There’s something so comforting about a hearty sandwich, especially when it’s as flavorful as this Crockpot French Dip. Picture this: tender beef simmered all day in a savory broth, then piled high on a soft, toasted roll, ready to be dipped into a rich au jus. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel all cozy inside—like a big, warm hug you can eat. This is the ultimate crowd-pleasing dish for busy days, game nights, or even just a cozy dinner at home. Trust me, you’re going to want to make this one over and over!
Why You’ll Love Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about convenience and comfort. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight meal or something to feed a crowd, this dish checks all the boxes. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Perfect for feeding a group or just making enough for the family. You can even adjust the size of the beef roast depending on how many you’re serving!
Budget-Friendly: A simple chuck roast is the star of the show, and it cooks low and slow to become melt-in-your-mouth tender without breaking the bank.
Quick and Easy: Let the Crockpot do all the work. Just throw everything in and let it simmer while you go about your day. Easy, right?
Customizable: Whether you like your sandwich with provolone, Swiss, or a good ol’ cheddar, this recipe is perfect for tweaking with your favorite cheese.
Crowd-Pleasing: You can never go wrong with French Dip Sandwiches. They’re a surefire hit at parties, and even picky eaters will love them.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make your Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches:
- Beef Chuck Roast: The star of this dish! A well-marbled chuck roast becomes incredibly tender after slow cooking, making it the perfect base for these sandwiches.
- Beef Broth: Adds that rich, savory flavor to the dipping sauce (au jus) that everyone loves.
- Worcestershire Sauce: This adds a delicious depth of flavor and a hint of tanginess to the beef.
- Garlic: For that aromatic, savory goodness that pairs perfectly with the beef.
- Onions: Sweet onions, sautéed and softened, give the dish extra flavor and a slight sweetness.
- French Rolls or Baguettes: These are the perfect vessel to hold all the tender beef and gooey cheese.
- Cheese (Provolone, Swiss, or Cheddar): Choose your favorite to melt on top of the beef for that gooey, delicious finish.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this delicious Crockpot masterpiece:
Sear the Beef: Start by searing the beef chuck roast in a hot pan until it’s browned on all sides. This step locks in flavor and creates a beautiful crust on the beef.
Add to the Crockpot: Place the browned beef roast into the Crockpot. Pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic. Add the onions and stir everything around.
Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours, until the beef is fork-tender and easily shreds.
Shred the Beef: Once the beef is done, remove it from the Crockpot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded beef back into the slow cooker to soak up all the flavorful juices.
Toast the Rolls: While the beef is soaking up all that flavor, slice your French rolls or baguettes in half. Toast them in the oven for a few minutes until golden brown.
Assemble the Sandwiches: Pile the shredded beef onto your toasted rolls, add a slice of cheese, and let it melt. For extra richness, you can drizzle some of the au jus from the Crockpot over the top.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve the sandwiches with a side of the au jus for dipping. The tender beef, melted cheese, and savory broth make each bite irresistible.
How to Serve Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches
This dish is perfect on its own, but here are a few sides to complete the meal:
Chips: Crispy potato chips or French fries make a great side to dip into the au jus.
Coleslaw: A crunchy, tangy slaw balances the richness of the French Dip perfectly.
Pickles: Serve with some dill pickles for a little extra zing!
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots or potatoes are a comforting side that pairs well with the hearty sandwich.
Additional Tips
- Make it Spicy: Add some sliced jalapeños or hot sauce to kick up the heat and give your French Dip a spicy twist.
- Add Extra Flavor: If you like your sandwiches extra savory, top with caramelized onions or sautéed mushrooms for added depth.
- Meal Prep: You can easily make a double batch and store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Just reheat and serve!
- Freezing Tip: Freeze any leftover shredded beef for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat for a quick and easy meal later.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different cut of beef?
A1: Yes! You can use a round roast or brisket, but chuck roast is ideal for its tenderness and flavor.
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! You can cook the beef the day before and store it in the fridge. Reheat when you’re ready to assemble your sandwiches.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Yes! Freeze the shredded beef and broth for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat when you’re ready to serve.
Q5: How do I reheat the beef?
A5: Reheat the shredded beef on the stove in its au jus, or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
Q6: Can I make this recipe without cheese?
A6: Of course! You can enjoy the sandwiches without cheese or top them with a non-dairy option if you prefer.
Q7: Can I use a different type of bread?
A7: Yes! You can use hoagie rolls, ciabatta, or any bread you like. Just make sure it’s sturdy enough to hold all the filling!
Q8: Can I add extra veggies to the sandwich?
A8: Yes! Add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or even spinach for added flavor and texture.
Q9: Can I cook the beef on high instead of low?
A9: Yes! If you’re in a rush, you can cook it on high for about 4-5 hours, but low and slow is ideal for the most tender beef.
Q10: Can I use store-bought au jus mix?
A10: Absolutely! If you want to save time, you can use store-bought au jus mix instead of making your own from scratch.
Conclusion
Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches are a total winner when it comes to comfort food. The combination of tender beef, gooey cheese, and savory au jus makes each bite better than the last. Whether you’re making them for a family dinner or a crowd, these sandwiches are sure to impress. Give them a try—you won’t regret it!
PrintCrockpot French Dip Sandwiches
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7-8 hours (low) or 4-5 hours (high)
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches are the ultimate comfort food. Slow-cooked beef in savory broth results in tender, juicy meat that’s perfect for dipping. Served on a toasted roll with melted cheese, this is the ideal healthy dinner recipe or quick lunch idea for busy days. Easy to prepare and full of flavor, these sandwiches are perfect for a healthy homemade meal that’s both satisfying and flavorful.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast
- 1 packet au jus gravy mix (or homemade if preferred)
- 1 packet ranch dressing mix (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 onion (sliced)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 4 French rolls or hoagie buns
- 4 slices provolone cheese (or cheese of choice)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the crockpot: Place the beef chuck roast in the crockpot. Sprinkle the ranch dressing mix (if using) and au jus gravy mix over the roast.
- Add liquids: Pour the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce over the roast. Add the sliced onion around the beef.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the meat is tender and shreds easily.
- Shred the beef: Remove the beef from the crockpot and shred it with two forks.
- Prepare the sandwiches: Toast the French rolls or hoagie buns. Divide the shredded beef between the rolls, and top with a slice of provolone cheese.
- Serve: Serve the sandwiches with the au jus broth from the crockpot for dipping. Enjoy!
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add a few dashes of hot sauce to the au jus.
- You can use other cheese options like Swiss or mozzarella if preferred.
- Make sure to shred the beef right before serving to maintain its juicy texture.
- These sandwiches can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg