating

Warm the beef and broth slowly on the stove over low heat to prevent drying out. Toast fresh rolls and re-make the horseradish mayo spread for the best sandwich experience. Then assemble and broil briefly to melt the cheese.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different cut of beef instead of chuck roast?

While beef chuck roast is ideal for slow cooking due to its marbling and tenderness, you can use other cuts like brisket or round roast, but cook times and texture may vary.

What can I substitute for horseradish in the mayo spread?

If you’re not a fan of horseradish, Dijon mustard works well for a tangy spread, or you can omit it entirely for a milder mayonnaise base.

Is it necessary to strain the broth before serving?

Straining removes herbs and onion solids for a smooth au jus, but you can leave some cooked onions in the broth for added texture if you prefer.

Can I prepare this recipe in an instant pot instead of a slow cooker?

Yes! Use the sauté function to sear the beef, then pressure cook for about 60 minutes with natural release. Adjust liquids accordingly and proceed with the assembly as usual.

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches Recipe brings together tender, flavorful beef and melty provolone cheese in a comforting, easy-to-make meal that feels like a little celebration on a plate. Whether serving family on a weeknight or guests at a casual gathering, these sandwiches satisfy every craving for savory goodness dipped in rich au jus. Take your time, enjoy the aromas, and savor every contagious bite!