French Dip Sandwich Recipe -The Girl Who Ate Everything (2024)

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posted by Christy Denneyon Jun 11, 2020 (updated Jan 12, 2024) 58 comments »

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ThisFrench Dip Sandwichcan be made in theSlow CookerorInstant Pot. Served on a hoagie roll with a delicious au jus sauce. These sandwichesare an easybeefrecipe for a weekday or weekend. With tender beef and melted cheese, this hot sandwich is one of those easy dinner recipes the whole family loves.

BEST FRENCH DIP SANDWICH RECIPE

Growing up, we used to go to this sandwich shop in Los Angeles called Philippe’s (named after Philippe Mathieu) with the best beef dip sandwich I’ve every had. The dipping sauce was out of this world.

The ingredients in this sandwich are simple.

HOW TO MAKE FRENCH DIP SANDWICHES

Remove and discard all visible fat from the roast. Place trimmed roast in a slow cooker or Instant Pot.
Add the beef broth, soy sauce, bay leaf, peppercorns, rosemary, thyme, and garlic powder to the slow cooker or Instant Pot. Cover, and cook on Low heat for 6-8 hours, or until meat is very tender. It depends on your slow cooker; it could take more or less time. For the Instant Pot, cook for 30 minutes on high pressure.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees for toasting the rolls. Remove meat from broth, reserving broth. Slice into thin slices or shred meat depending on your preference. I prefer it sliced really thin.
Slice rolls (French baguette, hoagies, or French bread) in half and place on a cooking sheet. Spread with butter and bake in the oven for 2-3 minutes or until barely toasted.
Pile meat on rolls and top each roll with 2 slices of Provolone cheese. Place rolls back in the oven for 2-3 minutes or until cheese is melted.
Skim any fat off the surface of the reserved broth in the slow cooker. Serve with reserved broth. You may need to add water to adjust the strength of the au jus. Sometimes it is stronger than others and you can adjust it easily by adding water to your preference. Serve in ramekins or a small bowl so everyone can dip their own sandwiches. Store leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container.

CROCKPOT FRENCH DIP SANDWICH RECIPE

For some reason I’ve had a major craving for French dip sandwiches lately. No, I’m not pregnant. Hormonal maybe…but not pregnant.

My husband loves French onion soup but these sandwiches have no onions in them.

I loved the smell of these sandwiches cooking all day. The au jus, or beef consomme, has an earthy smell. Not earthy in a overly herb-infused way…just a deep, rich flavor.

These couldn’t be easier and take 10 minutes to prepare and throw in the crock pot in the morning.

I cut each of the hoagie rolls in half and made smaller sandwiches for me and my kids. Brush on some butter and toast the rolls for a couple of minutes.

Pile on the meat and some Provolone cheese. You could use Swiss cheese as well. Toast the sandwiches for a couple more minutes in the oven to melt the cheese.

The toasty bread with melty cheese is a winner. The liquid that comes from cooking the roast are the dipping sauce for the sandwich and so good.

Serve with a green salad or French fries. Those are more on brand.

OTHER BEEF RECIPES:

Roast Beef and Gorgonzola Hoagies
Easy Beef Burrito Skillet
Korean Beef
Sheet Pan Philly Cheesesteak
Beef Enchilada Dip
Cuban Shredded Beef

BEST SLOW COOKER RECIPES

The Best Pot Roast
Salsa Verde Beef Tacos
Slow Cooker Chicken Caesar Sandwiches
Crockpot Italian Chicken

French Dip Sandwich

4.74 from 15 votes

This French Dip Sandwich can be made in the Slow Cookeror Instant Pot. Served with a seasoned au jus sauce.These sandwiches are an easy beef recipe for a weekday or weekend.

