Name: French Dip Sandwiches Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 pounds chuck roast, trimmed of excess fat; Coarse salt and pepper, to taste; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme; 2 cups low sodium beef broth; 1 cup water; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 packet beefy onion soup mix; 6 hoagie rolls; 6 ounces freshly shredded Gruyere cheese; Minced parsley, for garnish

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 15 reviews

If you’re craving a hearty, flavorful sandwich that soaks up every bit of savory goodness, this French Dip Sandwiches Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines tender, slow-cooked chuck roast with rich au jus and melty gruyere cheese nestled inside a fresh hoagie roll, creating a comforting bite that feels both gourmet and homey. The simplicity of the ingredients belies the depth of flavor you’ll enjoy, and once you try it, French Dip sandwiches will quickly become a beloved classic in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two parts: on the left, a large thick piece of steak with marbled fat and pink edges is placed in the center of a black cast iron pan with shiny spots of oil around it; on the right, the same cooked steak lies flat inside a white slow cooker bowl, covered on top with a sprinkle layer of light brown seasoning and shredded pale ingredients, possibly dried onions or garlic, giving a rough texture on top of the meat. The background surface is white with a marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This French Dip Sandwiches Recipe calls for straightforward, easy-to-find ingredients, each playing a crucial role in building the rich taste and inviting texture that makes this dish so special. From the savory chuck roast to the aromatic herbs, every element enhances the final result.

3 pounds chuck roast, trimmed of excess fat: The star of the dish, slow-cooked to tender perfection for juicy, sliceable beef.
Coarse salt and pepper, to taste: Basic but essential for seasoning and bringing out robust flavors.
1 tablespoon vegetable oil: Helps achieve a beautiful sear on the roast, locking in richness.
2 cups low sodium beef broth: Forms the flavorful base of the au jus for dipping.
1 cup water: Balances the broth and keeps the roast moist while cooking.
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds a tangy depth and enhances the beefy savoriness.
1 packet beefy onion soup mix: A secret weapon for bold flavor and gentle onion sweetness.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: For a subtle punch of aromatic warmth.
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano: Brings a slight earthiness that complements the beef.
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme: Adds delicate herbal notes to the au jus.
6 hoagie rolls: Perfect for holding the juicy beef and melted cheese without becoming soggy.
6 ounces freshly shredded gruyere cheese: Melts beautifully and lends a nutty creaminess to the sandwich.
Minced parsley, for garnish: A fresh, colorful finishing touch.

How to Make French Dip Sandwiches Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Sear the Chuck Roast

Start by coating your slow cooker with nonstick spray to keep things easy later on. Heat the vegetable oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then season the chuck roast generously with salt and pepper. Sear the roast on both sides until a gorgeous golden crust forms, which adds incredible flavor and texture to the meat. Once seared, transfer the roast to the slow cooker.

Step 2: Add the Broth and Seasonings

Pour the low sodium beef broth, water, and Worcestershire sauce over the roast. Sprinkle in the beefy onion soup mix, garlic powder, dried oregano, and dried thyme. These seasonings create a rich, savory au jus that will infuse the beef as it cooks. Stir gently to combine everything around the roast.

Step 3: Slow Cook the Roast

Set your slow cooker to LOW and let the roast cook for 4 hours. This slow and low method ensures the beef becomes incredibly tender and flavorful. After 4 hours, carefully remove the roast and transfer it to a cutting board to rest.

Step 4: Slice and Continue Cooking

Using a sharp knife, slice the roast thinly across the grain for maximum tenderness. Return the sliced meat to the slow cooker, nestling it back into the juices, and continue cooking on LOW for another 1 to 2 hours. This step allows the slices to soak up even more of that luscious au jus.

Step 5: Strain the Au Jus

When the slow cooking is complete, remove the beef slices and strain the cooking liquid to remove excess fat. This clean, flavorful au jus is what makes the dipping experience so special, enhancing every bite of your French Dip sandwiches.

Step 6: Assemble and Melt the Cheese

Split the hoagie rolls and fill them generously with the sliced beef and a handful of shredded gruyere cheese. Place the assembled sandwiches on a baking sheet and broil them just long enough to melt and lightly brown the cheese. Keep a close eye so your rolls don’t overbrown! If you prefer, you can melt the cheese in a 350°F oven for a few minutes instead.

French Dip Sandwiches Recipe is all about creating that perfect blend of tender beef, melted cheese, and warm bread dipped into flavorful jus, and this step brings it all together beautifully.

How to Serve French Dip Sandwiches Recipe

The image shows a long white sandwich roll filled with several layers of thin, brown cooked meat topped with melted white cheese, sprinkled with small green herb pieces. The sandwich is placed on crumpled brown paper with a white marbled surface underneath. Near the sandwich, there is a small clear round bowl filled with thin brown broth with green herbs floating on top. Another sandwich is partially visible in the lower left corner, and a beige cloth with stripes is in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of finely minced parsley adds a fresh burst of color and a hint of brightness that balances the richness of the beef and cheese. It’s a simple touch that makes the sandwiches look inviting and adds to the overall flavor profile.

Side Dishes

French Dip sandwiches pair beautifully with crispy French fries or a light, tangy coleslaw. You can also serve them alongside a fresh green salad to lighten the meal or offer roasted vegetables for a comforting, hearty accompaniment. Don’t forget a bowl of the warm au jus on the side for dipping — it’s an essential part of the experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your sandwiches open-faced with the cheese broiled directly on top, then ladle au jus over each bite for extra indulgence. Or, for a casual party, create mini sliders using smaller rolls and set out small bowls of au jus for individual dipping. The French Dip Sandwiches Recipe is versatile enough to impress in any setting!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftover beef and au jus in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Keeping the meat with the juices helps maintain moisture and flavor for up to 3 days, so you can enjoy leftovers just as deliciously as the first day.

Freezing

If you want to save leftovers for longer, freeze the sliced beef and au jus separately in freezer-safe containers or bags. Frozen portions will keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best texture.

Reheating

Reheat the beef gently in a saucepan with the reserved au jus over low heat to prevent drying out. Melt fresh shredded cheese on your preferred bread before assembling sandwiches again. This method revives the flavors and texture perfectly without losing that homemade comfort.

FAQs

Can I make French Dip Sandwiches Recipe without a slow cooker?

Absolutely! While the slow cooker makes it convenient, you can braise the chuck roast in the oven at a low temperature with the broth and seasonings for 3-4 hours. Just be sure to keep it covered and check tenderness regularly.

What’s the best cheese for French Dip sandwiches?

Gruyere is a classic choice because it melts beautifully and adds a nutty richness, but you could also use provolone, Swiss, or even mozzarella for a milder taste.

How do I keep the bread from getting soggy?

To prevent soggy rolls, toast the hoagie rolls lightly before filling, and serve the au jus on the side for dipping instead of pouring it directly on the sandwich.

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Chuck roast is ideal for its marbling and tenderness after slow cooking. However, brisket or bottom round can also work well if cooked slowly to break down the tough fibers.

Is it necessary to strain the au jus?

Straining removes excess fat and any bits from the slow cooker, resulting in a cleaner, smoother dipping sauce that enhances the sandwich without overwhelming it.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser that’s both comforting and full of rich, satisfying flavors, you simply must try this French Dip Sandwiches Recipe. Its easy preparation with a handful of ingredients will quickly become your go-to for busy evenings or casual gatherings. Once you taste that juicy beef with melted gruyere and savory au jus, you’ll understand why this sandwich holds a special place in so many hearts.