There’s something undeniably comforting about a French dip sandwich – that perfect combination of savory meat, melted cheese, and rich au jus for dipping. But what if I told you that you could enjoy this classic without waiting hours for a roast to cook? My Slow Cooker Ground Beef French Dip Sandwiches bring all that delicious flavor in a fraction of the time.
This recipe transforms humble ground beef into something truly special. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, infusing the meat with deep, savory flavors while you go about your day. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want something that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, but actually requires minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This
- Uses affordable ground beef instead of expensive roasts
- Prep takes just 15 minutes, then the slow cooker does the work
- Rich, beefy flavor that tastes like it simmered all day
- Kid-friendly sandwich that adults will equally enjoy
- Leftovers make excellent lunches the next day
Ingredients
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup quick-cooking oats
- 1⅓ cups beef broth
- 1 envelope (1 oz) beefy onion soup mix
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 6 slices provolone cheese
- 6 brioche burger buns or slider rolls
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and sliced onions together, breaking up the beef as it cooks until no pink remains.
- Drain off any excess grease from the cooked beef and onion mixture to prevent your sandwiches from being too greasy.
- Add the drained beef mixture to your slow cooker, spreading it out evenly across the bottom.
- Stir in the quick oats, beef broth, onion soup mix, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper until everything is well combined.
- Cover and cook on low heat for 3-4 hours, allowing all the flavors to meld together and the mixture to thicken.
- About 15-20 minutes before serving, lay the provolone cheese slices over the top of the beef mixture and cover again to let it melt.
- While the cheese melts, lightly toast your brioche buns if desired. This helps prevent them from getting soggy.
- Spoon the cheesy beef mixture generously onto the bottom halves of your buns, then top with the other half. Serve with small bowls of the cooking liquid for dipping.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add 1-2 tablespoons of beef bouillon to the broth
- Substitute ground turkey for a lighter option, but add 1 tablespoon of olive oil for moisture
- Try different cheeses like Swiss, mozzarella, or pepper jack for variety
- Add sautéed mushrooms to the beef mixture for an earthy flavor boost
- For a make-ahead option, prepare the beef filling a day in advance and reheat before serving
- If you prefer a thicker consistency, stir in 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water during the last 30 minutes of cooking
Serving Suggestions
These hearty sandwiches are a meal on their own, but they pair beautifully with simple sides. Try serving with a crisp green salad dressed with vinaigrette to cut through the richness, or some homemade potato chips for extra crunch. For a pub-style meal, serve with a side of pickle spears and some french fries that can also be dipped in that delicious au jus.
Notes
- Store leftover beef mixture and broth separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days
- The broth should be rich and dark – if it seems too light in color or flavor, you can add a splash of additional Worcestershire sauce
- For best results, use rolls that have a crusty exterior and soft interior to hold up to dipping
- This recipe freezes well – portion the meat and broth separately for easy future meals
FAQs
Can I make this in an Instant Pot instead?
Yes! Brown the beef using the sauté function, then add remaining ingredients and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes with a natural release.
How can I make the broth more flavorful?
For deeper flavor, try adding 1-2 teaspoons of beef Better Than Bouillon paste, a splash of red wine, or some dried mushroom powder.
Can I use pre-cooked ground beef?
Yes, though you’ll miss some flavor from browning. If using pre-cooked beef, sauté the onions and garlic first before adding everything to the slow cooker.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat the meat in a covered skillet with a splash of the reserved broth. Warm the remaining broth separately, and toast fresh rolls for the best texture.
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