Crock Pot French Dip Sandwiches are a super easy and tasty way to enjoy tender, flavorful roast beef that’s been slow-cooked to perfection. The beef gets nice and juicy, soaking up all the delicious seasonings, while the sandwich buns get warm and ready to hold all that goodness. Plus, the rich au jus dipping sauce makes every bite extra special.
I love how simple these sandwiches are to make—just toss everything into the crock pot and let it work its magic. It feels like such a treat when that beef is fall-apart tender and ready to pile high on a soft roll. A little tip from me: don’t skip the au jus sauce because it really brings everything together and makes dipping the sandwiches so fun.
Serving these up for a casual dinner or game day is always a hit. I like to add some pickles or a little horseradish mayo on the side to give it a nice zing. It’s one of those meals that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, but really you just set it and forgot it. Perfect for days when you want comfort food without the fuss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck Roast: This cut is perfect for slow cooking because it becomes tender and flavorful. If you can’t find chuck roast, brisket or bottom round roast work well too.
Beef Broth: It adds depth to the au jus. Use low sodium broth so you can control salt or substitute with beef stock or even water plus a beef bouillon cube.
Provolone Cheese: This melts nicely with a mild flavor that complements the beef. Swiss or mozzarella are good swaps, depending on your taste.
Sandwich Rolls: Soft hoagie rolls are ideal to hold the meat and soak up jus. You can also try French rolls or crusty sub buns for different textures.
How Do You Make the Beef Tender and Flavorful in the Crock Pot?
Slow cooking is the key. Here’s how I get it just right:
- Season the beef well with herbs and spices for flavor.
- Sear the roast in a hot pan before slow cooking. This step caramelizes the outside and adds extra taste.
- Place onions and garlic under the roast; their flavor fills the meat as it cooks.
- Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours until the beef is easily shredded.
- Save the broth (au jus) to soak the shredded beef—this keeps it juicy and tasty.
Patience is important! Letting the beef cook low and slow makes it melt-in-your-mouth tender and full of flavor.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Crock pot or slow cooker – It does all the work slow and steady, making the beef super tender without much fuss.
- Large skillet – Perfect for quickly searing the roast to lock in flavor before slow cooking.
- Cutting board and sharp knife – You’ll need these to slice the onions and to shred the beef easily once cooked.
- Baking sheet – Great for broiling the sandwiches to melt the cheese just right.
- Small bowls – Handy for serving the au jus dipping sauce alongside your sandwiches.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap beef for shredded chicken for a lighter, faster option that still pairs well with au jus.
- Try swapping provolone with pepper jack cheese for a little spicy kick.
- Add caramelized onions or sautéed mushrooms on top for an extra layer of sweet, savory flavor.
- Mix in a spoonful of horseradish sauce or Dijon mustard inside the sandwich for a tangy zing that cuts through the richness.
How to Make Crock Pot French Dip Sandwiches
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Roast and Au Jus:
- 3 to 4 pounds beef chuck roast
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 bay leaf
For the Sandwiches:
- 6 to 8 sandwich rolls or hoagie buns
- 6 to 8 slices provolone cheese (or Swiss cheese)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
Prepare for about 15 minutes to season and sear your beef, plus 8 to 10 hours cooking in the crock pot on low (or 4 to 6 hours on high). Finally, about 5 minutes for assembling and broiling the sandwiches. This slow-cooking process yields tender, juicy beef that’s perfect for dipping and enjoying!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season and Sear the Beef:
Mix salt, pepper, garlic and onion powders, thyme, and rosemary. Rub the mixture all over your beef roast. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, and brown the roast on all sides (about 3-4 minutes each side) to lock in flavor. This step adds richness but you can skip it if short on time.
2. Set Up the Crock Pot:
Put the sliced onion and minced garlic at the bottom of your slow cooker. Place the seared roast on top.
3. Add Liquids and Cook:
Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, and tuck in the bay leaf. Cover and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours or on high for 4 to 6 hours, until the meat is tender and easy to shred.
4. Shred and Soak:
Take the beef out carefully, shred it with two forks, then return it to the crock pot. Stir well so the beef soaks up the flavorful juices (the au jus). Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
5. Assemble and Broil the Sandwiches:
Preheat your oven’s broiler. Cut your sandwich rolls and pile on the shredded beef. Top each with a slice of provolone cheese. Place the sandwiches on a baking sheet and broil just until the cheese melts and bubbles, about 1-2 minutes.
6. Serve:
Serve the sandwiches hot with small bowls of the warm au jus for dipping. Garnish with fresh parsley if you like.
Enjoy your tender, juicy Crock Pot French Dip Sandwiches—a simple, comforting meal that’s packed with flavor and perfect for sharing!
Can I Use Frozen Beef Chuck Roast for This Recipe?
Yes, but make sure to fully thaw the roast in the fridge before cooking. Cooking from frozen can lead to uneven cooking and longer cook times.
Can I Make This Recipe Without Searing the Beef?
Absolutely! Searing adds extra flavor and a nice crust, but you can skip it if you’re short on time. The slow cooker will still make the beef tender and delicious.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover beef and au jus in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of broth if the meat seems dry.
What Can I Substitute for Provolone Cheese?
Swiss, mozzarella, or even pepper jack cheese work well as alternatives depending on your taste preferences.
