This tender, juicy French Dip is every sandwich-lover’s dream come true. By slowly braising beef in a savory broth, you’ll create delectable layers of flavor—perfect for dunking into the rich jus. It’s the sort of dish that instantly elevates your weeknight dinner without too much fuss. Get ready to wow your family or guests with minimal effort and maximum comfort.
Ingredients
- 3 pounds beef chuck roast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme (or a few sprigs fresh thyme)
- 6 French rolls or hoagie buns, lightly toasted
- Provolone or Swiss cheese slices (optional but recommended)
Instructions
1. Season the roast: Generously rub the roast with salt and pepper. Set it aside while you warm up a skillet over medium-high heat with the olive oil.
2. Brown the roast: Sear the beef on all sides until it forms a golden crust, about 2–3 minutes per side. Don’t rush this step; browning deepens the flavor. Transfer the roast to your slow cooker.
3. Build the flavors: In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and garlic. Sauté just until the onions start to soften, about 2 minutes. Deglaze the skillet with a splash of beef broth and scrape up any flavorful browned bits. Pour everything into the slow cooker over the roast.
4. Add the liquids and thyme: Stir in the remaining beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and thyme. Set the slow cooker to low, cover, and let it work its magic for about 8 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender. If you’re pressed for time, you can cook it on high for 4 hours, but low-and-slow yields the best texture.
5. Shred and prepare: Once fully cooked, remove the roast and shred it into bite-sized chunks. Strain the cooking juices if you like a clearer jus and reserve it for dipping. Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker to stay warm.
6. Assemble the sandwich: Toast or warm your rolls, pile on the beef, and top with cheese slices if desired. Ladle that savory au jus into small bowls and serve on the side. Dunk, devour, and enjoy!
Pro tip: Try buttering your bread and toasting it to get an even crisper, more flavorful bun.
In this recipe, the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, creating a succulent French Dip that practically melts in your mouth. It’s a winner for busy weeknights, game days, or any time you crave a hot, hearty sandwich. If you’re looking to lighten things up a bit, you can use a leaner cut of beef or opt for low-sodium beef broth.
Feel free to personalize with gluten-free rolls, extra onion, or even mushrooms for a vegetarian twist on the base broth. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or just want something cozy for yourself, this recipe checks all the boxes for flavor, comfort, and ease.
Nathaniel Lee is an avid cook, drawing on his decades of home cooking and fine dining experience. He is a contributing chef at Mashed, and his recipes and contributions have been featured in Tasting Table, Edible Arrangements, Insanely Good Recipes, and The Daily Meal.
