I noticed my family all gave me the same look last weekend: empty plates, that satisfied grin, and a chorus of “Wow, Mom, this was awesome.” I’d thrown together a last-minute dinner when my teen mentioned his crush had a thing for roast beef sandwiches.

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I wanted something that felt homemade and special without being fancy. So I dropped a chuck roast in the slow cooker with savory broth and dry onion soup mix, and got to catching up on laundry.

By dinnertime, the house smelled like the kind of deli you’d daydream about. I sliced the roast and piled it onto warm, crusty rolls, topped them with Swiss cheese, slid them under the broiler until the cheese bubbled, and set out little bowls of hot jus on the side. My daughter asked for a take-home container to impress her friends, and my husband went back for seconds before I could snag one for myself.

It felt so good to serve something easy, cozy, and delicious—something that made everyone stop what they were doing. These French Dip Sandwiches have officially earned their spot in our dinner lineup, especially when I want comfort food with minimal fuss.

Short Description

French Dip Sandwiches feature tender, slow-cooked roast beef topped with melted Swiss and served with warm jus for dipping—a simple, comforting twist on a deli classic.

Key Ingredients

2 Tablespoons olive oil
2½–3 pounds beef chuck roast
Kosher salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 (1-ounce) packages dry onion soup mix
2 cups water
2 (14.5-ounce) cans beef broth
6–8 slices Swiss or provolone cheese
6–8 crusty rolls (ciabatta works wonderfully)

Tools Needed

Large skillet
Slow cooker (or Dutch oven)
Cutting board & sharp knife
Baking sheet
Broiler or oven
Tongs & forks
Small bowls for jus

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Sear the Roast
Pat the chuck roast dry and season generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the roast 3–4 minutes per side until browned all over—this builds deep flavor.

Step 2: Slow-Cook to Tenderness
Transfer the roast to your slow cooker. Sprinkle both packages of onion soup mix on top. Add water and beef broth, ensuring the roast is mostly submerged. Cook on low for 8–10 hours or high for 5–6 hours, until the meat is easily shredded.

Step 3: Shred and Rest
Remove the roast and shred it with two forks. Return the meat to the broth to stay warm and juicy.

Step 4: Toast the Rolls and Melt the Cheese
Slice the rolls in half and place them open-faced on a baking sheet. Pile a generous amount of shredded beef on the bottom halves, top with cheese, and broil 1–2 minutes until melted and bubbly. Watch closely to avoid burning.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve
Top with roll halves, set sandwiches on plates, and serve with jus—perfect for dipping.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavor-Packed: Slow-cooked beef soaks up savory broth and onion mix.

Effortless: Minimal hands-on time—just sear, dump, and wait.

Comfort Classic: Cheesy, juicy, and satisfying every time.

Party-Friendly: Stack sandwiches low or serve buffet style.

Adaptable: Can swap Swiss for provolone or cheddar.

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Skipping the Sear: Not searing can leave the meat bland. Always brown the roast first!

Dry Meat: Shred and soak the beef in jus before assembling.

Burned Roll Tops: Broil on high and keep the oven door open to watch.

Flat Flavor: Taste the jus before serving—adjust salt or add a pinch of garlic powder if needed.

Stale Bread: Use fresh, crusty rolls or lightly toast them before broiling.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve alongside crinkle-cut fries or sweet potato wedges

Add a crisp green salad or coleslaw for freshness

Offer pickles or giardiniera for tangy counterpoints

Style buffet-style with sandwich wraps, napkins, and dipping bowls

Pair with iced tea, lager, or a light red wine

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store: Refrigerate shredded beef and jus in airtight containers separately, up to 4 days

Reheat Beef: Warm gently in a saucepan or microwave with a splash of broth to retain moisture

Reheat Sandwiches: Reassemble and broil or re-toast until cheese is melty

Rolls: Store separately to prevent sogginess

FAQs

1. Can I cook this in the oven instead?
Yes—place the roast in a Dutch oven with broth, cover, and bake at 300°F for 3–4 hours until tender.

2. Can I use a pressure cooker/Instant Pot?
Definitely! Cook on high pressure for 60 minutes, then natural release for tender meat.

3. What’s the best cheese?
Swiss or provolone are classics. Mild cheddar also works well.

4. Can I use store-bought jus?
Yes—but homemade jus adds depth. Consider mixing store jus with a dash of Worcestershire for extra flavor.

5. How do I make mini sliders?
Use smaller rolls and portion the beef accordingly—perfect for appetizers or kids’ plates.

Tips & Tricks

Save the broth: Freeze leftover jus in ice cube trays for future recipes

Add aromatics: Toss in a few garlic cloves or thyme sprigs during cooking

Cheese melt hack: Tightly cover broiler tray with foil to trap heat for even melting

Roll crisping: Toast bottoms of rolls lightly before assembling to prevent soggy bases

Leftover idea: Use shredded beef in omelets, tacos, or beefy quesadillas

Recipe Variations

Italian Dip Sandwich: Swap onion soup mix for Italian seasoning, finish with mozzarella, serve with marinara for dipping.

Mushroom Beef Dip: Sauté sliced mushrooms and onions in beef broth then combine with shredded roast.

Spicy Kick Dip: Add a sliced jalapeño or a drizzle of hot sauce to the jus for heat lovers.

French Onion Style: Mix caramelized onions into the beef and top with Gruyère cheese

Vegetarian Version: Slowly braise slices of seitan or portobello mushrooms in broth and onion mix; proceed as usual.

Final Thoughts

That kitchen, full of laughter and greasy-fingered joy that evening, reminded me why I cook: to bring people together. These French Dip Sandwiches weren’t a complicated meal—they were comforting, satisfying, and memorable. I loved how easy they were to prepare, and yet how impressive they felt when plates hit the table.

I’ll be keeping this recipe on hand for busy weekends or when friends pop by unexpectedly. It’s proof that a little time in the slow cooker—and a few simple ingredients—can turn a casual dinner into something special your guests will ask to have again.

French Dip Sandwiches