The Ultimate Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwich Recipe (Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free Options!)

Prepare for a culinary journey with this ultimate Slow Cooker French Dip sandwich recipe. This classic, hot sandwich has captivated taste buds for generations, and for an excellent reason: the irresistible combination of crunchy hoagie rolls brimming with flavorful, melt-in-your-mouth tender beef is simply unbeatable! Frustrated by the lack of genuinely from-scratch recipes that didn’t rely on pre-packaged mixes or canned soups, I embarked on a mission to create the BEST homemade version. After much experimentation, I’ve finally perfected a recipe that slow cooks all day, delivering sandwiches so rich and succulent they’re guaranteed to earn rave reviews. What’s more, this versatile recipe includes both regular and fantastic gluten-free and dairy-free options, ensuring that you can delight just about anyone in your crowd, regardless of their dietary needs.

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Why These Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches Are a Must-Try

There’s something uniquely satisfying about perfectly cooked beef, especially when it’s combined with a hearty carbohydrate. These French Dip sandwiches take that satisfaction to an entirely new level! Imagine fall-apart tender beef, slow-cooked for hours in the most incredibly rich and savory au jus broth you’ve ever tasted. The result is a truly scrumptious sandwich that will linger in your memory long after the last bite. Beyond its incredible flavor, this recipe is an easy, make-ahead meal that effortlessly feeds a large family or provides delicious leftovers. Simply set it in the morning and forget about it until dinner, creating the illusion that you’ve been toiling in the kitchen all day. It meets all my criteria for a truly GOOD dinner recipe: it’s easy, it’s undeniably delicious, and it’s wonderfully filling. Honestly, I’m already planning to request this for my birthday dinner, just as I used to celebrate with my beloved beef teriyaki. This Slow Cooker French Dip is quickly becoming a new family favorite and a celebratory dish.

Crafting Gluten-Free French Dip Sandwiches

Adapting recipes for dietary needs is something I’m very passionate about. My son has a wheat allergy, so ensuring his portion is safe and delicious is always a priority. For gluten-free French Dip sandwiches, the choice of roll is crucial. I highly recommend Schar Sandwich Rolls because their texture and structure closely resemble a traditional hoagie roll, providing that authentic French Dip experience. Beyond the bread, when preparing a gluten-free French Dip recipe, it’s essential to use gluten-free soy sauce. Additionally, always check the label on your Worcestershire sauce, as some brands may contain gluten. Otherwise, the core ingredients of this rich beef recipe are naturally gluten-free. However, a golden rule for managing food allergies is to scrutinize every single label for every ingredient you use. Gluten can sometimes appear in the most unexpected places, even in products you might assume are safe. A quick check always provides peace of mind and ensures a truly safe meal for everyone.

*If you don’t need this recipe to be gluten-free, feel free to use your favorite traditional French roll, sub roll, or hoagie bun for that classic experience.

Making French Dips Dairy-Free: Delicious Alternatives

Another common dietary consideration in our household is dairy, as my son also has a dairy allergy. This means the traditional melted Swiss or Provolone cheese, often considered a hallmark of a French Dip, isn’t an option for him. However, the beauty of this sandwich is that the incredibly flavorful, slow-cooked beef is truly the star of the show. To be honest, the meat is so savory and sensational that he often opts for no cheese at all, finding that most dairy-free cheeses simply don’t melt or taste quite like the real thing. When we do desire a white sliced cheese substitute, we’ve found success with Follow Your Heart Smoked Gouda, which offers a pleasant flavor. I’ve also heard excellent reviews about Violife’s Smoked Provolone Slices for their melt factor and taste. Feel free to use, or not use, whatever type of non-dairy cheese best suits your preference in this beloved family favorite. The heart of the French Dip remains the tender beef and rich au jus, making it incredibly satisfying with or without cheese.

Choosing the Best Beef Bouillon for Your Au Jus

The secret to an exceptional au jus lies in the quality of your beef bouillon. I’ve been a long-time and loyal fan of Orrington Farms for both their chicken and beef bouillon. They label their product as a soup base, but it functions identically to traditional bouillon. What I particularly love about their beef bouillon is its powdered form; it saves me from hauling heavy quarts of liquid home from the store. More importantly, it delivers a robust, authentic beef flavor that is absolutely essential for a rich au jus, and it’s reliably free of both gluten and dairy. While I highly recommend it, please feel free to use your preferred brand if you have another favorite. Just remember to check the labels if you’re catering to specific allergies. I typically find Orrington Farms products readily available at my local Walmart or conveniently on Amazon.

