why make this recipe

French Dip Sandwiches are a delicious and comforting meal perfect for any day. This recipe is simple to follow and results in tender beef piled high on a soft hoagie roll, all dipped in rich beef broth. It’s a hearty dish that’s great for family dinners, game day, or when you want something warm and satisfying.

how to make French Dip Sandwiches

Ingredients :

3 pounds chuck roast
1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon kosher salt (divided)
2 teaspoons onion powder
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
4 cups beef broth
1 packet of french onion soup mix
1 large sweet yellow onion (halved and thinly sliced)
1 tablespoon garlic (minced)
2-3 sprigs fresh thyme
3 teaspoons worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon liquid smoke
1 teaspoon dijon mustard
4 tablespoons butter (divided)
8 hoagie rolls of your choice
8 slices of gruyére cheese (or provolone cheese)
Optional horseradish mayo: combine 1/4 cup mayo + 1 tablespoon (or more prepared horseradish)

Directions :

Prep Beef: Place the chuck roast on a large plate. In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper. Pat the chuck roast dry with a paper towel and coat it with the seasoning. Set it aside.
Slow Cooker Ingredients: In the slow cooker, combine beef broth, french onion soup mix, sliced onions, minced garlic, thyme, worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke, and dijon mustard. Set aside 1/4 cup of this mixture next to the stove.
Sear Beef: Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of butter until melted. Sear the chuck roast on all sides, then move it to the slow cooker.
Deglaze the Pan: Pour the reserved 1/4 cup of beef broth into the hot skillet. Scrape up any bits stuck to the pan. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and let it melt. Once the pan is clean, pour this liquid over the chuck roast in the slow cooker.
Let it Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for 4 hours or LOW for 8 hours. Once done, shred the beef using two forks.
Assemble Sandwiches: Butter the inside of each hoagie roll. Add a good amount of onions and shredded beef, then top with cheese. You can also add horseradish mayo if you like.
Serve: Serve each sandwich with a small bowl of broth (or au jus) from the slow cooker for dipping.

how to serve French Dip Sandwiches

These sandwiches are best served warm. Offer a bowl of the flavorful broth alongside each sandwich for dipping. You can also serve them with chips or a simple salad for a complete meal.

how to store French Dip Sandwiches

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the shredded beef and broth separate from the hoagie rolls to maintain the texture. Reheat the beef gently in the broth before serving again.

tips to make French Dip Sandwiches

Searing Beef: Don’t skip searing the roast for extra flavor.
Broth Variations: You can use homemade beef broth for a richer taste.
Cheese Options: Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar for a unique twist.

variation

You can make a spicy version by adding jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the broth. For a healthier twist, you can use turkey or chicken instead of beef.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes, you can use other cuts like brisket or round, but chuck roast is best for tenderness.
Can I make this in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the beef a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Reheat before serving.
What can I use if I don’t have a slow cooker?
You can cook the roast in a pot on the stove or in the oven at a low temperature, but you will need to monitor it closely to prevent drying out.