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Prep Time: 10 minutes mins

Cook Time: 6 hours hrs

Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients

1 (4 pound) boneless beef chuck roast
2 cups beef broth, (I like to use Better than Boullion Beef base)
1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1 bay leaf
3 whole black peppercorns, (or sub 1/8 teaspoon black pepper)
1 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon garlic powder
8 french rolls or hoagies
16 slices Provolone cheese
butter for rolls

Instructions

Remove and discard all visible fat from the roast. Place trimmed roast in a slow cooker or Instant Pot.
Add the beef broth, soy sauce, bay leaf, peppercorns, rosemary, thyme, and garlic powder to the slow cooker or Instant Pot. Cover, and cook on Low heat for 6-8 hours, or until meat is very tender. It depends on your slow cooker; it could take more or less time. For the Instant Pot, cook for 30 minutes on high pressure.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees for toasting the rolls. Remove meat from broth, reserving broth. Slice or shred meat depending on your preference. I prefer it sliced really thin.
Slice rolls in half and place on a cooking sheet. Spread with butter and bake in the oven for 2-3 minutes or until barely toasted.
Pile meat on rolls and top each roll with 2 slices of Provolone cheese. Place rolls back in the oven for 2-3 minutes or until cheese is melted.
Skim any fat off the surface of the reserved broth in the slow cooker. Serve with reserved broth. You may need to add water to adjust the strength of the au jus. Sometimes it is stronger than others and you can adjust it easily by adding water to your preference. Serve warm au jus in ramekins so everyone can dip their own sandwiches.

Cuisine: American, French

Course: Main Course

Author: Christy Denney

Beef Crockpot Instant Pot Main Dishes Sandwiches Slow Cooker

originally published on Jun 11, 2020 (last updated Jan 12, 2024)

58 comments Leave a comment »

French Dip Sandwich Recipe -The Girl Who Ate Everything (6)

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58 comments on “French Dip Sandwich”

