Name: Crockpot French Dip Sandwich Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3–4 pounds chuck roast; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 packet (1 oz) onion soup mix; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 2 cups beef broth; 1 cup water; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 6 hoagie rolls or sandwich buns; 12 slices provolone or Swiss cheese; butter (for toasting rolls, optional)

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If you’re looking for the ultimate combination of savory flavor, melty cheese, and effortless cooking, you’ve just found your new favorite with this Crockpot French Dip Sandwich Recipe. This dish transforms a humble chuck roast into juicy, pull-apart tender beef, perfect for piling high on buttery toasted rolls and smothering with provolone or Swiss cheese. You’ll fall in love with the rich au jus for dipping, and the best part is that your slow cooker does most of the work. Whether it’s for a comforting weeknight dinner or a casual get-together, this recipe is a sure crowd-pleaser you’ll want to make again and again.

Crockpot French Dip Sandwich Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes this recipe so irresistible is how a small handful of pantry staples and a beautiful cut of beef come together to create layers of satisfying flavor. Each ingredient brings something special to the Crockpot French Dip Sandwich Recipe, so don’t skip a thing!

Chuck Roast (3–4 pounds): This cut becomes incredibly tender during slow cooking, turning into the perfect shredded beef filling.
Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): Gives the beef a beautiful browned crust and extra richness when seared.
Onion Soup Mix (1 packet, 1 oz): Provides a punch of savory, herby depth and instant umami flavor.
Worcestershire Sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds tang and complex, beefy notes that make the au jus irresistible.
Beef Broth (2 cups): Forms the base of the delicious dipping sauce—choose a low-sodium version if you like more control.
Water (1 cup): Balances out the broth, ensuring there’s plenty of juicy au jus for dipping.
Garlic Powder (1 teaspoon): Brings a mellow, aromatic flavor that complements the beef beautifully.
Dried Thyme (1 teaspoon): A classic herb that adds a subtle earthiness and warmth to the roast.
Black Pepper (½ teaspoon): For a touch of mild heat and extra dimension.
Hoagie Rolls or Sandwich Buns (6): The ideal sturdy vehicle to soak up all the saucy goodness without falling apart.
Provolone or Swiss Cheese (12 slices): Melts to creamy perfection—feel free to use your favorite or mix both!
Butter (for toasting rolls, optional): A quick swipe makes the rolls even more flavorful and golden.

How to Make Crockpot French Dip Sandwich Recipe

Step 1: Sear the Chuck Roast

Before your slow cooker gets to work, you’ll want to spend a few minutes searing your chuck roast. Heat up the olive oil in a skillet set over medium-high heat, then brown the roast on all sides—about 2 to 3 minutes per side. This essential step locks in juices and adds that delicious deep flavor you crave in a Crockpot French Dip Sandwich Recipe. Don’t skip it if you want the best results!

Step 2: Assemble Ingredients in the Crockpot

Put your beautifully seared roast into the slow cooker. Sprinkle the onion soup mix right over the top, then add Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, water, garlic powder, dried thyme, and black pepper. The magic begins as these simple ingredients meld together during a long, slow cook.

Step 3: Slow Cook Until Tender

Cover the crockpot and set it on low for a perfectly tender beef (about 8 hours), or use the high setting if you’re a bit short on time (about 4 to 5 hours). You’ll know it’s ready when the beef practically falls apart at the touch of a fork and the aromas have made your whole house smell amazing.

Step 4: Shred the Beef and Skim the Au Jus

Once the beef is fall-apart tender, transfer it to a large dish and shred it with two forks. While the beef rests, skim any excess fat from the surface of the au jus in the slow cooker. Return the shredded beef to soak in those flavorful juices and keep everything warm and juicy.

Step 5: Toast the Rolls

If you love a crisp, buttery base, melt a bit of butter in a skillet or preheat your broiler. Split and toast the hoagie rolls until they’re golden and just crisp—you’ll appreciate the extra texture when you bite into your sandwich.

Step 6: Assemble and Serve

Pile generous amounts of beef onto each toasted roll, then top with two slices of provolone or Swiss cheese. For an oozy, melty finish, pop the sandwiches under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes. Serve your Crockpot French Dip Sandwich Recipe with a little bowl of warm au jus on the side for dunking—don’t be shy with the dipping!

