Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches

Delicious Crockpot French dip sandwiches served with flavorful au jus

why make this recipe

This recipe gives big flavor with little work. The slow cooker makes the beef very tender. You can set it in the morning and come back to a hot, ready meal. It feeds a crowd and makes great leftovers. For a simple dip idea to serve with the sandwiches, try this 3-ingredient onion dip recipe on the side.

introduction

Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches are easy and tasty. The beef slowly cooks in broth and onion soup mix. The meat becomes soft and full of flavor. You only need a few steps and simple ingredients. This makes a good weeknight dinner or a game day snack.

how to make Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches – Simple & Amazing Flavor

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Season 2½ to 3 pounds beef chuck roast with Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  3. Sear the beef on all sides until browned, about 1–2 minutes per side.
  4. Transfer the seared beef and pan drippings to a slow cooker.
  5. Sprinkle 2 (1-ounce) packets dry onion soup mix over the meat.
  6. Pour in 2 cups water and 2 (14.5-ounce) cans beef broth (or Better-than-Bouillon).
  7. Cover and cook on HIGH for 4–6 hours or LOW for 8–10 hours.
  8. Remove the beef and shred it using two forks.
  9. Pile shredded beef onto sliced rolls and top with 6–8 slices Swiss or provolone cheese.
  10. Place under the broiler until the cheese melts and the rolls are toasted.
  11. Serve the sandwiches with slow cooker juices (au jus) for dipping.

Ingredients :

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2½ to 3 pounds beef chuck roast
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 (1-ounce) packets dry onion soup mix
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 (14.5-ounce) cans beef broth (or Better-than-Bouillon)
  • 6–8 slices Swiss or provolone cheese
  • 6–8 crusty rolls (ciabatta or hoagie)

Directions :

  • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Season beef with salt and pepper.
  • Sear beef on all sides until browned (1–2 minutes per side).
  • Transfer seared beef and pan drippings to a slow cooker.
  • Sprinkle dry onion soup mix over the meat.
  • Pour in water and beef broth.
  • Cover and cook on HIGH for 4–6 hours or LOW for 8–10 hours.
  • Remove beef and shred it using two forks.
  • Pile shredded beef onto sliced rolls and top with cheese.
  • Place under broiler until cheese melts and rolls are toasted.
  • Serve sandwiches with slow cooker juices (au jus) for dipping.

how to serve Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches – Simple & Amazing Flavor

Serve hot with a bowl of the au jus for dipping. Add a side salad or roasted vegetables. For an extra snack, offer a simple sour cream dip like this 3-ingredient sour cream dip. Cut the sandwiches in half for easy sharing.

how to store Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches – Simple & Amazing Flavor

Let the meat cool to room temperature. Put the shredded beef and the au jus in separate airtight containers. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat the beef with a little au jus in a pan or slow cooker. Assemble sandwiches fresh before serving so the rolls stay crisp.

tips to make Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches – Simple & Amazing Flavor

  • Sear the roast well to add more flavor.
  • Use low-sodium beef broth if you watch salt.
  • Shred the meat while it is warm; it pulls apart easier.
  • Toast the rolls under the broiler quickly so they do not get soggy.
  • Keep extra au jus for dipping — it adds great flavor.

variation (if any)

  • Use provolone or mozzarella instead of Swiss.
  • Add sliced onions or mushrooms to the slow cooker for more flavor.
  • Make smaller sliders for parties using mini rolls.
  • For a richer jus, add a splash of red wine to the broth before cooking.

FAQs

Q: Can I use a different cut of beef?
A: Yes. Brisket or rump roast work, but cook times may vary.

Q: Can I freeze the cooked beef?
A: Yes. Freeze the shredded beef and au jus in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Q: Do I need to brown the roast first?
A: No, but browning adds flavor and a better crust.

Q: How can I make the au jus thicker?
A: Mix a small amount of cornstarch with cold water and stir into the hot au jus until it thickens.

Q: Can I make this in an instant pot?
A: Yes. Brown the roast using sauté, then cook on high pressure for about 60–75 minutes, then shred.

Conclusion

These Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches make a simple, tasty meal with little fuss. For another slow cooker take on this dish, see Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches – House of Nash Eats for ideas. If you want a slightly different slow cooker method and tips, check out Easy Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches – Easy Peasy Meals.

Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches

Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches are easy to prepare, featuring tender beef cooked in broth and onion soup mix, ideal for weeknight dinners or game day snacks.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Main Course, Sandwich
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil For cooking the beef
  • 2.5 to 3 pounds beef chuck roast Choose a good quality cut
  • to taste Kosher salt For seasoning
  • to taste Freshly ground black pepper For seasoning
  • 2 packets (1-ounce each) dry onion soup mix Adds flavor to the broth
  • 2 cups water To add to the slow cooker
  • 2 cans (14.5-ounce each) beef broth Or use Better-than-Bouillon
  • 6-8 slices Swiss or provolone cheese For topping the sandwiches
  • 6-8 pieces crusty rolls (ciabatta or hoagie) For serving the sandwiches

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Season beef with salt and pepper.
  3. Sear beef on all sides until browned, about 1-2 minutes per side.
  4. Transfer seared beef and pan drippings to a slow cooker.
  5. Sprinkle dry onion soup mix over the meat.
  6. Pour in the water and beef broth.
  7. Cover and cook on HIGH for 4-6 hours or LOW for 8-10 hours.
  8. Remove beef and shred it using two forks.
  9. Pile shredded beef onto sliced rolls and top with cheese.
  10. Place under the broiler until cheese melts and rolls are toasted.
  11. Serve sandwiches with slow cooker juices (au jus) for dipping.

Notes

Let the meat cool to room temperature before storing. Store shredded beef and au jus in separate airtight containers for up to 4 days. Reheat before serving.

Recommended Articles