Cheryl — Wed, 28 Feb 2024 @ 16:10:52 EST Reply
I like thin sliced beef. What do you use to slice the meat thin?
- Christy Denney — Mon, 11 Mar 2024 @ 01:50:42 EDT Reply
  If you have an electric knife that works really well.
Ann E. — Mon, 29 Jan 2024 @ 20:40:11 EST Reply
This was soooo good!!!! Definitely worth the money for the roast. We will be throwing this into our routine.
- Christy Denney — Fri, 09 Feb 2024 @ 17:25:01 EST Reply
  Thank you!
Ashley — Mon, 02 May 2022 @ 07:33:45 EDT Reply
Easy and tasty! Only did 1 slice of cheese per sammy.
- Christy Denney — Sun, 08 May 2022 @ 02:00:34 EDT Reply
  Yum!
Trace — Thu, 08 Apr 2021 @ 02:35:59 EDT Reply
Hi, quick question: With the instant pot, is it natural release? Thanks. Looks like a delicious recipe & I can’t wait to try it. (I plan to sauté some sweet onions and skip the cheese.)
- Christy Denney — Fri, 30 Apr 2021 @ 01:23:16 EDT Reply
  I’ve used both releases. Doesn’t affect the recipe.
Melissa — Fri, 25 Sep 2020 @ 10:10:27 EDT Reply
Turned out amazing! I only had a 2ish pound roast and I still cooked it with the same ingredient ratio of a 4lb roast. The au jus was delicious. I also used the baguettes from Costco which I think worked great too! Thank you!
- Christy Denney — Wed, 07 Oct 2020 @ 02:17:35 EDT Reply
  Yum!
Ronda — Sat, 29 Aug 2020 @ 17:16:47 EDT Reply
Hi! This looks great! I can’t wait to try it! Unfortunately, I was only able to get a 2.34lb roast. It’ll probably be enough for us. Should I just half the recipe? Would the cook time still be 6-8hrs?
- Ronda — Mon, 31 Aug 2020 @ 17:45:42 EDT Reply
  Went ahead with the full recipe and the full 6hr cook time. Yielded a shredded version that everyone loved! Will be making again!
Anne B. — Sun, 23 Aug 2020 @ 02:03:04 EDT Reply
My husband just had major surgery and told me today out of the blue this afternoon that he had a hankering for a French Dip Sandwich. He said that if I didn’t feel like making them, I could drive (across town!) and get one from his favorite restaurant. Normally I would be a little bit upset with him, but because of his surgery I felt like pampering him. I figured if I made a roast, I would have plenty of leftovers for days and he would be happier longer! I used your recipe and it turned out gloriously! My husband was so happy and said it was far much better than his favorite restaurant! Thank you so much for helping him on his road to recovery — and helping me keep my sanity as I try to keep him a happy camper! 🙂
- Christy Denney — Fri, 28 Aug 2020 @ 01:32:49 EDT Reply
  Oh my that makes me so happy! So glad you enjoyed it. Hoping for a speedy recovery for your husband!
Erica Taylor — Tue, 16 Jun 2020 @ 06:45:17 EDT Reply
I’m planning on making this tonight! I’ve made so many of your recipes, and several of them have become staples in my house! Is it okay to substitute to beef stock for the beef broth? I just have some on hand already.
- Christy Denney — Sat, 11 Jul 2020 @ 02:55:27 EDT Reply
  Yes. Beef stock is great!
  See Also
  Top 10 2016 Daily Dose of Pepper Recipe Round up!
Dd — Sat, 13 Jun 2020 @ 09:59:43 EDT Reply
These sandwiches look yummy. I have to make them this weekend. I understand your pain about Hairstylists since I am one. If your stylist has gone to another salon I’m sure she will contact you. Shame on the salon you went to that wouldn’t tell you where she went. Salons only do that when they are upset over someone leaving. I hope your stylist. It’s tough finding a good one that understands you. Good luck.
- Christy Denney — Sat, 11 Jul 2020 @ 02:57:29 EDT Reply
  Hahaha thanks!
Maria — Sat, 13 Jun 2020 @ 06:56:51 EDT Reply
Recipe looks great! My kids love French dip and using the Instant Pot will save my kitchen from heating up this summer (no air-conditioning here!) Sorry about your hairdresser. I feel for you because finding a new person isn’t easy. I have curly hair and it’s very, very difficult to find someone who knows how to cut curly hair. I’ve been with my stylist for years now and where she goes, I follow. Have a lovely weekend.
- Christy Denney — Sat, 11 Jul 2020 @ 02:57:38 EDT Reply
  So trueeee!
CYNDI — Mon, 01 Jun 2020 @ 12:42:00 EDT Reply
I don’t normally do reviews but when my hubby requested this again less than one week after making it the first time I knew I had finally found the perfect French dip
- Christy Denney — Sat, 11 Jul 2020 @ 03:12:15 EDT Reply
  Awesome!
Kay — Tue, 23 Jul 2013 @ 23:05:06 EDT Reply
Hi. I love your blog and have tried many of the recipes! For this one, can you serve the meat as a main (to be sliced) and not as sandwich meat?
- Christy {The Girl Who Ate Everything} — Wed, 24 Jul 2013 @ 21:04:11 EDT Reply
  Sure! It has great flavor.
Bonnie — Wed, 22 May 2013 @ 10:50:41 EDT Reply
I have made this for a group of people a couple of times and they said it is the best french dip they have had.
I did put a pack of dried onion soup mix instead of the bay leaf, thyme and rosemary (i didn’t have them). And they were still amazing! Also, my husband thinks too many herbs makes stuff taste like grass (?)
