Crock Pot French Dip Sandwiches

There’s something truly comforting about a warm, juicy French dip sandwich. The tender, slow-cooked beef, infused with rich flavors, piled high on a toasted roll, and served with a side of savory au jus for dipping—it’s the ultimate cozy meal. Whether you’re making this for a casual family dinner or serving it up for a game-day feast, this slow cooker French dip recipe is a surefire crowd-pleaser.

One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to make. The slow cooker does most of the work, allowing the beef to become incredibly tender and flavorful over several hours. This means you can go about your day and return to a meal that tastes like it’s been simmering in a gourmet kitchen. Pair it with crispy fries, a simple side salad, or just enjoy it on its own—either way, it’s delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Set It and Forget It – The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, making this a stress-free meal.
• Juicy, Flavorful Beef – Cooking the beef low and slow ensures that it turns out perfectly tender and packed with flavor.
• Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for a family dinner, a cozy weekend meal, or even meal prepping for the week.
• Homemade Au Jus – The cooking juices create the most delicious dipping sauce that takes this sandwich to the next level.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 3-4 lbs beef chuck roast
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 3 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 4-6 hoagie rolls
• 6 slices provolone cheese

How to Make Crock Pot French Dip Sandwiches

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

Start by seasoning your beef chuck roast with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme. This ensures that every bite of your sandwich is full of flavor. If you have a few extra minutes, searing the beef in a hot skillet before placing it in the slow cooker will give it a beautiful crust and deepen the flavors.

Step 2: Assemble Ingredients in the Slow Cooker

Place the sliced onions at the bottom of the slow cooker. This creates a delicious flavor base and prevents the beef from sticking. Lay the seasoned beef chuck roast on top of the onions. Then, pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce. These ingredients combine to create a rich, savory broth that will later be used as the dipping sauce.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours until the beef is tender and easily shreds with a fork. The longer cooking time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 4: Shred the Beef

Once the beef is fully cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker so it can soak up even more of the flavorful juices.

Step 5: Toast the Hoagie Rolls

For the best texture, lightly toast the hoagie rolls before assembling the sandwiches. You can do this by placing them under the broiler for a minute or two or toasting them in a dry skillet until golden brown.

Step 6: Assemble the Sandwiches

Using tongs, pile the shredded beef onto each hoagie roll. Top with a slice of provolone cheese and place the sandwiches under the broiler for about 1-2 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 7: Serve with Au Jus

Strain the cooking liquid to remove the onions and pour the remaining broth into small bowls for dipping. Serve each sandwich with a side of this flavorful au jus and enjoy!

Helpful Tips

• Searing for Extra Flavor – If you have time, sear the beef before adding it to the slow cooker. This enhances the depth of flavor.
• Choose the Right Bread – A sturdy hoagie roll works best, as it holds up well against the juicy beef and dipping sauce.
• Make it Spicy – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños for a kick of heat.
• Cheese Options – While provolone is the classic choice, Swiss or mozzarella are also great alternatives.
• Make it Ahead – This dish stores well, making it perfect for meal prep. Simply reheat the beef and assemble fresh sandwiches when needed.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 hours
• Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 4-6 sandwiches
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooker
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Meat-based

Notes

• If you prefer a thicker dipping sauce, you can simmer the au jus on the stove for a few minutes to reduce it slightly.
• Leftovers can be used for tacos, beef bowls, or even added to a salad for extra protein.

Nutritional Information

(Per sandwich, approximate)

• Calories: 480
• Protein: 38g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fat: 18g
• Sodium: 970mg
• Fiber: 2g

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes! While chuck roast is ideal because of its marbling and tenderness, you can also use brisket or rump roast.

How do I store leftovers?

Store the shredded beef and au jus in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the beef and broth separately for up to 3 months.

How do I reheat French dip sandwiches?

Reheat the beef in a skillet with a little of the au jus to keep it moist. Toast fresh hoagie rolls, assemble the sandwiches, and warm them under the broiler for a minute before serving.

Can I make this in an Instant Pot?

Yes! To adapt this recipe for an Instant Pot, sear the beef using the sauté function, then add all the ingredients. Cook on high pressure for 60 minutes, followed by a natural release for 15 minutes.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store shredded beef and au jus separately in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm the beef in a skillet with some au jus over medium heat or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.

Related Recipes

If you loved these Crock Pot French Dip Sandwiches, you’ll definitely enjoy these other comforting slow cooker meals:

• Crispy Cheesy Ground Beef Tacos
• Classic Philly Cheesesteak
• Cheesy Ground Beef Delight Wrap with Creamy Sauce
• Philly Cheesesteak Wrap

Conclusion

These Crock Pot French Dip Sandwiches are the ultimate combination of simplicity and flavor. The slow-cooked beef is incredibly tender, the au jus is rich and savory, and the melty cheese on a toasted roll makes each bite absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a comforting meal, this recipe is a winner every time. Try it once, and it just might become a regular in your meal rotation!

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