Indulge in the Irresistible: Savory & Tender French Dip Subs
Unleash Your Taste Buds with these Flavor-Packed French Dip Subs. So, there are few things more satisfying than biting into a delicious, hearty sub sandwich. And, when that sub is a French Dip, the experience is taken to a whole new level of deliciousness. If you’ve never tried a French Dip sub, you’re missing out on one of the most mouth-watering sandwiches out there. In this recipe I show you how easy it really is to make using your slow cooker or crock pot.
At its core, a French Dip sub is a sandwich made with thinly shaved, or shredded beef, served on a soft sub roll. Then it is dipped in a flavorful au jus sauce. The result is a sandwich that is both savory and juicy, with a perfect balance of meaty and tangy flavors. The tang comes form the Worcestershire sauce added into the broth while slow cooking for hours, so the flavors marry into the beef.
Slow Cooked Beef For French Dip Subs
One of the things that makes a French Dip sub so special is simply, the beef. So, some people will take a short cut, and just use deli roast beef, and this option is ok… But, if you have ever tasted a restaurant quality – deliciously, juicy French Dip, then you know that deli Roast beef just doesn’t quite cut it. On a pinch, it works, but to take on the whole delicious experience that is The French Dip Sub, you must try it with low an slow cooked meat, right in the broth.
The best French Dip subs are made with high-quality beef that has been slow-cooked to perfection. This ensures that the meat is tender and flavorful, and that it can stand up to the rich, savory flavors of the au jus sauce.
Au Jus Sauce
Of course, the au jus sauce is what really sets a French Dip sub apart from other sandwiches. Made from beef broth and seasonings, the au jus sauce adds a rich, savory flavor to the sandwich that is impossible to resist. And, because the sub is meant to be dipped in the sauce before being eaten, every bite is infused with its deliciousness.
What Should I Top My French Dip Subs With?
The French Dip Sub Sandwich is meant to be simple to show off the flavors in the beef and Au Jus, but I do recommend Two Simple Toppings; Onions, and Cheese!
What Onions Should I choose?
Adding onions to your French Dip sub can be a great way to add extra flavor and texture to your sandwich. Here are a few ways to top your French Dip sub with onions:
- Onions cooked in the broth: Onions cooked in the broth with the meat absorb all the flavors of the broth and beef, so this option is my favorite, and also probably the easiest. Because you cook them in the slow cooker right along side the meat, and the flavors of the onion also enhance the flavor of the Au Jus, and beef.
- Caramelized onions: Caramelized onions are a great option for adding a sweet and savory flavor to your sandwich. To make them, slice a large onion thinly and cook them in a skillet with butter and a pinch of salt over low heat until they become soft, golden brown, and caramelized.
- Grilled onions: Grilled onions add a smoky, charred flavor to your French Dip sub.
- Raw onions: Raw onions can add a sharp, pungent flavor to your sandwich.
- Pickled onions: Pickled onions add a tangy, vinegary flavor to your French Dip sub.
No matter which way you choose to top your French Dip sub with onions, they are sure to add an extra layer of flavor and texture to your sandwich. So why not give one of these methods a try and take your French Dip sub to the next level?
What Cheese Should I Use?
Ah, yes…. Cheese. Cheese is such a delicious addition to a French Dip sub, also it adds another level of creamy and savory flavor to the sandwich. Here are just a few cheese options:
- Provolone: Provolone cheese is the most traditional cheese for a French Dip sub. Place enough slices of provolone cheese to top the roast beef, and then place the sandwich in the oven, under the broiler until the cheese is melted, browned, and bubbly.
- Swiss: Swiss cheese is another delicious option for a French Dip sub. Place some slices of Swiss cheese on top of the roast beef, and then place the sandwich in the oven or under a broiler until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Cheddar: Cheddar cheese can add a bold and sharp flavor to your French Dip sub. Shred some cheddar cheese, and then, sprinkle it on top of the roast beef, and melt, before dipping the sandwich in the au jus.
