This classic French Dip sandwich recipe delivers mouthwatering perfection after just 5 hours of hands-off cooking time. The tender beef, enriched with savory au jus, creates an unforgettable meal that’s both comforting and indulgent.
At 779 calories per serving, this hearty sandwich packs 59g of protein and features a perfectly crusty roll that’s ideal for dipping into the flavorful broth. Whether you’re planning a family dinner or hosting friends, this timeless recipe promises restaurant-quality results right from your kitchen.
Ingredients for Classic French Dip Sandwich
- Chuck Roast (3.5 lbs): Choose well-marbled meat for best flavor and tenderness
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, dried oregano, dried thyme for perfect savory flavor
- Olive Oil (1 Tbsp): For searing the meat to lock in juices
- Onion Soup Mix: Creates rich base flavor for the au jus
- Garlic (3 cloves): Fresh minced garlic adds aromatic depth
- Liquid Mix: Beef broth, regular Coke, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce for incredible depth
- Cheese: Swiss or provolone slices for melty goodness
- Rolls: Fresh hoagie or sub rolls, perfect for dipping
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Season the Roast: Coat your chuck roast generously with salt, pepper, oregano, and thyme
- Sear the Meat: Quick browning in hot oil for a beautiful crust and enhanced flavor
- Slow Cooker Setup: Place meat in cooker, add soup mix, garlic, and pour all liquids
- Initial Cooking: Let it cook on LOW for 4 hours until tender
- Slice and Continue: Remove, slice thinly, return to cooker for one more hour
- Prepare Sandwiches: Butter rolls, add meat and cheese
- Broil: Quick broil until cheese melts and bread gets golden
- Serve: Portion au jus into dipping bowls and enjoy your masterpiece
Cooking Techniques
Getting that perfect sear on your chuck roast is super easy! Just make sure your pan is nice and hot before adding the meat. A good sear takes only about 30 seconds per side – you’ll know it’s ready when you see a light brown crust forming. This quick sear locks in all those yummy juices, making your French dip extra tender and tasty.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Your French dip can be even better the next day! The meat keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days – just store it in its juices to keep it moist. When you’re ready to eat, warm the meat and au jus separately in the microwave or on the stovetop. The rolls are best prepared fresh, so save the broiling step for right before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Make your French dip even more amazing with some tasty sides! Try serving it with crispy French fries, a fresh green salad, or some crunchy potato chips.
Want to jazz up your sandwich? Add some sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions between the meat and cheese before broiling. Don’t forget to put the au jus in small bowls – one for each person makes dipping easy and fun!
Quick Substitutions
No Coke in the house? Regular Dr. Pepper or root beer work great too! If you prefer not to use soda, apple juice makes a sweet substitute. For the cheese, while provolone and Swiss are perfect matches, mozzarella or white American cheese melt beautifully too. Can’t find chuck roast? Bottom round or brisket will give you similar results.
French Dip
Equipment
- Slow Cooker
- Large non-stick skillet
- Cutting Board
Ingredients
For the meat:
- 3.5 pounds chuck roast
- to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 packet Onion Soup Mix dry, or homemade
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 1/3 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 cup Coke not diet
- 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 Tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
For serving:
- 16 slices Swiss or provolone cheese or your favorite kind
- 8 hoagies or sub rolls
Instructions
- Season all sides of the chuck roast with salt and pepper, oregano, and thyme.
- Add olive oil to a large non-stick skillet over medium high heat. Add meat to the pan and sear on high heat for 30 seconds or so on all sides, just until lightly browned.
- Place meat in the slow cooker and sprinkle with French onion soup mix and garlic. Pour broth, coke, soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce on top.
- Cook on LOW for 4 hours and then remove meat to a cutting board. Thinly slice the meat and then return it to the slow cooker and continue to cook on LOW for one more hour.
- When ready to serve, preheat oven to High broil. Slice rolls in half and lightly butter the top side. Add a few slices of meat to the bottom halves and top with two slices of cheese.
- Broil for a few minutes, just until the cheese its melted and bread is golden.
- Ladle the au jus sauce from the slow cooker into small bowls for dipping. Enjoy.