Slow Cooker vs. Instant Pot: The Best Method for French Dip

Trust me, I am a huge proponent of the Instant Pot. I even have an Allergy Friendly Instant Pot Cookbook! However, when it comes to this specific French Dip recipe, if I had to choose just one appliance, I would unequivocally pick the Slow Cooker. There’s simply no substitute for the way low and slow cooking tenderizes beef. I’ve experimented with various timings and settings in the Instant Pot, and while it’s faster, it has never quite achieved that truly fall-apart, effortlessly shreddable texture that the slow cooker consistently produces. That signature tenderness is key to an authentic and delightful French Dip experience. You are absolutely welcome to use your Instant Pot if it’s your preferred cooking method, especially when time is of the essence. However, for the most tender, succulent beef that practically melts in your mouth, I strongly recommend planning ahead and opting for the slow cooker version (also known as a crock pot).

To Sear or Not to Sear: The Roast Debate

Many recipes advocate for searing your roast before slow cooking, claiming it seals in juices and adds flavor. However, for this particular French Dip recipe, I do not sear the roast, and here’s why. Because the beef cooks low and slow for many hours, and thanks to the thoughtful blend of aromatic spices and herbs, the roast develops incredible flavor and tenderness without the need for an extra step. Skipping the sear means one less dirty dish and no dealing with hot oil splatters. Furthermore, culinary experts often debunk the myth of searing. As noted on The Kitchn, “Contrary to widely held belief, searing meat doesn’t actually seal moisture inside the cut of meat or result in a juicier finished dish.” While searing certainly won’t hurt the outcome if you prefer to do it, rest assured that the slow cooker alone will produce incredibly tender, flavorful meat that will make your taste buds sing with delight. Speaking of tender meat, you’ll also love the amazing tenderness of my meatball recipe.

The Ideal Cut of Roast for Perfect French Dip

For this truly great French Dip recipe, my absolute preferred cut of beef is a chuck roast. This cut is perfect because it contains just the right amount of fat and connective tissue, which, when cooked low and slow in the crock pot, breaks down beautifully, resulting in incredibly tender, moist, and flavorful shredded beef. Anywhere between 2 to 3 pounds works perfectly for this recipe, and honestly, you could even stretch it to four pounds if you’re feeding a larger crowd or simply desire more delicious leftovers. The size you choose can depend on the number of people you’re serving or how much of this irresistible sandwich meat you want for later meals. For my family of six, a 2 to 3-pound chuck roast consistently provides a satisfying dinner with some delightful leftover meat, which is always a bonus!

Ingredients for a Delicious From-Scratch Gluten-Free French Dip Recipe

Creating the most amazing, rich au jus sauce from scratch was a challenge, primarily because almost EVERY. SINGLE. RECIPE. I found online relied heavily on au jus mix packets or canned French onion soup. Not only did these often contain wheat or dairy, making them unsuitable for our family’s allergies, but I also wanted to control the ingredients and avoid being dependent on pre-made products. There’s immense satisfaction in crafting something delicious purely from pantry staples, knowing exactly what goes into it and being able to adjust the salt to your preference. The result exceeded all expectations – it turned out even better than any French Dip I’ve ever had! All you need are these simple yet powerful ingredients:

• 2-3 pounds beef chuck roast
• Salt and black pepper (liberally seasoned on the roast)
• Dried onion flakes
• Beef bouillon granules
• Gluten-free soy sauce (or regular soy sauce if dietary needs allow)
• Worcestershire sauce (ensure it’s gluten-free if necessary)
• Jarred minced garlic (or fresh garlic cloves, minced)
• Dried oregano leaves
• Dried thyme
• Onion powder
• Dried parsley flakes
• Dried rosemary
• Celery seed
• Water
• Swiss or provolone cheese slices (refer to the dairy-free options section above if needed)
• Hoagies or sub rolls (refer to the gluten-free options section above for alternatives)

Essential Tools for Your From-Scratch French Dip Recipe

To prepare this incredible French Dip sandwich, you’ll need a few standard kitchen tools. Most of these are likely already in your kitchen, making this recipe even more accessible. Here’s a list to help you get started:

• **Slow cooker/crock pot:** Ensure it’s large enough to comfortably fit your chuck roast along with five cups of water.
• **Cutting board:** A sturdy surface for preparing your roast and assembling sandwiches.
• **Chef’s knife:** Essential for trimming any excess fat from the roast before cooking.
• **Two forks:** The perfect tools for effortlessly shredding the tender, slow-cooked beef.
• **Oven or toaster oven:** For toasting your hoagie rolls to golden perfection and melting the cheese.
• **Cookie sheet/baking sheet:** To hold your rolls during the toasting and broiling process.
• **Hot pads/oven mitts:** To safely handle hot baking sheets and pans.
• **Small bowls:** Individual bowls for serving the rich au jus sauce for dipping.
• **Fine mesh strainer:** Crucial for straining the broth to remove herbs and spices, leaving you with a smooth, clear au jus.

How to Assemble Your Easy French Dip Sandwiches

Once your beef has slow-cooked to perfection, the final step is assembling these glorious sandwiches. Follow these easy steps for a truly satisfying meal:

• **Prepare the Beef:** Once the meat has finished slow cooking and is fork-tender, carefully move the slow cooker setting to “warm.” Remove the succulent roast and place it on a large cutting board.
• **Strain the Au Jus:** Using a fine mesh strainer, carefully strain the rich cooking broth into a separate bowl. This step ensures all the herbs and spices are discarded, leaving you with a beautifully smooth and clear au jus sauce. Ladle some of this glorious liquid into individual small bowls for dipping. Crucially, ensure there’s still plenty of broth remaining in the slow cooker to keep the shredded beef moist and flavorful; you never want it to sit dry.
• **Shred and Return Beef:** Using two forks, easily shred the tender beef roast. Once shredded, return it to the slow cooker, allowing it to remain warm and absorb even more of those delicious leftover juices.
• **Prepare the Rolls:** Take your chosen hoagie or sub rolls (or gluten-free alternatives) and cut them in half lengthwise if they aren’t already split.
• **Add Cheese & Toast:** Place both halves of the bread face up on a cookie sheet. If desired, generously top each half with your cheese of choice (Swiss, Provolone, or your preferred dairy-free option).
• **Broil to Perfection:** Transfer the baking sheet to the top rack of your oven or toaster oven and broil for just a minute or two. Watch closely! The goal is for the cheese to melt beautifully and the bread to achieve a perfect golden-brown toast.
• **Assemble the Sandwich:** Carefully remove the toasted bread from the oven. Load one side of the bread generously with the warm, tender shredded roast beef.
• **Serve:** Place the other half of the bread on top to complete your sandwich. Serve immediately, piping hot, with a side of the incredible au jus (the flavorful cooking juices) for dipping. This dipping ritual is what makes a French Dip truly special!

French Dip Sandwich Recipe Video Tutorial

Yes, I do! I understand that seeing a recipe come to life can be incredibly helpful. That’s why I’ve filmed a detailed video tutorial specifically for this French Dip sandwich recipe. The video should automatically pop up on your screen. If it doesn’t, you can also find it conveniently located at the bottom of the recipe card section. And, if all else fails, you can always head over to my YouTube Channel to watch it there. Enjoy the visual guide to creating your perfect French Dip!

Explore More Delicious Slow Cooker Recipes

Oh yes, I certainly do! The slow cooker is truly a game-changer in the kitchen, offering the incredible convenience of setting it and forgetting it. Imagine coming home after a long, busy day to a delicious, hot dinner patiently waiting for you – it’s pure culinary magic! All of my slow cooker recipes are developed with gluten-free and dairy-free options in mind, ensuring they cater to various dietary needs without compromising on flavor. However, feel free to substitute back in regular ingredients if your diet allows; the dishes will still turn out incredibly tasty. There’s nothing quite like serving a dinner that the entire family will wholeheartedly love! Dive into some of these other fantastic slow cooker recipes:

• Slow Cooker Pork Tacos
• Slow Cooker Creamy Green Chile Chicken
• Slow Cooker 4 Ingredient Pulled Chicken Sandwiches
• Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala
• Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Casserole
• Slow Cooker San Francisco Pork Chops
• Slow Cooker Green Chile Enchilada Soup
• Slow Cooker Chocolate Lava Cake
• Slow Cooker Hot Cocoa

