Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches – Simple & Amazing Flavor Recipe

Introduction

Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches are a simple and flavorful meal perfect for any day of the week. This recipe uses tender slow-cooked beef and melty cheese on crusty rolls for an irresistible sandwich experience.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2½ to 3 pounds beef chuck roast
• Kosher salt
• 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 slices Swiss or provolone cheese
• 6–8 crusty rolls (ciabatta or hoagie)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Step 2: Season the beef chuck roast with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
3. Step 3: Sear the beef on all sides in the hot skillet until browned, about 1–2 minutes per side.
4. Step 4: Transfer the seared beef and any pan drippings to a slow cooker.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle the dry onion soup mix evenly over the beef.
6. Step 6: Pour in 2 cups of water and the 2 cans of beef broth.
7. Step 7: Cover and cook on HIGH for 4–6 hours or LOW for 8–10 hours, until the beef is very tender.
8. Step 8: Remove the beef from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
9. Step 9: Pile the shredded beef onto sliced crusty rolls and top each sandwich with a slice of Swiss or provolone cheese.
10. Step 10: Place the sandwiches under the broiler until the cheese melts and the rolls are lightly toasted.
11. Step 11: Serve the sandwiches hot with the slow cooker juices (au jus) on the side for dipping.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a few garlic cloves to the slow cooker.
• Try different cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar for a twist on the classic.
• If you prefer, use beef stock instead of broth for a richer au jus.
• Serve with a side of pickles or a simple green salad to lighten the meal.

Storage

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 before assembling sandwiches. Rolls are best toasted just before serving to maintain crispness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

Yes, you can use other tough cuts like brisket or round roast, but cooking times may vary. The chuck roast works best for tenderness and flavor when slow-cooked.

Is it necessary to sear the beef before slow cooking?

Searing the beef adds extra flavor and color but can be skipped if you’re short on time. The dish will still be tasty, though slightly less rich.

Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches – Simple & Amazing Flavor Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 70 reviews

These Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches feature tender, flavorful beef chuck roast slow-cooked in a savory onion soup and beef broth mixture. The slow cooking method ensures melt-in-your-mouth shredded beef that is piled high on crusty rolls, topped with melted Swiss or provolone cheese, and served with au jus for dipping. This hearty sandwich is simple to prepare, perfect for an easy weeknight dinner with amazing flavor and minimal hands-on time.

• Author: Joe
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 to 10 hours (depending on slow cooker setting)
• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes to 10 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6–8 sandwiches 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Beef and Broth

• 2½ to 3 pounds beef chuck roast
• Kosher salt, to taste
• 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)

Other

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 6–8 slices Swiss or provolone cheese
• 6–8 crusty rolls (ciabatta or hoagie)

Instructions

1. Heat the oil: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat to prepare for searing the beef, which locks in juices and flavor.
2. Season the beef: Generously season the beef chuck roast with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper on all sides for balanced seasoning.
3. Sear the beef: Place the beef in the hot skillet and sear for 1–2 minutes per side until the meat is evenly browned, developing a rich crust.
4. Transfer to slow cooker: Move the seared beef and any pan drippings to the slow cooker, which will be used to slowly cook the meat to tender perfection.
5. Add seasoning and liquids: Sprinkle the two packets of dry onion soup mix evenly over the beef, then pour in 2 cups of water and 2 cans of beef broth to create a flavorful cooking liquid.
6. Slow cook the beef: Cover the slow cooker and cook the roast on HIGH for 4–6 hours or on LOW for 8–10 hours, until the beef is tender enough to shred easily.
7. Shred the beef: Remove the cooked beef from the slow cooker and use two forks to shred it finely, mixing with the flavorful juices.
8. Assemble the sandwiches: Slice the crusty rolls and pile them generously with the shredded beef. Top each sandwich with a slice of Swiss or provolone cheese.
9. Melt the cheese: Place the assembled sandwiches under the oven broiler until the cheese has melted and the rolls are toasted to your liking.
10. Serve: Serve the sandwiches hot with the slow cooker juices (au jus) on the side for dipping, enhancing the rich flavor of each bite.

Notes

• You can use better-quality beef broth or homemade broth for richer flavor.
• For a spicier twist, add a splash of hot sauce to the au jus broth.
• Make sure to slice the rolls only after toasting if you want a crunchier exterior.
• Leftover shredded beef can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
• Swiss cheese offers a nutty flavor while provolone provides a milder taste; choose based on your preference.

Keywords: Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches, slow cooker beef, French Dip, shredded beef sandwich, easy slow cooker recipes, beef chuck roast, au jus sandwich