Crock Pot French Dip Sandwiches are an easy and tasty way to enjoy tender, slow-cooked roast beef packed with flavor. The beef cooks slowly in a savory broth until it’s perfectly juicy and melts in your mouth. Then, it’s piled high on soft rolls and served with flavorful au jus for dipping.
I love making these sandwiches on a busy day because the crock pot does all the work while I have my hands free. The slow cooking makes the beef incredibly tender, and the rich juices simmered with herbs give the au jus such a comforting taste. It’s one of those meals that feels a little special but is really simple to prepare.
My favorite way to serve these is with a side of crispy fries or a light salad, and of course, plenty of the warm au jus for dunking. Nothing beats biting into the soft sandwich while dipping it in that delicious broth. These sandwiches always make guests happy, and I find that leftovers taste just as good or even better the next day!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck Roast: This cut is perfect for slow cooking because it becomes tender and juicy. If you want leaner meat, try a bottom round roast, but note it might be less tender. I find chuck roast gives the best flavor and texture.
Broth & Sauces: Beef broth is key for rich au jus. If you don’t have beef broth, use vegetable broth plus a little soy sauce for depth. Soy sauce adds saltiness and umami, but you can swap with tamari for gluten-free needs.
Herbs & Spices: Thyme and rosemary give fragrant notes that complement the beef well. If fresh herbs are available, use them for an even brighter flavor. Onion and garlic powders boost the savory taste, but you can also add fresh minced garlic with the onions.
Cheese & Bread: Provolone or Swiss cheese melts nicely on these sandwiches. If you prefer, mozzarella works too. For bread, crusty hoagie or French rolls hold up well against the juicy beef. Soft sandwich buns can also work but beware of sogginess.
How Do You Get Super Tender Beef in the Crock Pot?
The secret is low and slow cooking. The connective tissue in the chuck roast breaks down over hours at low temperature:
- Sear the meat first to lock in juices and add flavor. A good brown crust also adds richness.
- Use low heat for 8 to 10 hours to let collagen soften and turn into gelatin, making the beef tender and moist.
- Cooking on high heats the meat too fast and can make it tougher—stick to low when possible.
- After cooking, shred the beef with two forks while still warm to keep it juicy and tender.
- Return the shredded beef to the juices in the crock pot to soak up even more flavor.
This method makes the beef shred easily and taste deliciously rich with the au jus.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Crock pot or slow cooker – It does the slow cooking for you, making the beef tender without much effort.
- Large skillet – Perfect for searing the roast to lock in flavor before slow cooking.
- Sharp knife – For slicing onions and later shredding the beef easily.
- Tongs or two forks – Great for handling and shredding the cooked beef.
- Cutting board – A stable surface for prepping ingredients and slicing rolls.
- Small bowls – Handy for serving the au jus dipping sauce alongside sandwiches.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap beef for shredded chicken cooked in the same broth for a lighter, quicker option.
- Add sautéed mushrooms with the onions for a deeper, earthy flavor that pairs well with beef.
- Use sharp cheddar or pepper jack cheese instead of provolone for a bolder taste.
- Mix in fresh thyme and rosemary during cooking for a brighter herbal note compared to dried herbs.
Crock Pot French Dip Sandwiches
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Beef Roast:
- 3 to 4 pounds beef chuck roast
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt, to taste
For Serving:
- 6 to 8 hoagie rolls or French rolls
- 8 slices provolone or Swiss cheese
Time Needed:
Plan on about 15 minutes of active prep time to sear the beef and prepare ingredients. Then cook in the crock pot for 8 to 10 hours on low (or 4 to 5 hours on high) until the beef is tender and shreddable. Additional time for assembling and optional broiling adds just a few minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sear the Beef:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chuck roast generously with salt and pepper. Brown it on all sides, about 3 to 4 minutes per side, to lock in flavor. Once browned, transfer the roast to your crock pot.
2. Sauté Onions and Garlic:
In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and minced garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 3 minutes. Then spoon them on top of the roast in the crock pot.
3. Add Liquids and Seasonings:
Pour the beef broth, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce over the beef. Sprinkle in thyme, rosemary, onion powder, garlic powder, and add salt and pepper to taste.
4. Slow Cook the Beef:
Place the lid on your crock pot and cook on low heat for 8 to 10 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours. The beef should become very tender and easily shredded with a fork.
5. Shred and Keep Warm:
Carefully remove the beef and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded meat to the crock pot to soak up the juices and keep warm.
6. Assemble Your Sandwiches:
Slice your hoagie or French rolls and fill each with plenty of the hot shredded beef. Top each sandwich with slices of provolone or Swiss cheese.
7. Optional Melting Step:
If you like, place assembled sandwiches under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes until the cheese melts slightly.
8. Serve with Au Jus:
Pour some of the warm juices from the crock pot into small bowls and serve alongside the sandwiches for dipping.
Enjoy your tender, flavorful Crock Pot French Dip Sandwiches with plenty of delicious au jus to dip! They’re perfect for a comforting meal any day of the week.
Can I Use Frozen Beef Chuck Roast in the Crock Pot?
It’s best to thaw the roast completely before cooking to ensure even cooking and food safety. Thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the cold water method in a sealed bag for quicker thawing.
Can I Make These Sandwiches Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can cook the beef and shred it a day ahead. Store in the juices in the refrigerator and reheat gently in the crock pot or on the stove before assembling the sandwiches.
How Should I Store Leftover Sandwiches and Au Jus?
Keep leftover shredded beef and au jus in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the beef with some au jus added to keep it moist before serving again.
Can I Use Different Cheese or Bread for This Recipe?
Definitely! Swiss, mozzarella, or cheddar all work well for cheese. For bread, hoagie rolls, French rolls, or even sturdy sandwich buns are good choices. Just pick bread that’ll hold the juicy beef without getting soggy too quickly.
