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Close-up of delicious and cheesy French Dip Sliders, perfect for a party or quick dinner.

ULTIMATE FRENCH DIP SLIDERS

These French Dip Sliders are a miniaturized version of the classic sandwich, featuring tender roast beef and a flavorful au jus for dipping. The key is using homemade au jus and roasting the beef for maximum flavor and tenderness, ensuring a satisfying and delicious slider experience.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 12
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: American, French
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs beef chuck roast, bone-in if possible
  • 1 large onion, roughly chopped
  • 2 carrots, roughly chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, roughly chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 8 cups beef broth
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tbsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp black peppercorns
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • 2 lbs thinly sliced roast beef from the chuck roast or deli roast beef
  • 12 slider buns
  • 4 oz provolone cheese, sliced
  • Optional: Dijon mustard
  • Optional: Horseradish sauce

Equipment

  • Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Baking sheet
  • Fine-mesh sieve
  • Bowl
  • Two forks

Method
 

  1. Prepare the Au Jus: Pat the chuck roast dry and season generously with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the roast on all sides until deeply browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the roast and set aside.
  3. Add the onion, carrots, and celery to the Dutch oven and cook until softened and lightly browned, about 8-10 minutes. Add the garlic and tomato paste and cook for another minute, stirring constantly.
  4. Pour in the beef broth and water, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Add the bay leaves, thyme, and peppercorns.
  5. Return the roast to the Dutch oven. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 2.5-3 hours, or until the roast is fork-tender.
  6. Remove the roast from the Dutch oven and let it cool slightly. Shred the beef with two forks, discarding any large pieces of fat or gristle.
  7. Strain the au jus through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl, discarding the solids. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  8. Assemble the Sliders: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  9. Slice the slider buns in half. Place the bottom halves on a baking sheet.
  10. Top each bun with a generous amount of shredded roast beef and a slice of provolone cheese.
  11. Place the top halves of the buns on top.
  12. Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the buns are lightly toasted.
  13. Serve immediately with the warm au jus for dipping. Optional: Spread Dijon mustard or horseradish sauce on the buns before adding the beef.

Notes

For the best flavor, use a bone-in beef chuck roast and make your own au jus. Roasting the beef yourself ensures maximum tenderness. Toasting the buns lightly before assembling the sliders helps prevent them from becoming soggy. The au jus can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat the au jus, simply warm it in a saucepan over medium heat. You can also use deli roast beef as a shortcut, but the flavor and texture will not be as good as homemade roast beef. For a richer flavor, add a splash of red wine to the au jus during the simmering process.