Juicy slow-cooked beef infused with aromatic herbs and a rich umami broth, piled high on crusty rolls with melty cheese and a side of homemade au jus—this Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwich recipe is your new go-to for cozy, satisfying comfort food.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Deep, Savory Flavor: Thanks to a combination of beef broth, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, and herbs, the meat is incredibly rich and flavorful.
No Soda Required: This recipe skips the soda and instead builds flavor naturally.
Set-It-and-Forget-It: Perfect for busy days—just sear the meat, load the slow cooker, and let it do the work.
Melted Cheese on Crusty Rolls: Broiled cheese atop hearty bread takes this sandwich to another level.
Family-Friendly & Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone loves a tender beef sandwich with a side of dipping sauce.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

3 pounds chuck roast
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, thinly sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups beef broth (low sodium)
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 bay leaf
6 hoagie rolls or French sandwich rolls
6 slices provolone or Swiss cheese
Optional: fresh parsley for garnish

Directions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chuck roast for 3-4 minutes on each side until browned.
Layer the sliced onion and minced garlic in the bottom of your slow cooker. Place the seared roast on top.
In a bowl, whisk together the beef broth, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, and tomato paste. Pour the mixture over the roast.
Sprinkle thyme, rosemary, and pepper into the slow cooker, then add the bay leaf.
Cover and cook on LOW for 8–9 hours, until the beef is tender and shreds easily with a fork.
Remove the beef, shred it with two forks, and return it to the slow cooker to soak in the juices.
Toast the hoagie rolls if desired. Fill each roll with shredded beef, top with a slice of cheese, and broil for 1–2 minutes until the cheese melts.
Strain the broth and serve it on the side as a dipping sauce. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours
Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
Calories: 435 kcal per serving

Variations

Make It Dairy-Free: Skip the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
Add Heat: Include sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to spice things up.
Use a Different Cut: Brisket or bottom round can be used in place of chuck roast.
Bread Swap: Try sourdough or ciabatta rolls for a twist on the traditional hoagie.
Herb Boost: Fresh thyme or rosemary can be used in place of dried for a brighter herbal note.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store the shredded beef and broth separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze beef and au jus in separate freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating: Reheat the beef in a saucepan with some broth over medium heat until warmed through. Toast fresh rolls and assemble as before.

FAQs

What kind of beef is best for French Dip sandwiches?

Chuck roast is ideal for its marbling and tenderness after slow cooking.

Can I cook this on high instead of low?

Yes, but it’s best on low. If you’re short on time, cook on HIGH for 4-5 hours.

Can I skip searing the beef?

Searing adds flavor but can be skipped if you’re in a rush.

Is there a vegetarian version?

Try using mushrooms or jackfruit with a rich veggie broth for a plant-based alternative.

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?

Yes, use about three times the amount of fresh herbs as dried.

What sides go well with French Dip sandwiches?

Potato wedges, coleslaw, or a crisp green salad pair perfectly.

Can I prep this ahead?

Absolutely! You can make the beef and broth a day ahead and reheat when ready to serve.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes, just use gluten-free rolls and ensure your soy sauce is gluten-free.

What’s the best cheese for this?

Provolone or Swiss are traditional, but mozzarella or gouda work great too.

Conclusion

These Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches deliver big flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re feeding the family or hosting a game day feast, this no-soda, no-fuss recipe guarantees tender beef, melty cheese, and a rich au jus dip that everyone will love. Give it a try—you may never go back to the soda-laced versions again.