This satisfying slow cooker French dip sandwich combines tender, slow-cooked beef, an amazing dipping sauce, melted Provolone, and wonderfully crusty French bread for an incredible sandwich experience. This comfort food sandwich takes the cake, or in this case, the sandwich.
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There have been numerous arguments about where this impressive sandwich came from. However, the fact that it is not a French invention is undisputed. The only thing French about this sandwich is the French bread and the word for meat juice, au jus.
I still remember the first time we tried this at a popular LA restaurant. The experience was the perfect blend of textures and flavors for what classifies as true comfort food.
The French Dip Debate
Cole’s Pacific Electric Buffet (now closed) and Philippe the Original (both LA restaurants that started operating in the early 1900s) continued arguing about who really invented the sandwich up until Cole’s closed.
Slow-cooked roast beef, caramelized onions, and Provolone cheese assembled in a crusty French roll, then dipped in a savory beef juice, packs an incredible amount of good stuff into one bite. Philippe’s restaurant has expanded the menu with pork, ham, and turkey with your choice of cheese, lamb with blue cheese, and pastrami with Swiss.
How to Make a French Dip Sandwich
- Season and slow cook the roast.
- Slice the beef, add it back to the juice, and heat it back up. Assemble the sandwiches, serve the juice on the side, and enjoy.
Recipe Tips and Twists
- Have a hot mustard sauce available for those who love more spice.
- Mayonnaise spiced with a little horseradish is also an excellent spread for this sandwich.
- If you’re looking for an elegant alternative, a small sourdough bread bowl hollowed out, filled with roast beef, drizzled with au jus, and topped with melty cheese is fantastic.
- Caramelize onions for another great topping. Count on one large onion per sandwich because onions shrink when cooked.
Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions
The meat is easier to slice if you have time to chill it in the refrigerator overnight. Add it back to the reheated au jus and assemble the sandwiches as usual.
Leftover beef with its juice will last in an airtight container for 3-4 days in the fridge or for 3-4 months in the freezer.
What to Serve With French Dip Sandwiches
Potato chips, fries, and onion rings are all traditional sides. We also love them with baked potato wedges and coleslaw or potato salad.
More Comforting Sandwich Recipes to Try
By Imma