Dinner

French Dip Sandwiches (Slow Cooker Recipe) Recipe

ByHugo Harnd February 4, 2026February 4, 2026

Introduction

French Dip Sandwiches are a comforting and flavorful meal perfect for any day of the week. Made tender and juicy in a slow cooker, these sandwiches combine savory roast beef with melted cheese and a rich dipping sauce. They’re easy to prepare and sure to please the whole family.

The image shows a long sandwich in a shiny soft bun held by a woman's hand above a small white bowl. Inside the sandwich, there are two main layers: the bottom layer is dark brown shredded meat with a juicy, tender texture, and the top layer is melted white cheese that looks smooth and creamy, covering part of the meat. The sandwich and bowl rest on a round black plate, and the background surface is a white marbled texture. The photo is clear and focused, capturing the details of the sandwich and the way the melted cheese slightly melts into the meat. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 pound chuck roast
Salt and black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
10.5 ounces can Campbell’s French onion soup
16 ounces jar sliced pepperoncini peppers
0.87 ounce au jus packet
1 ounce packet ranch dressing mix
8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
4 tablespoons butter, sliced
1-2 tablespoons butter or oil (for buns)
6 hoagie buns
6 slices provolone cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over high heat. Season the chuck roast on both sides with salt and black pepper. Sear the roast for 2-3 minutes per side until browned. (This step is optional but adds great flavor.)
Step 2: In a 6-quart or larger slow cooker, combine French onion soup, 1/2 cup of the pepperoncini juice (discard the rest), pepperoncini peppers, au jus packet, and ranch dressing mix. Add the seared roast to the slow cooker. Pour 1/4 cup water into the hot skillet, swirl to loosen browned bits, then pour this liquid into the slow cooker. Place sliced butter and mushrooms on top of the roast.
Step 3: Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours until the roast is tender. Remove the roast and shred it with forks. Return shredded beef to the slow cooker to soak in the juices.
Step 4: Preheat your broiler or toaster oven. Butter the hoagie buns lightly, then broil or toast them until golden. Add a slice of provolone cheese to each bun and melt it slightly under the broiler. Fill each bun with shredded beef and some pepperoncini peppers. Serve warm with the slow cooker juices on the side for dipping.

Tips & Variations

For extra richness, add a splash of red wine to the slow cooker mixture before cooking.
Substitute Swiss or mozzarella cheese if you prefer a different melt and flavor.
Serve with pickles or a side of coleslaw for added crunch and contrast.
If you don’t have pepperoncini, mild banana peppers make a good substitute.

Storage

Store leftover shredded beef and juices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep buns separate to avoid sogginess. Reheat the beef gently in a saucepan or microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to keep it moist. Assemble sandwiches fresh before serving.

How to Serve

The image shows several French dip sandwiches on crusty brown baguettes, cut in halves. Each sandwich has a layer of melted pale yellow cheese right inside the bread, topped with a generous amount of shredded, tender brown roast beef, filling the sandwiches fully. Around the sandwiches, there are pieces of mixed pickled vegetables in orange, white, and green colors, scattered on a white marbled textured surface. Next to the sandwiches, there is a clear glass bowl filled with a light brown broth with small oil bubbles on top, likely the dipping sauce. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?

Yes, you can cook the roast in a covered Dutch oven or heavy pot in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 3-4 hours until tender, following the same seasoning and liquid ingredients.

What type of bread works best for French Dip Sandwiches?

Traditional hoagie or sub rolls work best because they are sturdy enough to hold the juicy filling without falling apart. Any crusty sandwich roll will do.