Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches
This is the kind of recipe that makes you look like a kitchen rock star with almost zero effort. Toss everything in the slow cooker in the morning, and by dinnertime you’ll have fall-apart tender beef swimming in rich au jus, just begging to be tucked into crusty rolls. Perfect for weeknights, game days, or even a make-your-own-sandwich party spread.
Servings: 10 sandwiches
Calories: 509kcal
Cost: $25–30
Equipment
- 5–6 quart slow cooker
Ingredients
- 4 pounds boneless beef roast chuck roast recommended, but brisket or rump work too
- ½ cup soy sauce
- 1 beef bouillon cube
- Water enough to almost cover roast
- 1 bay leaf
- 3 whole black peppercorns or ½ teaspoon cracked black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary crushed (or 2 teaspoons fresh)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 2 teaspoons fresh
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder or 2–3 smashed garlic cloves
- 10 French rolls
Instructions
- Trim any large visible fat from the roast. Place roast in a 5–6 quart slow cooker.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, bouillon cube, bay leaf, peppercorns, rosemary, thyme, and garlic powder.
- Pour mixture over the roast, then add enough water to almost cover the meat.
- Cover and cook on Low for 10–12 hours, until the beef is very tender.
- Remove roast from the slow cooker, reserving the broth. Shred beef with two forks.
- Pile shredded beef onto sliced French rolls. Ladle broth into small bowls and serve on the side for dipping.
Notes
Low-sodium option: Use low-sodium soy sauce or stock and adjust seasoning to taste.
Cheese it up: Add Swiss, Provolone, or Pepper Jack to your rolls before piling on the beef. A quick broil will melt it beautifully.
Party tip: Keep shredded beef in the slow cooker on “Warm” and set out rolls, cheese, and toppings (like caramelized onions, horseradish sauce, or pickled peppers). Guests can build their own sandwiches bar-style.
Storage: Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the broth for the best texture.
Nutrition
Calories: 509kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 42g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 125mg | Sodium: 1184mg | Potassium: 634mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 28IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 42mg | Iron: 15mg
