Crock Pot French Dip Sandwiches are a super easy and delicious way to enjoy tender, flavorful beef slow-cooked right in your crock pot. The meat gets wonderfully juicy and melts apart, soaking up all the tasty spices, and is then piled high on soft sandwich rolls. The best part is the warm, rich au jus dipping sauce that comes straight from the slow cooker—perfect for dunking every bite.
I love making these sandwiches when I want a fuss-free meal that still feels like a special treat. You just set everything in the crock pot in the morning, and by dinnertime, your house smells amazing and the beef is ready to be shredded. A quick tip: I like to toast the sandwich rolls just a bit before piling on the beef to give a little crunch and keep the bread from getting soggy too fast.
Serving these French Dip sandwiches with a side of crispy fries or a simple green salad always hits the spot. And of course, dunking the sandwiches into the au jus is half the fun—I swear it makes each bite extra juicy and comforting. These sandwiches have become a favorite for casual get-togethers and cozy dinners alike, and I find everyone loves how easy and satisfying they are.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck Roast: This cut is great for slow cooking because it becomes tender and flavorful. If you can’t find chuck roast, brisket or round roast can work well too. Just choose a cut that’s good for slow cooking.
Beef Broth: This is what gives the au jus its rich flavor. If you don’t have beef broth, you can use beef stock or even a strong vegetable broth. For extra depth, adding a splash of red wine is also nice.
Onion and Garlic: They add great flavor to the beef. You can swap for shallots or onion powder if fresh isn’t available, but fresh is best for slow cooking.
Worcestershire Sauce and Herbs: Worcestershire gives a umami punch and herbs like thyme and rosemary add earthiness. If you don’t have dried herbs, fresh ones can be used in smaller amounts.
Provolone Cheese: Optional but adds a nice creamy, mild touch to the sandwich. Swiss or mozzarella can be tasty alternatives.
Sandwich Rolls: Soft hoagie or French rolls hold the beef and au jus nicely. If you want a lighter carb option, try a sturdy pita or ciabatta bread.
How Do You Make the Beef Tender and Juicy in a Crock Pot?
The key to tender beef is low and slow cooking. The chuck roast starts tough but becomes melt-in-your-mouth after long cooking.
- Sear the roast on all sides first. This locks in juices and adds flavor through browning (called the Maillard reaction).
- Cook on low heat rather than high. This gentle heat breaks down connective tissue slowly without drying out the meat.
- Keep the beef covered in liquid (broth, Worcestershire sauce) so it steams and stays moist.
- Cook long enough (8 to 10 hours) until the meat pulls apart easily with forks. Don’t rush this step.
Once done, shred it right in the cooking juices to soak up all that delicious flavor before making your sandwiches.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Crock pot or slow cooker – This is key for cooking the beef low and slow until tender without fuss.
- Large skillet – Perfect for searing the roast to lock in flavor before slow cooking.
- Sharp knife – You’ll need this to slice onions and sandwich rolls cleanly.
- Two forks – Ideal for shredding the cooked beef easily right in the crock pot.
- Baking sheet – To broil the sandwiches with cheese until melted and bubbly.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Try using Swiss cheese instead of provolone for a nuttier, creamier melt.
- Add sautéed mushrooms to the beef for extra earthiness and texture.
- Mix in some caramelized onions for a sweeter, richer flavor boost.
- Switch beef for thinly sliced pork shoulder for a twist on the classic sandwich.
How to Make Crock Pot French Dip Sandwiches
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 to 4 lbs beef chuck roast
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 6 to 8 hoagie sandwich rolls or French rolls
- 8 slices provolone cheese (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes of prep time and 8 to 10 hours of slow cooking. The long cooking time is essential to make the beef tender and juicy, but the hands-on time is very little, so it’s perfect to set and forget!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sear the Beef:
First, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the beef chuck roast on all sides, about 4 to 5 minutes per side. This helps keep the juices in and adds great flavor.
2. Prepare Slow Cooker:
Put the sliced onions and minced garlic at the bottom of your crock pot. Place the seared beef on top.
3. Add the Broth and Seasonings:
Mix together beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Pour this seasoning mix over the beef in the crock pot.
4. Slow Cook:
Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours until the beef is very tender and shreds easily with a fork.
5. Shred the Beef:
When done, take out the roast and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded beef to the crock pot and mix it well with the juices to soak up all the flavor.
6. Prepare the Sandwiches:
Preheat your oven’s broiler. Slice the sandwich rolls in half lengthwise and place them on a baking sheet. Pile the shredded beef on each roll and add a slice of provolone cheese.
7. Melt the Cheese:
Broil the sandwiches in the oven for 2 to 3 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Serve with Au Jus:
Ladle some of the flavorful cooking juices from the crock pot into small bowls for dipping the sandwiches (known as au jus).
9. Enjoy!
Serve your warm French Dip Sandwiches with the au jus on the side, and enjoy with your favorite sides like fries or salad.
Can I Use Frozen Beef Chuck Roast for This Recipe?
It’s best to use a fully thawed roast for even cooking. If using frozen beef, thaw it in the fridge for 24-48 hours before starting the recipe to ensure it cooks properly and safely.
How Long Can I Store Leftover French Dip Sandwiches?
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the shredded beef gently on the stove or microwave, and warm the au jus separately for dipping.
Can I Skip Searing the Beef?
Yes, but searing adds extra flavor and locks in juices, making the beef taste richer. If short on time, you can skip this step, but your sandwiches might be less flavorful.
What Can I Use Instead of Provolone Cheese?
Swiss, mozzarella, or even cheddar make great substitutes. Choose a cheese that melts well and complements the beef for the best sandwich experience.