Rosalinda — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 @ 09:18:34 EDT Reply
Made these Saturday and they were AWESOME!! I cant wait to make them again!!!
Amanda — Sat, 16 Mar 2013 @ 22:48:45 EDT Reply
I made this today, 3/16/13. It was absolutely amazing! I had my parents over for dinner, and everyone stuffed themselves! The au jus is incredible! Thank you for a fantastic French Dip recipe! I will definitely be making this again! <3 from Madison, OH
anna — Sun, 30 Dec 2012 @ 21:51:29 EST Reply
what kind of beef roast would you use? like a chuck roast?
- Christy — Sun, 30 Dec 2012 @ 23:44:09 EST Reply
  @anna,
  Yes, a chuck roast is what I would use…
angie — Thu, 18 Oct 2012 @ 00:09:58 EDT Reply
I was expecting to see tons of comments about the sandwiches… not the hairdresser, but BEING a hairdresser, I totally I understand! I just had a baby and my clients almost melted down when I told them I was going to be a stay at home mommy… so much so that a few of my favorites I am going to do at home!
I just made these sandwiches, and that BROTH IS AMAZING!!!! I was highly skeptical about the soy sauce, not gonna lie, but it added a depth of flavor that would have been hard to get any other way.
Anonymous — Fri, 21 Sep 2012 @ 23:49:35 EDT Reply
I just made this and it was so good. I added sliced onions sliced red pepper and sliced mushrooms it was so good. Thanks for the recipe.
Si — Tue, 04 Sep 2012 @ 03:34:08 EDT Reply
Yikes. I would not be happy if my now friend and hairdresser disappeared on me! Hope she comes back! I love this idea to slow cook the roast. I never think that far ahead. French Dip is my 10 minute go to meal. Ill plan ahead next time! thanks 🙂
Babs — Fri, 31 Aug 2012 @ 17:25:22 EDT Reply
Bummer about your hairdresser. I’ve been with mine about that long. I don’t know what I would do if she left like that! Probably the salon doesn’t want to give out that information because they don’t want you to leave. Definitely try facebook, or just google her name with your city name. Hope you can find her!
Heather Cane — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 @ 23:59:36 EDT Reply
AGH! That happened to me with MY hairdresser!!! Only my hair was super-short and she was the only one who could cut it properly! “Can’t disclose that information” – grrr!!! After that – it was a long and foul number of bad haircuts and colors until I decided to grow it out. Then – and this is the WORST – the stylist I was seeing couldn’t seem to get my coloring right into my very long hair and I always had three or four distinct lines of mismatched color in my hair. I’ve finally found my “soulmate”!!!! I walk out of her shop looking like a million bucks every time and she’s completely adorable and wonderful!
Axelle the french cooker — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 @ 09:50:26 EDT Reply
Sorry, christie, no idea at ll 😉
In the same way, my husband cook a meat that he calls “american meat”, and I don’t know why. I asked him, he replies : “it sounds cool, baby … !” 😉
ChicagoJudy — Tue, 28 Aug 2012 @ 19:18:09 EDT Reply
Made this over the weekend. Absolutely delish. It was in the crock pot for 5 hours which over cooked the meat a bit. Next time I’ll only leave it in for 4. I had three people for dinner and they all raved about how flavorful the au jus was. I threw in two 15 oz cans (one Swanson 99% fat free and one Swanson low sodium) of beef broth. The toasted buns and melted provolone took the sandwiches over the top. And took your advice and gave each person their own little ramekin of au jus to dunk their sandwiches. Can’t wait to make it again. Thanks so much for a great recipe.
megan @ whatmegansmaking — Tue, 28 Aug 2012 @ 10:17:30 EDT Reply
love french dip sandwiches! Crockpot meals sound so good this time of year. And I hope your hairdresser reads this and gets in touch with you! 🙂
The Winter Family — Tue, 28 Aug 2012 @ 03:14:25 EDT Reply
I made this tonight for my family and took it to a friend with a new baby! I just couldnt do the typical casserole in August. Anyway, my house of boys loved it! And I’m loving your recipes..I’ve cooked several in the last week. I have a 2 yr old and 4 yr ld and they have eaten everything so far! Your helping me feel like a better wife and Mommy! I’m actually enjoying cooking! Thanks so much!
Christy {The Girl Who Ate Everything} — Tue, 28 Aug 2012 @ 00:52:13 EDT Reply
@Axelle,
No clue! I thought you would know 🙂
Heather of Kitchen Concoctions — Tue, 28 Aug 2012 @ 00:50:34 EDT Reply
I wish I could find a good hair dresser. I have really thick hair (that I change from long to short every year or so) and while everyone likes to tell me what they think I should do to my hair no one cuts it like I tell them (I know my hair!). I haven’t had a good French dip sandwich in years, I think I need to bust out the crock-pot and make these!
Axelle the french cooker — Mon, 27 Aug 2012 @ 19:18:16 EDT Reply
This seems to be very good. Why this is called “french” dip ?
vanessalillian [Ness@theteensytinyinsignificantdetails] — Mon, 27 Aug 2012 @ 05:44:09 EDT Reply
I hate it when hairdressers move on! But I think one of those sandwiches would make me feel better about it…
