Hey y'all! If you're craving something savory, juicy, and packed with flavor for your next family dinner or game day gathering, these Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches are an absolute winner. The slow-cooked beef practically melts in your mouth, and with a side of rich au jus for dipping, these sandwiches are incredibly satisfying and easy to make. Whether you're feeding a crowd or just want a comforting weeknight meal, this recipe has you covered. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This
- Hands-off Cooking: Your crockpot does all the work—just set it and forget it!
- Irresistibly Tender Beef: The slow cooker turns a simple chuck roast into melt-in-your-mouth shreds.
- Family Favorite: These sandwiches are a hit with both kids and adults.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for dinner, game day, or a laid-back party platter.
- Incredible Flavor: Rich, savory au jus takes each bite to the next level.
Ingredients
- 3 pounds beef chuck roast
- 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 4 cups beef broth (low sodium preferred)
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 8 soft hoagie rolls
- 8 slices provolone cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions
Step 1: Sear the Beef
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chuck roast on all sides until deep brown, about 4-5 minutes per side. This adds extra flavor and locks in the juices.
Step 2: Prepare the Crockpot
Place sliced onions and garlic in the bottom of your crockpot. Lay the seared beef roast on top.
Step 3: Mix the Broth
In a bowl, whisk together beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, dijon mustard, thyme, rosemary, and black pepper. Pour this mixture over the beef and onions in the slow cooker.
Step 4: Slow Cook
Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours, until the meat is extremely tender and shreds easily with a fork.
Step 5: Shred the Beef
Remove the roast from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. Skim any fat from the surface of the au jus (broth) left in the crockpot.
Step 6: Assemble the Sandwiches
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pile shredded beef onto hoagie rolls, top with provolone cheese, and place them on a baking sheet. Bake for 3-4 minutes until the cheese melts and the rolls are toasty.
Step 7: Serve with Au Jus
Ladle some of the delicious au jus into small bowls for dipping. Garnish sandwiches with fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours
Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
Notes
- Searing the roast is optional but highly recommended for deeper flavor.
- Trim excess fat from the beef before cooking to result in a less greasy au jus.
- If you're short on time, use pre-sliced onions and pre-minced garlic for convenience.
Variations
- Spicy French Dip: Add 2-3 sliced pepperoncini peppers to the crockpot for a zesty kick.
- Mushroom Swiss French Dip: Mix in 1 cup of sliced mushrooms and use Swiss cheese instead of provolone.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free rolls and double-check sauces for gluten-free labeling.
Required Equipment
- Crockpot/slow cooker (6-quart recommended)
- Large skillet
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Aluminum foil or parchment paper (for baking)
Storage Instructions
Store leftover shredded beef and au jus in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat beef in the au jus on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through. Freeze leftovers for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations
- Serve with crisp homemade French fries, potato wedges, or kettle chips.
- A simple green salad or coleslaw pairs perfectly and balances the richness.
- Dip the sandwiches in warm au jus for the ultimate French dip experience!
Pro Tips
- Toast your rolls before assembling to prevent sogginess.
- Skim fat from the au jus before serving for a cleaner flavor.
- Layer cheese under the beef as well as on top for extra gooeyness.
FAQ
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes! Brisket or bottom round works well, but chuck roast yields the most tender results for Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely—cook and shred the beef up to 2 days in advance and reheat with au jus when ready to serve!
What should I do if the au jus is too salty?
If the broth tastes too salty, add extra unsalted beef broth or a splash of water to dilute before serving.
Ingredients
- 3 pounds beef chuck roast
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 packet onion soup mix (1 ounce)
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 6 hoagie rolls
- 6 slices provolone cheese
Instructions
-
1Season the beef chuck roast with salt and black pepper on all sides.
-
2Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the roast on all sides until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side.
-
3Transfer the roast to the crockpot. Add the beef broth, onion soup mix, and Worcestershire sauce.
-
4Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, or until the beef is very tender and easily shredded.
-
5Remove the beef from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. Return shredded beef to the crockpot to absorb juices.
-
6To serve, pile the shredded beef onto hoagie rolls, top with provolone cheese, and toast until melted. Serve sandwiches with a cup of strained cooking juices (au jus) for dipping.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
Did you make this recipe?
Please consider Pinning it!!
Leave a Reply