- Pepper jack: This is a spicier option, if you like a little kick, try topping your French Dip sub with pepper jack cheese. Place a slice or two of pepper jack cheese on top of the roast beef, and then place the sandwich in the oven or under a broiler until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
No matter which type of cheese you choose, it’s sure to add a delicious layer of flavor to your French Dip sub. So go ahead and experiment with different types of cheese to find your favorite!
What About The Bun, Does That Matter?
Well, of course the bun matters! In a pinch, you could use any old bun, but if you have the availability to make it at home from scratch, why not! Homemade sub buns can take your French Dip sub to the next level, as they offer a fresher, softer, and more flavorful base for the sandwich. I have a great recipe for Sub Buns HERE.
Ingredients To Make These French Dip Subs
- 2-3 Pound Chuck Roast (to make 4 sub sandwiches)
- 2 cups of beef broth
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 yellow onion, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 slices of Provolone Cheese
- 4 Hoagie Rolls or Sub Buns
- 2 TBSP softened butter, for the sub buns
- Pinch garlic salt, for the sub buns
Instructions To Make This Recipe
- In a slow cooker, add the chuck roast, and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Next, in a small bowl or measuring cup, add a bay leaf and Worcestershire sauce to the beef broth, and stir to combine.
- Then, add sliced Onions, and top with beef broth mixture.
- Cover lid, and then cook on LOW for 7 to 8 hours.
- Then, take the meat out into a separate bowl, and shred, I like to just use 2 large forks.
- You can throw the bay leaf away at this point, but save the onions and broth for later use.
- Cut your sub buns in half, hamburger style, and butter each cut side, then sprinkle with a bit of garlic salt. Brown in a medium- high skillet buttered side down until browned/toasted.
- Top one side with the shredded meat, then add some of the cooked onions, and lastly, add the slices of Provolone cheese. Leave the top of the sub bun off at this point.
- Broil cheese side up for about 1-3 minutes, or until the cheese is browned, melted, and bubbly.
- Dish out some of the broth, into heat safe bowls, and use to dip the subs in.
- Lastly, Enjoy!
Feel free to double or triple this recipe if you have a larger family. Or, if you like to make extra and have leftovers, because these French Dip Subs freeze really well.
But, don’t just take my word for it – try a French Dip sub for yourself and experience the magic firsthand. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunchtime bite or a hearty dinner option, a French Dip sub is the perfect choice. So why not treat yourself to one today? I promise, you won’t be disappointed.
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French Dip Subs, Slow Cooked From Scratch
Equipment
- 1 slow cooker
Ingredients
- 2-3 Pound Chuck Roast makes about 4 sub sandwiches
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 yellow onion sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 slices Provolone Cheese
- 4 Hoagie Rolls or Sub Buns
- 2 TBSP softened butter to butter buns
- Pinch garlic salt for the buns
Instructions
- In a slow cooker, add the chuck roast, and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- In a small bowl or measuring cup, add a bay leaf and Worcestershire sauce to the beef broth, and stir to combine.
- Then, add sliced Onions, and top with beef broth mixture.
- Cover lid, and then cook on LOW for 7 to 8 hours.
- Then, take the meat out into a separate bowl, and shred, I like to just use 2 large forks.
- You can throw the bay leaf away at this point, but save the onions and broth for later use.
- Cut your sub buns in half, hamburger style, and butter each cut side, then sprinkle with a bit of garlic salt. Brown in a medium- high skillet buttered side down until browned/toasted.
- Top one side with the shredded meat, then add some of the cooked onions, and lastly, add the slices of Provolone cheese. Leave the top of the sub bun off at this point.
- Broil cheese side up for about 1-3 minutes, or until the cheese is browned, melted, and bubbly.
- Dish out some of the broth, into heat safe bowls, and use to dip the subs in.
- Lastly, Enjoy!
Video
Notes
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Kara! This is the BEST sub roll recipe I tried! The rolls are so soft and fluffy 🙂 Thank you for this!
I am so happy to hear that! They are yummy, and sot, but still hold up to all the delicious toppings! Thank you so much!