Deborah — Sun, 26 Aug 2012 @ 20:30:46 EDT Reply
That happened to me once. The salon was closed one day, and I had no idea where the girl that cut my hair went. I ended up finding her on Facebook. So if all else fails, try Facebook!! And I could totally do with one of these sandwiches right now. Maybe 2, because I AM pregnant. 🙂
Lauren @ LoloLovesScents! — Sun, 26 Aug 2012 @ 20:12:03 EDT Reply
YUM!! Can’t wait to make these, they look insanely delicious! Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Christy {The Girl Who Ate Everything} — Sat, 25 Aug 2012 @ 19:05:04 EDT Reply
@Lydia,
I think every crock pot is different. Supposedly if you cook it longer it gets more tender but mine is more tender with a shorter cook time.
Anonymous — Sat, 25 Aug 2012 @ 17:06:19 EDT Reply
I have this in my crock pot right now, hope it turns out amazing, my husbands favorite food is French dip sandwiches LOL
Maranda — Sat, 25 Aug 2012 @ 14:40:15 EDT Reply
Hi! I found your blog through Monica at Lick the Bowl Good!
First off, this sandwich looks great! I love French dip and anything I can use my crockpot for is an A+ in my book.
I am an Army wife so I totally get the hairdresser thing. I hate having to find a new one every year or so. I have one lady in El Paso who has cut my hair since I was 19! Over a decade! I go to her whenever we are in town.
I had a lady in NY whom I loved. She ended up leaving her salon but “stole” her client list and ended up giving me a call when she got settled in her new shop. Hopefully yours will be able to contact you and let you know where she has moved to. 🙂
Dorothy — Sat, 25 Aug 2012 @ 03:15:43 EDT Reply
Same thing happened to me with hairdresser of 8 years. My son said, “try Facebook”, and sure enough, there she was!
I love your blog and recipes! Thanks for all your hard work on it.
bonnieshee — Sat, 25 Aug 2012 @ 00:23:30 EDT Reply
@Lydia, I would say 4-6 hours on low in a slow cooker is not nearly long enough. Try closer to 8 for a more tender roast.
Candy — Fri, 24 Aug 2012 @ 18:14:12 EDT Reply
I completely understand about finding the right hairdresser. Maybe she will reach out to her clients to let you know where she is now!
I love this recipe and have made it several times. The leftovers made fabulous french onion soup!
Lydia — Fri, 24 Aug 2012 @ 18:02:00 EDT Reply
Sorry about the hairdresser. I have extremely curly long hair. I only wish I could find a hairdresser I like enough to go back to!! They always act like they know just what would be best, and tell me how their hair is curly… but it’s straightened.
I have a question. Whenever I cook a roast in the crockpot it comes out tough. I usually cook it for 4-6 hours on low. I’ve heard that the new crock pots cook hotter. Is that the problem? Or would it get more tender if I just kept cooking it longer?
Anonymous — Fri, 24 Aug 2012 @ 17:49:39 EDT Reply
Hey Christy, I’m also fairly new to your blog, and have to say I really enjoy it, and the recipes are great too! I thought I’d leave you a note and let you know that I’ve had the same hairdresser for TWENTY FOUR YEARS!can you believe that? I must say shes more than a hairdresser, shes been a great friend. She was my maid of honor at my wedding. Our friendship outlasted that marriage of six years and before that, and after that a few relationships. Thankfully I’ve been with my fiance for nine and a half years now (WOW! bet you’re wondering when I’ll actually marry the man! huh?!) and shes still around and still doing my hair!! I understand how you feel about losing a good hairdresser! I hope mine never retires! I should get off here and call and remind her how much she is appreciated! Have a good day!!! Trish
Dana DeVolk — Fri, 24 Aug 2012 @ 17:41:04 EDT Reply
I know EXACTLY how you feel about your hairdresser. Every time I finally liked someone it was as if they would just vanish from the face of the Earth, I had to keep trying more and more ladies. But now, finally I have found my match and I will grasp on to her for dear life. GREAT looking sandwiches btw too, looks amaze balls, will try soon!
Blog is the New Black — Fri, 24 Aug 2012 @ 12:23:15 EDT Reply
I’ve had the same hair dresser for about 7 years, too!!! And I hate going to anyone else… I hear ya!
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers — Fri, 24 Aug 2012 @ 11:55:00 EDT Reply
Your sandwiches are adorable! I wish I had one to pack in my lunch today!!
Stephanie Benedict — Fri, 24 Aug 2012 @ 04:21:06 EDT Reply
I’ve had the same hairdresser for 20 years…I know exactly what you mean. Do your research and find her! Lol. The recipe looks great. I’ll be trying it tomorrow. Good luck finding your girl!
jfb — Fri, 24 Aug 2012 @ 04:04:11 EDT Reply
I’m new to your blog and I’m loving it! Thanks for sharing all these great recipes.
Really sorry about your hair lady leaving. Weird she didn’t let her clients know.
Anele @ Success Along the Weigh — Fri, 24 Aug 2012 @ 03:40:24 EDT Reply
Sorry your regular girl isn’t there anymore. Boo!
On the upside, that french dip should make it better at least temporarily!