Storing and Reheating French Dip Leftovers

One of the many joys of this French Dip recipe is how wonderfully the leftovers taste! To keep that juicy meat and rich au jus fresh, store them in an airtight container in your refrigerator, kept separate from the bread and cheese. This will maintain its deliciousness for 2-3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply warm up the desired amount of beef and broth in the microwave or on the stovetop. While that’s reheating, toast your bread and melt your cheese as you did for the initial assembly. Once everything is warm and perfectly toasted, assemble your sandwich and devour! You’ll feel like you’ve just stepped into your favorite sandwich shop, all from the comfort of your home. It’s perfect for a quick, gourmet-level lunch or dinner the next day.

*Be sure to leave a star rating after you’ve tried the recipe by clicking the stars in the recipe card below.

CROCK POT FRENCH DIP FROM SCRATCH + VIDEO (GF, DF OPTION)

Yield:
8

Prep Time:
5 minutes

Cook Time:
6 hours

Additional Time:
20 minutes

Total Time:
6 hours 25 minutes

This classic, hot sandwich has withstood the test of time and for good reason: crunchy hoagie rolls loaded with flavorful, tender beef just can’t be beat! I could never find a from-scratch recipe which drove me crazy. I didn’t want to just use some package or can and I’ve finally found the BEST recipe that slow cooks all day to give you sandwiches that will get rave reviews. This recipe also has regular AND gluten free and dairy free options too–so you can feed just about anyone in your crowd.

Ingredients

• 2-3 pounds chuck beef roast
• salt and black pepper (to liberally put on each side of the roast)
• 1/2 cup dried onion flakes
• 5 Tablespoons beef bouillon granules
• 1/4 cup gluten-free soy sauce (or regular if you can have gluten)
• 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce (gluten-free if needed)
• 8 cloves garlic (4 tsp jarred minced garlic)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/2 teaspoon celery seed
• 5 cups water
• Swiss or provolone cheese slices (or dairy-free if needed, see above for options)
• Hoagies or sub rolls (see above for gluten-free options)

Instructions

1. Liberally salt and pepper both sides of your roast.

2. Place it inside of your slow cooker (also known as a crock pot).

3. Pour all of the spices on top of the roast.

4. Pour the water next to the roast.

5. Turn the slow cooker to low and cook 6-8 hours, or until fork tender.

6. Remove the roast and shred, cut off and discard any large pieces of fat.

7. Take a fine mesh strainer and strain the herbs and spices (optional).

8. Place the shredded meat back in the sauce.

9. Cut the buns/hoagies in half (if not already done). Place on a baking sheet face up.

10. Cover with halves of bread with cheese slices (or dairy free cheese) if desired.

11. Broil for a minute or two (watch closely!) until cheese is melted and bread is toasted. (FYI: dairy-free cheese will not melt as much as regular cheese.)

12. Remove from the oven, and place the shredded meat on top of one side of the bread, and then place the other on top.

13. Serve hot, with a small bowl full of the delicious au jus sauce (the juice it cooked in) for dipping.

14. Store leftover meat and au jus sauce in the fridge in an airtight container for 2-3 days. Keep bread and cheese stored separately. When ready to eat, reheat as much meat and sauce as you need, and toast the bread and cheese and assemble as before.

Enjoy!

Notes

*Note–if you need it fish free, omit the Worcestershire

For frequently asked questions and substitutions see the text above the recipe.

Be sure to watch the video to see how to make it.

*Our allergies, while severe and that get re-tested frequently, are such that we can go strictly by what’s on the label. I do not call companies to see what things are derived from, or call manufacturers to see about potential cross contact. If your allergies require you to do so, please do your own homework. I cannot assure you of any ingredient’s safety, only you can do that. I simply share what works for our family

**If you are going to feed this to someone with food allergies, and you yourself do not have food allergies, I HIGHLY recommend having them check every single brand and ingredient you are using, to ensure they’re OK with each part of the recipe. And, to make sure you’ve talked to them about how to avoid cross contamination in your kitchen.

Adapted from: Eazypeazymeals’s French Dips

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 8
Serving Size: 1

Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 611Total Fat: 27gSaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 213mgSodium: 2123mgCarbohydrates: 21gFiber: 2gSugar: 4gProtein: 72g

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