If you love hearty, melt-in-your-mouth sandwiches that practically serve themselves, you are going to fall head over heels for this Crock Pot French Dip Sandwiches Recipe. Slow-cooked chuck roast soaks up an aromatic blend of savory flavors, then gets shredded to tender perfection before being piled onto crusty hoagie rolls and topped with gooey provolone. The best part is the rich, flavorful au jus that’s perfect for dipping, turning every bite into a warm, comforting experience. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving an easy, satisfying meal, this recipe turns simple ingredients into a family favorite you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this Crock Pot French Dip Sandwiches Recipe is a breeze thanks to a handful of straightforward ingredients. Each element plays an essential role—seasonings build depth, the chuck roast provides rich protein, and the beef broth creates that mouthwatering au jus that sets this sandwich apart.
- 3 pounds chuck roast: The star of the show, becoming tender and flavorful after slow cooking.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Essential for searing the meat and locking in juices.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the beef.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and depth.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Brings a robust savory note to the roast.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds extra sweet and earthy flavor.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Provides umami richness.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Deepens the savory profile with a bit of saltiness.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Brings a tangy kick that brightens the beef.
- 4 cups beef broth: The base for the flavorful au jus dipping sauce.
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced: Adds sweetness and texture as it cooks down.
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed: Infuses the broth with aromatic depth.
- 6 hoagie rolls or French sandwich buns: Perfect for holding all that juicy goodness.
- 12 slices provolone cheese: Melts beautifully over the shredded beef.
- Optional butter for toasting rolls: Adds a golden, crispy finish to your sandwiches.
How to Make Crock Pot French Dip Sandwiches Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear the Roast
Begin by seasoning your chuck roast generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. This simple step builds a flavorful crust when searing, which locks in the delicious juices. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then brown the roast on all sides for about 2 to 3 minutes each. This step not only adds color but also creates depth of flavor that will shine throughout the dish.
Step 2: Set Up Your Crock Pot
Transfer the beautifully seared roast into your crock pot. Add those thinly sliced onions and smashed garlic cloves, which will slowly soften and impart their sweetness and aroma to the beef. Pour in Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, and beef broth—this mixture creates a savory broth that will infuse the meat with fantastic flavor as it cooks low and slow.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Tender Perfection
Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the meat becomes fork-tender and pulls apart effortlessly. This slow cooking process is what transforms the roast into the tender, juicy centerpiece of your sandwiches.
Step 4: Shred the Meat and Prepare the Au Jus
Once the roast is cooked, remove it from the crock pot and use two forks to shred it finely. Strain the cooking liquid to remove the onions and garlic, reserving it as the au jus — this luscious broth is what makes the sandwich experience truly special and perfect for dipping.
Step 5: Prepare and Assemble Your Sandwiches
For an extra touch of comfort, you can toast your hoagie rolls with some butter either in a skillet or under the broiler until golden and crispy. Pile the shredded beef high on the rolls, top each with two slices of provolone cheese, and pop them under the broiler for just 1 to 2 minutes until the cheese is melted and inviting. Serve hot with a bowl of warm au jus on the side — dipping is highly encouraged!
How to Serve Crock Pot French Dip Sandwiches Recipe
Garnishes
Keep it simple or add flair: a few sprigs of fresh thyme or parsley on the plate add a pop of color and aroma. Pickles or a tangy, crunchy cole slaw on the side can also brighten the meal and add a delightful contrast to the hearty, rich beef.
Side Dishes
Classic French fries or crispy roasted potatoes are always a winning combo with this sandwich. If you want something lighter, a crisp green salad dressed with a simple vinaigrette balances the richness beautifully. And don’t forget steamed or roasted vegetables for an easy, nutritious addition.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving mini versions as sliders for a party or lay out a “French dip bar” with different cheeses, rolls, and au jus variations for guests to customize their sandwiches. You can also use baguettes for a more rustic feel or even sandwich the beef and cheese on grilled sourdough for some extra tang.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers keep wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store the shredded beef and au jus separately to maintain texture and reheat evenly later.
