If you’ve ever craved a warm, cheesy, meaty sandwich with savory broth on the side, you’re in for a real treat with these Crock Pot French Dip Sandwiches. In this article, you’ll get everything you need to make the best slow-cooked sandwich; from the why to the how, plus helpful tips and FAQs. Whether you’re meal-prepping for busy weekdays or feeding a hungry crowd, this cozy classic is simple to prep, packed with flavor, and sure to please.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot French Dip Recipe
The first time I made these slow cooker French dip sandwiches, my husband took one bite and said, “Please tell me we’re having this again next week.” That’s when I knew I had a winner.
What I love most? You throw a handful of ingredients into your crockpot, walk away, and come back to fall-apart tender beef, rich au jus for dipping, and the ultimate cheesy sandwich experience. It’s comfort food without the chaos, just like my Crockpot Marry Me Chicken, it brings everyone to the table fast.
The aroma alone is worth making these. And the best part? You don’t need fancy ingredients or a culinary degree. Just good beef, some pantry staples, and patience while the slow cooker works its magic.
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Crock Pot French Dip Sandwiches
These Crock Pot French Dip Sandwiches are a comforting classic made easy. Tender chuck roast simmers all day in a rich broth, then gets piled high onto toasted rolls with melty provolone cheese. Dip into the savory au jus and enjoy a simple meal with big flavor.
- Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
3 lb chuck roast
2 cups low-sodium beef broth
1 packet onion soup mix
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
2 garlic cloves, minced
6 hoagie rolls or French sandwich rolls
6 slices provolone cheese
Optional: sautéed onions or mushrooms
Instructions
1. Trim excess fat from the chuck roast.
2. Place roast in Crock Pot. Sprinkle with onion soup mix and garlic.
3. Add beef broth and Worcestershire sauce.
4. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
5. Remove roast, shred with forks, and return to juices.
6. Toast rolls, fill with beef, top with provolone, and broil until melted.
7. Strain broth if desired and serve as au jus for dipping.
Notes
To save time, prep everything the night before and store in fridge.
Toast rolls before assembling to prevent sogginess.
Swap provolone with Swiss or pepper jack for variety.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Slow Cooker, Sandwiches
- Method: Crock Pot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make the most mouthwatering crock pot French dip sandwiches:
- Chuck roast (about 3 pounds): well-marbled for rich flavor
- Beef broth: low-sodium preferred
- Onion soup mix: for that deep, savory punch
- Worcestershire sauce: adds umami and depth
- Garlic: a couple of cloves, minced
- Hoagie or French rolls: sturdy enough to soak up juices
- Provolone cheese: melty, mild, and perfect
- Optional: sautéed onions or mushrooms for extra goodness
Want to try a creative twist on this classic? You might also enjoy something sweet after; this Crockpot Caramel Apple Dump Cake makes a cozy pairing.
How to Make Crock Pot French Dip Sandwiches
- Prep the roast: Trim excess fat from the chuck roast, but don’t overdo it. Fat = flavor.
- Layer the crockpot: Place the roast in your slow cooker. Sprinkle the onion soup mix over the meat, add garlic, then pour in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce.
- Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or until the beef is tender and shreddable. High setting works too (about 4-5 hours), but the slow method makes it fall apart beautifully.
- Shred the beef: Remove the roast, shred it using two forks, and return the meat to the juices to soak up all that flavor.
- Assemble the sandwiches: Toast your hoagie rolls if you’d like a little crunch. Load with shredded beef, top with provolone, and broil until bubbly and golden.
- Serve with au jus: Don’t skip this part; ladle that flavorful broth into small bowls for dipping.
For another hands-off and hearty dinner idea, try my Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites next.
Tips and Variations
Tips for success
- Use the right cut of beef: Chuck roast is king here. Skip lean cuts like round steak; they won’t give you that same melt-in-your-mouth result.
- Toast your buns: It keeps them from getting soggy and adds a delicious texture.
- Strain the au jus: Want a cleaner dipping sauce? Pour the broth through a fine mesh sieve before serving.
Delicious variations
- Cheese choices: Swiss, mozzarella, or even pepper jack are fun alternatives to provolone.
- Add caramelized onions: They add sweet richness and pair beautifully with the beef.
- Make it spicy: Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the crockpot.
- Swap the bread: Sub French baguettes or even Texas toast for a fresh take, like in this Texas Toast French Dip.
If you’re into saucy, easy dinners with big flavor, Crockpot BBQ Chicken is another must-try.
Frequently Asked Questions
What cut of beef is best for French dip sandwiches?
Chuck roast is ideal. It’s affordable, well-marbled, and becomes incredibly tender after slow cooking.
Can I make these sandwiches ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can cook and shred the beef, then refrigerate it in the juices. Reheat on the stove or in your crockpot, then assemble fresh sandwiches.
Do I need to sear the beef before slow cooking?
Nope! Some recipes call for searing, but I skip it to keep things easy. With the right seasonings and long cook time, you’ll still get rich flavor.
What’s the best cheese to use?
Provolone is classic; melty, mild, and not too greasy. But you can go bolder with Swiss or smoky gouda if that’s your thing.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly comforting about Crock Pot French Dip Sandwiches. It’s more than just a sandwich; it’s a meal that invites you to sit down, dip slow, and savor each bite. This recipe checks all the boxes: flavorful, low-effort, family-approved, and weeknight-friendly. And like my Crockpot Chicken Pot Pie, it delivers big flavor without hovering over a stove.
So grab your slow cooker, toss in a few ingredients, and get ready for that first juicy, cheesy, au-jus-dipped bite. Your table (and your family) will thank you.
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