Crock Pot French Dip Sandwiches are comfort food at its finest—tender, slow-cooked beef packed with flavor, nestled inside soft sandwich rolls, and served with a rich, savory au jus for dipping. These sandwiches are all about ease and satisfaction, with the meat becoming juicy and perfect after hours of slow cooking in the crock pot.
I love making these for busy weekends when I want dinner ready to go without standing over the stove. The best part is waking up to the house smelling like a cozy deli, and by dinner time, the meat is so tender it practically falls apart. I also like to sneak in some caramelized onions for a little sweetness and extra yum.
When I serve these sandwiches, I always make sure there’s plenty of that tasty au jus on the side—it’s what makes each bite extra good and keeps the sandwich warm and juicy. They’re great for family dinners or casual get-togethers, and I find everyone loves dunking their sandwich into the flavorful broth. It’s simple, tasty, and feels like a little treat after a long day.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef chuck roast: This cut is the best choice for slow cooking because it becomes tender and flavorful when cooked low and slow. If you can’t find chuck roast, brisket or round roast also work well.
Onions and garlic: Sliced onions bring sweetness, while garlic adds a nice depth. You can add caramelized onions for extra richness or use garlic powder if fresh isn’t available.
Beef broth: This forms the base of the au jus and adds a rich, beefy flavor. If you want a lighter option, you can use vegetable broth, but the flavor will be less intense.
Soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce: These add umami and a touch of tanginess. If you prefer, tamari can replace soy sauce for a gluten-free option.
Provolone or Swiss cheese: Both melt well and complement the beef. You can switch to mozzarella, fontina, or even cheddar if you like a different cheese flavor.
Hoagie or French rolls: Choose sturdy rolls that hold up well to dipping. Crusty buns or baguettes can also work if you want a crunchier texture.
How Do You Get Tender, Juicy Beef That Shreds Easily?
Slow cooking is the key to tender meat in this recipe. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start by searing the beef on all sides to lock in juices and build flavor. Don’t skip this step even though it’s tempting to skip it for convenience.
- Cook on low heat in the crock pot for the best tenderness, giving the collagen in the beef time to break down. This usually takes about 8 hours.
- Don’t rush shredding! Use two forks to gently pull apart the meat after it’s rested, ensuring it stays juicy.
- Return the shredded beef to the cooking juices in the crock pot to absorb more flavor and moisture before serving.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Crock pot or slow cooker – cooks the beef low and slow, making it tender and juicy without much effort.
- Large skillet – perfect for searing the roast to lock in flavor before slow cooking.
- Sharp knife – helps to slice onions and cut rolls evenly for easy assembly.
- Two forks – great for shredding the cooked beef into tender strips.
- Baking sheet – use it to broil the sandwiches and melt the cheese quickly and evenly.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap beef for shredded pork or chicken for a different but still tasty twist on the au jus sandwich.
- Add caramelized onions or sautéed mushrooms to the sandwich for extra sweetness and earthiness.
- Try swapping provolone for pepper jack cheese to add a little mild spice and creaminess.
- Mix in a teaspoon of dried oregano or smoked paprika with the seasonings for a subtle change in flavor.
Crock Pot French Dip Sandwiches
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 lbs beef chuck roast
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth (plus extra for dipping)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 6 to 8 hoagie or French rolls
- 8 slices provolone or Swiss cheese
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes of active prep work, mostly for searing and slicing, plus 8 hours on low (or 4-5 hours on high) in the crock pot. You’ll also spend a few extra minutes assembling and broiling the sandwiches at the end.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chuck roast with salt and pepper. When the oil is hot, sear the roast on all sides until it’s brown and caramelized—about 4-5 minutes on each side. This adds deep flavor to your meat.
2. Assemble in the Crock Pot
Put the sliced onion and minced garlic in the bottom of the crock pot. Lay the seared roast over the onions and garlic.
3. Add the Liquids and Seasonings
Pour in the beef broth, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Sprinkle the dried thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper over everything.
4. Slow Cook the Beef
Cover and cook on low for about 8 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours. The beef should be fork-tender and easy to shred.
5. Shred the Beef
Take the roast out and use two forks to shred the meat. Put the shredded beef back into the crock pot to soak in the flavorful juices.
6. Prepare and Broil the Sandwiches
Preheat your oven’s broiler. Slice your rolls, pile on the shredded beef, and top each sandwich with slices of provolone or Swiss cheese. Place the sandwiches on a baking sheet and broil for 2-3 minutes, watching closely, until the cheese melts and gets slightly bubbly.
7. Serve with Au Jus
Scoop some of the cooking liquid from the crock pot into small bowls to use as dipping sauce (au jus). Serve the sandwiches warm with the dipping sauce on the side for a delicious, juicy bite!
Can I Use Frozen Beef Chuck Roast for This Recipe?
Yes, you can, but make sure to fully thaw the beef in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. Cooking from frozen may result in uneven cooking and a longer cook time in the crock pot.
Can I Make These Sandwiches Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare and shred the beef a day in advance and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat the beef in the crock pot or on the stove and assemble the sandwiches with melted cheese just before serving.
How Should I Store Leftover French Dip Sandwiches?
Store leftover shredded beef and au jus separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. Assemble the sandwiches fresh with melted cheese when serving again.
Can I Use a Different Cheese?
Yes! Provolone and Swiss are classic options, but mozzarella, fontina, or mild cheddar also melt well and taste great. Choose a cheese that melts easily to keep the sandwiches gooey and delicious.
