Name: Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches with Garlic & Mushrooms
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3–4 lbs chuck roast or rump roast; 1 tbsp olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 large yellow onion, sliced; 8 oz mushrooms (cremini or button), sliced; 3 cups beef broth; 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1 bay leaf; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 6 hoagie rolls or sandwich buns; 6 slices provolone or Swiss cheese; Optional: fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches with Garlic & Mushrooms are the ultimate savory comfort food. Tender beef simmers all day with garlic, mushrooms, and herbs, creating a rich, flavorful au jus that’s perfect for dipping. Served on toasted rolls with melty cheese, this sandwich is everything I crave in a hearty, slow-cooked meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how effortlessly delicious these sandwiches are. The slow cooker does all the work, and by the time dinner rolls around, I have fall-apart beef, garlicky mushrooms, and a deep, savory broth that makes every bite irresistible. It’s great for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, and the dip-friendly format makes it fun and satisfying to eat.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chuck roast or rump roast
Olive oil
Garlic (minced)
Yellow onion (sliced)
Mushrooms (sliced – I use cremini or button)
Beef broth
Worcestershire sauce
Soy sauce (adds a rich umami flavor)
Dried thyme
Bay leaf
Salt and black pepper
Hoagie rolls or sandwich buns
Provolone or Swiss cheese slices
Optional: fresh parsley for garnish

Directions

I season the beef with salt and pepper, then sear it in a hot skillet with olive oil until browned on all sides. (This step adds extra flavor, but I skip it when I’m short on time.)
I add the beef to the slow cooker along with garlic, onions, mushrooms, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, thyme, and a bay leaf.
I cover and cook on low for 8–9 hours, or on high for 4–5 hours, until the beef is tender and easy to shred.
Once cooked, I remove the beef, shred it with two forks, and return it to the slow cooker to soak up the juices for another 10–15 minutes.
I toast hoagie rolls under the broiler with cheese slices until melted and golden.
I pile the shredded beef and mushrooms onto the rolls and serve each sandwich with a small bowl of the strained cooking liquid (au jus) for dipping.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 6 sandwiches. It takes around 15 minutes to prep and 8–9 hours on low (or 4–5 hours on high) to cook in the slow cooker. It’s mostly hands-off, so I can go about my day while it simmers.

Variations

Sometimes I add a splash of red wine to the broth for a deeper, richer flavor. I’ve also made a spicy version by adding red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. For a more classic French onion twist, I caramelize the onions first before adding them to the slow cooker. If I’m looking to lighten it up, I use leaner cuts of beef or serve the meat in lettuce wraps instead of rolls.

storage/reheating

Leftover beef stores beautifully. I keep it in an airtight container with the broth for up to 4 days in the fridge. To reheat, I simmer it gently in a saucepan with some of the broth or microwave it in short bursts with a bit of extra liquid to keep it moist. It also freezes well for up to 3 months—just store the meat and broth separately.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, I often cook the beef a day in advance and store it in the broth. The flavor deepens overnight, and it reheats perfectly.

What’s the best cut of beef for French dip sandwiches?

I prefer chuck roast because it becomes incredibly tender and flavorful, but rump roast or brisket works too.

Can I use different cheese?

Absolutely. Provolone is my go-to, but mozzarella, Swiss, or even cheddar melts well and adds different flavor profiles.

Do I need to sear the beef before slow cooking?

It’s optional, but I like to sear it for a richer, deeper flavor. If I’m in a hurry, I skip it and the recipe still turns out delicious.

How can I make this gluten-free?

I use gluten-free rolls and check that my broth, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce are gluten-free. Tamari is a great substitute for soy sauce.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches with Garlic & Mushrooms are one of my favorite cozy meals. With juicy beef, savory mushrooms, melted cheese, and that irresistible au jus for dipping, it’s the kind of sandwich that satisfies every craving. Whether I’m making it for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, this recipe never fails to impress.