Slow-Cooker French Dip Sandwiches with Melted Swiss
Tender, slow-cooked beef piled on crusty rolls, topped with melted Swiss cheese, and served with a rich, savory jus for dipping—this French dip sandwich is an easy, make-ahead dinner.
- Prep30 min
- Cook7h
- Total7h 30m
- DifficultyEasy
- Servings14
This French dip sandwich is all about simplicity and deep flavor. The beef cooks low and slow in a savory broth until it's fork-tender, then it's sliced thin and piled onto rolls with melted cheese. The jus, made from the cooking liquid, is the star—perfect for dipping every bite.
Using a slow cooker means you can prep everything in the morning and come home to a delicious, comforting meal. The recipe is flexible: you can skip the cheese for a classic au jus version, or dip the rolls in the broth before assembling for an extra punch of flavor.
Ingredients
Converted amounts are rounded.
Method
- In a large skillet, sauté the onions in butter until soft and translucent. Transfer them to a 5-quart slow cooker.
- Cut the roast in half and place it over the onions in the slow cooker.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the water, soy sauce, onion soup mix, browning sauce (if using), and garlic. Pour this mixture over the roast.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat until the meat is tender, 7 to 9 hours.
- Remove the roast from the slow cooker using a slotted spoon and let it rest for 15 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute.
- Thinly slice the meat across the grain, as you would a steak.
- Preheat the broiler. Place a pile of meat on the bottom halves of the rolls and sprinkle with Swiss cheese.
- Arrange the sandwich halves on an ungreased baking sheet and broil 3 to 4 inches from the heat until the cheese melts, about 1 minute.
- Remove from the oven and top with the other halves of the rolls.
- Skim the fat from the cooking juices, strain them, and serve as a dipping sauce.
- Optional: For a more authentic version, dip the cut sides of the rolls in the broth before adding the meat.
💡 Tips
- Let the meat rest before slicing to keep it juicy.
- For extra flavor, dip the cut sides of the rolls in the jus before assembling.
- If you prefer a classic French dip, skip the cheese and broiling step.
Inspired by a recipe from Taste of Home