Freezing
This Crock Pot French Dip Sandwiches Recipe freezes well! Portion the shredded beef and au jus into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the beef gently in a saucepan with some reserved au jus to keep it moist. You can also melt the cheese on top under the broiler just like when fresh. Re-toast the buns if you like that extra crunch, and you’re ready to enjoy a near-original experience.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Absolutely! While chuck roast is ideal for its marbling and tenderness after slow cooking, brisket or even a round roast can be used. Just expect variations in texture and cooking time.
Do I have to sear the meat first?
Searing isn’t mandatory, but it really elevates the flavor and color. If you’re pressed for time, you can skip this step, but your sandwich won’t have quite the same depth of flavor.
What can I use instead of provolone cheese?
Swiss or mozzarella are excellent alternatives that melt nicely and complement the beef’s richness. For something with more bite, try cheddar or a smoked cheese for variation.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
This particular recipe relies heavily on beef, but for a vegetarian take, you could try using mushrooms or jackfruit with a rich vegetable broth for dipping, though it won’t replicate the exact flavor.
Can I prepare this Crock Pot French Dip Sandwiches Recipe a day ahead?
Yes! In fact, making it a day ahead allows the flavors to meld even more. Just store everything separately and reheat thoroughly before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Crock Pot French Dip Sandwiches Recipe is one of those magical meals that feels both comforting and impressive without any fuss. The slow-cooked beef, savory broth, and melty cheese create a combo that’s utterly irresistible. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own weekend dinner tradition or next crowd-pleaser. You’re going to love every juicy, flavorful bite!
Print
Crock Pot French Dip Sandwiches Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 sandwiches
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: High-Protein
Description
This Crock Pot French Dip Sandwiches recipe offers tender, slow-cooked chuck roast infused with rich flavors, served on toasted hoagie rolls with melted provolone cheese and a savory homemade au jus for dipping. Perfect for an easy yet impressive main course that highlights the convenience of slow cooking combined with classic American flavors.
Ingredients
Meat and Seasonings
- 3 pounds chuck roast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Cooking Liquids and Flavorings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 4 cups beef broth
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed
Sandwich Components
- 6 hoagie rolls or French sandwich buns
- 12 slices provolone cheese
- Optional butter for toasting rolls
Instructions
- Season the Meat: Pat the chuck roast dry and season all sides evenly with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to create a flavorful crust.
- Sear the Roast: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the chuck roast on all sides until nicely browned, about 2–3 minutes per side, to lock in juices and add depth of flavor.
- Transfer to Crock Pot: Place the seared roast into the crock pot. Add the thinly sliced onions, smashed garlic cloves, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, and beef broth around and on top of the roast.
- Slow Cook the Roast: Cover the crock pot and cook on low heat for 8 hours or on high for 4–5 hours, until the meat becomes fork-tender and easy to shred.
- Shred the Meat: Remove the cooked roast from the crock pot and shred it carefully using two forks, separating the beef into bite-sized pieces.
- Prepare the Au Jus: Strain the cooking liquid from the crock pot to remove solids and reserve the flavorful broth for use as au jus for dipping the sandwiches.
- Toast the Rolls: If desired, lightly butter the hoagie rolls and toast them in a skillet over medium heat or under the broiler until golden and crisp.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Pile generous portions of shredded beef onto each toasted roll. Top with slices of provolone cheese and place under the broiler for 1–2 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve with Au Jus: Serve the sandwiches hot alongside small bowls of warm au jus for dipping, enhancing each bite with rich, savory juices.
Notes
- For richer flavor, substitute part of the beef broth with a splash of red wine.
- Make the sandwiches a day ahead; the flavors deepen after resting overnight.
- Use quality hoagie rolls or French sandwich buns for best texture and taste.
- Butter the rolls before toasting for an extra layer of flavor and crispy finish.