How to Serve Crockpot French Dip Sandwich Recipe

Garnishes

Classic and simple is always a winner, but if you’re in the mood to jazz things up, try adding a few garnishes. Sprinkle a bit of chopped fresh parsley right before serving for color, or add a drizzle of horseradish sauce for a spicy kick. Sautéed onions or a few pepperoncini slices can be wonderful additions too.

Side Dishes

Balance out the richness of your Crockpot French Dip Sandwich Recipe with crispy oven-baked fries, a simple green salad, or roasted vegetables. Coleslaw, sweet potato chips, or even a cup of pickles work beautifully. The best part: these sandwiches can stand alone or shine as the centerpiece of a casual dinner spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, slice each sandwich into halves or even quarters and secure with toothpicks for easy grabbing. Put out bowls of extra toppings like pickled peppers, caramelized onions, or sliced jalapeños so everyone can build their own version. A big platter of these mini sandwiches with steaming au jus for dipping is guaranteed to disappear fast!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (lucky you!), store the shredded beef and au jus together in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This keeps the beef moist and flavorful. Keep rolls and cheese separate to avoid sogginess and preserve that freshly made taste for round two.

Freezing

The shredded beef with au jus freezes beautifully. After cooling, freeze portions in airtight freezer bags or containers for up to three months. Simply thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Rolls and cheese are best added fresh when you’re ready to serve.

Reheating

Warm the beef and au jus together on the stovetop over low heat or gently in the microwave. Toast your rolls fresh, then pile on the reheated beef and cheese. For that just-broiled finish, give them a couple of minutes under the broiler until the cheese is bubbly and irresistible.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Chuck roast is the king of this recipe for a reason, but other well-marbled cuts like brisket or rump roast will work in a pinch. Just make sure it’s a cut suited to slow cooking so you get that classic, tender result.

Is it necessary to sear the meat before slow cooking?

While not absolutely critical, searing the meat first adds a rich, caramelized flavor and helps improve the overall texture of your Crockpot French Dip Sandwich Recipe. It’s worth the extra few minutes and yields a noticeable upgrade in taste.

What’s the best cheese to use on French Dip sandwiches?

Provolone is smooth and mild, while Swiss cheese adds a bit of tang—both melt beautifully. You can also try mozzarella, Gruyère, or even a mix, depending on your family’s preference.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Absolutely! Make sure your slow cooker is large enough to handle double the ingredients, and you may need to extend the cook time slightly if the cooker is very full. It’s an easy way to feed a hungry group with minimal effort.

How do I make the sandwiches spicier?

If you love heat, stir in some sliced jalapeños with the au jus, add red pepper flakes, or serve with a spicy horseradish sauce on the side. The Crockpot French Dip Sandwich Recipe is a great base to add your favorite flavors!

Final Thoughts

There’s something undeniably special about sharing great food with people you care about, and this Crockpot French Dip Sandwich Recipe is destined to create crowd-pleasing, comfort-filled memories. The combination of tender beef and savory dipping sauce is just irresistible, so don’t wait—gather your ingredients, fire up the crockpot, and get ready for sandwich perfection!

Crockpot French Dip Sandwich Recipe

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4.5 from 21 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the savory delight of tender, flavorful Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches. This slow-cooked classic is perfect for a comforting meal any day of the week.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

3–4 pounds chuck roast
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 packet (1 oz) onion soup mix
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 cups beef broth
1 cup water

Seasonings:

1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon black pepper

For Serving:

6 hoagie rolls or sandwich buns
12 slices provolone or Swiss cheese
butter (for toasting rolls, optional)

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Instructions

Sear the Chuck Roast: Heat olive oil in a skillet, sear chuck roast on all sides until browned.
Prepare the Slow Cooker: Transfer roast to slow cooker, add onion soup mix, Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, water, garlic powder, thyme, and pepper.
Cook: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4–5 hours until beef is tender.
Shred and Serve: Remove roast, shred, skim fat from au jus, return beef to juices. Toast rolls, pile beef, top with cheese, serve with au jus for dipping.