Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches Recipe

Introduction

These Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches are rich, juicy, and packed with slow-cooked flavor. With minimal prep and maximum comfort, they’re perfect for chilly days, family dinners, or meal prep. Don’t forget the savory au jus for dipping!

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2½ to 3 pounds beef chuck roast
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 (1-ounce) packets dry onion soup mix
• 2 cups water
• 2 (14.5-ounce) cans beef broth (or Better-than-Bouillon)
• 6–8 crusty rolls (like ciabatta or hoagie)
• 6–8 slices Swiss or provolone cheese

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the beef chuck roast generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Sear each side for 1–2 minutes until nicely browned. This step is optional but adds depth of flavor.
2. Step 2: Transfer the seared beef along with any pan drippings to your slow cooker. Sprinkle the dry onion soup mix evenly over the beef. Pour in the water and beef broth. Cover and cook on HIGH for 4–6 hours or LOW for 8–10 hours, until the meat is fork-tender.
3. Step 3: Remove the beef from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Keep the cooking liquid for the au jus.
4. Step 4: Slice the crusty rolls and pile them with shredded beef. Top each sandwich with a slice of Swiss or provolone cheese.
5. Step 5: Place the assembled sandwiches on a baking sheet. Broil for 2–3 minutes until the cheese melts and the rolls are toasted. Watch closely to avoid burning.
6. Step 6: Ladle the hot broth from the slow cooker into small bowls. Serve the sandwiches alongside for dipping into the flavorful au jus.

Tips & Variations

• Use brisket instead of chuck roast for a richer flavor; slice thin if it doesn’t shred easily.
• Skip searing to save time, though the flavor won’t be as deep.
• If using a frozen roast, increase the cooking time by about 2 hours to ensure tenderness.
• Choose crusty rolls like ciabatta to hold up better when dipped in the au jus.
• Use a fat separator for a lighter, cleaner au jus.
• Line your slow cooker with a crockpot liner for easy cleanup.

Storage

Store leftover shredded beef and au jus separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove to preserve tenderness. You can also freeze both beef and broth for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

What cut of meat is good for French dip sandwiches?

Beef chuck roast is ideal because it shreds easily and soaks up flavors well. Brisket is another popular choice but should be sliced thin if it doesn’t shred easily.

How do you make simple beef dip in a slow cooker?

Combine seared beef, dry onion soup mix, water, and beef broth in the slow cooker. Cook until the beef is fork-tender, shred it, and serve with the cooking juices as dipping au jus.

Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches Recipe

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These Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches feature rich, juicy beef chuck roast slow-cooked to tender perfection and served on crusty rolls with melted Swiss or provolone cheese. Accompanied by savory au jus for dipping, these sandwiches are a comforting and easy meal perfect for chilly days, family dinners, or meal prep.

• Author: Nethan
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 hours
• Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6–8 sandwiches 1x
• Category: Slow Cooker Recipes
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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For the Beef and Broth

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2½ to 3 pounds beef chuck roast
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 (1-ounce) packets dry onion soup mix
• 2 cups water
• 2 (14.5-ounce) cans beef broth (or Better-than-Bouillon)

For the Sandwiches

• 6–8 crusty rolls (such as ciabatta or hoagie)
• 6–8 slices Swiss or provolone cheese

Instructions

1. Sear the Beef (Optional but Recommended): Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season beef generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Sear each side of the chuck roast for 1–2 minutes until nicely browned. This step adds depth of flavor but can be skipped for quicker prep.
2. Slow Cook Until Tender: Place the seared beef and any pan drippings into your slow cooker. Sprinkle the dry onion soup mix evenly over the roast. Pour in water and beef broth. Cover and cook on HIGH for 4–6 hours or on LOW for 8–10 hours until the beef is fork-tender and shreddable.
3. Shred and Assemble with Cheese: Remove the cooked beef from the slow cooker and transfer it to a large bowl. Using two forks, shred the meat. Slice the crusty rolls in half and pile each with the shredded beef. Top each sandwich with a slice of Swiss or provolone cheese.
4. Broil for the Perfect Finish: Place assembled sandwiches on a baking sheet. Broil them in the oven for 2–3 minutes, watching carefully, until the cheese is melted and the rolls are toasted to your liking.
5. Serve with Au Jus: Ladle the broth from the slow cooker into small bowls or cups to serve alongside the sandwiches. Dip your sandwich bites into this hot, flavorful au jus for the classic French dip experience.

Notes

• Brisket can be used instead of chuck roast; slice thin if it doesn’t shred easily.
• Skip searing the roast to save time, though searing adds deeper flavor.
• If using a frozen roast, increase cooking time by about 2 hours to ensure tenderness.
• Use a fat separator to remove excess fat from the au jus for a lighter, more appealing dipping broth.
• Crusty ciabatta rolls hold up better for dipping compared to soft rolls, but soft hoagies also work well.
• Using crockpot liners makes clean-up quick and easy.

Keywords: Crockpot, French Dip, Slow Cooker, Beef Sandwich, Au Jus, Comfort Food, Sandwiches, Easy Dinner