Slow-Cooker French Dip Sandwiches

Total Time

Prep: 15 min. Cook: 8 hours

Makes

12 servings

Updated: Jun. 23, 2023
These slow-cooker French dip sandwiches make a standout addition to any buffet line. Make sure to have plenty of small cups of broth for everyone to grab. Dipping perfection! —Holly Neuharth, Mesa, Arizona
Slow-Cooker French Dip Sandwiches Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Ingredients

  • 1 beef rump or bottom round roast (about 3 pounds)
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Creole seasoning
  • 1 carton (26 ounces) beef stock
  • 12 whole wheat hoagie buns, split
  • 6 ounces Havarti cheese, cut into 12 slices

Directions

  1. Cut roast in half. Mix onion powder, garlic powder and Creole seasoning; rub onto beef. Place in a 5-qt. slow cooker; add stock. Cook, covered, on low until meat is tender, 8-10 hours.
  2. Remove beef; cool slightly. Skim fat from cooking juices. When cool enough to handle, shred beef with 2 forks and return to slow cooker.
  3. Place buns on ungreased baking sheets, cut side up. Using tongs, place beef on bun bottoms. Place cheese on bun tops. Broil 3-4 in. from heat until cheese is melted, 1-2 minutes. Close sandwiches; serve with cooking juices.

Slow-Cooker French Dip Sandwiches Tips

Can you sear the meat before putting it in the slow cooker?

Not every slow-cooker pot roast recipe requires you to sear the meat before cooking, but doing so can add more flavor to your final dish. Here are some more tips for making the best slow-cooker pot roasts.

Can you use other kinds of meat to make slow-cooker French dip sandwiches?

This recipe uses a beef rump or bottom round roast, but you could use another economical beef cut, such as chuck roast. Learn more about the different cuts of meat and when to use them—plus, some thoughts to keep in mind once you’re ready to cook.

Can you make the meat for slow-cooker French dip sandwiches in an Instant Pot?

There’s no one-size-fits-all rule for making slow cooker to Instant Pot conversions. It depends on your appliance, the ingredients you’re using, and even the particular cut and weight of the meat you’re using—so you’ll likely have to do some experimenting. As a guide, Instant Pot typically recommends 20-25 minutes per 1 pound of roast. Here are some more tips on how to convert your slow-cooker recipes for the Instant Pot.

—Maggie Knoebel, Taste of Home Culinary Assistant

Nutrition Facts

1 sandwich with 1/3 cup juices: 456 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 81mg cholesterol, 722mg sodium, 50g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 7g fiber), 35g protein.