Description

These Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches are tender, flavorful, and perfect for an easy yet impressive meal. Beef chuck roast is seared to lock in juices, then slow-cooked with onion soup mix and beef broth until melt-in-your-mouth tender. Served on crusty rolls with melted Swiss or provolone cheese and accompanied by savory au jus for dipping, these sandwiches bring classic French Dip flavors to your table with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Seasoning

2 tablespoons olive oil
2½ to 3 pounds beef chuck roast
Kosher salt, to taste
Freshly ground pepper, to taste

Broth and Soup Mix

2 (1-ounce) packages dry onion soup mix
2 cups water
2 (14.5-ounce) cans beef broth

For Serving

6-8 slices Swiss or provolone cheese
6-8 crusty rolls (such as ciabatta)

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Instructions

Sear the Roast: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chuck roast generously with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper. Once the oil shimmers, sear the roast on all sides for 1-2 minutes per side until a rich brown crust forms, locking in the flavors.
Slow Cook: Transfer the seared roast along with any pan juices to your slow cooker. Sprinkle the dry onion soup mix evenly over the roast. Add the water and beef broth to the slow cooker. Cover and cook on high for 4-6 hours or on low for 8-10 hours, until the meat is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
Shred the Meat: Once the roast is cooked through and tender, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and shred the beef using two forks, discarding any excess fat if desired.
Assemble Sandwiches: Place a generous portion of shredded beef onto each crusty roll. Top with a slice of Swiss or provolone cheese. Place the assembled sandwiches under the broiler until the cheese is melted and the rolls are lightly toasted, about 2-3 minutes. Watch closely to avoid burning.
Serve with Au Jus: Pour the flavorful cooking juices from the slow cooker into small bowls to serve as au jus for dipping alongside the sandwiches. This enhances the authentic French Dip experience.

Notes

You can use other crusty rolls like baguettes or hoagie rolls if ciabatta is unavailable.
For a richer au jus, skim the fat off the top of the cooking liquid before serving, or let it settle in the refrigerator and remove the solidified fat layer.
If you prefer, add garlic or herbs like thyme to the slow cooker for extra flavor.
Leftover shredded beef can be stored in the cooking liquid in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To save time, you can prepare the roast the night before and reheat gently before assembling sandwiches.