Crock Pot French Dip Sandwiches are a simple and delicious way to enjoy tender, slow-cooked beef piled high on soft rolls, all soaked in rich, flavorful au jus. The meat becomes so juicy and flavorful from cooking low and slow in the Crock Pot, making each bite melt in your mouth. Add some melted cheese and maybe a little horseradish, and you’ve got a classic sandwich that’s perfect for any day.
I love making these sandwiches when I want something hearty but don’t want to spend all afternoon in the kitchen. The Crock Pot does all the hard work for you, so you can set it and forget it until it’s time to eat. One of my favorite tricks is to tear the beef apart right in the pot so it soaks up even more of the tasty juices before piling it on the rolls.
Serving these sandwiches with a side of the warm au jus for dipping makes every bite even better—there’s just something extra cozy about dunking your sandwich into that flavorful broth. I like to make a big batch when friends or family come over because everyone always asks for seconds (and sometimes thirds). It’s a great meal to share and enjoy together, especially on a chilly day.
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Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck Roast: This cut is perfect because it becomes tender and flavorful after slow cooking. If unavailable, brisket or shoulder roast also work well for shredding.
Beef Broth & Soy Sauce: Beef broth adds depth, and soy sauce boosts umami and saltiness. For a lighter option, low-sodium broth and tamari or coconut aminos can be used.
Onion & Garlic: These aromatics bring sweetness and a savory kick. Fresh is best, but onion powder and garlic powder can substitute if needed.
Provolone Cheese: It melts nicely and complements the beef. Swiss or mozzarella can be swapped in for a milder or creamier melt.
Hoagie Rolls: Soft rolls that hold up to the juicy beef are key. French rolls, baguettes, or even brioche buns can be tasty alternatives.
How Do I Get Tender, Juicy Beef That Shreds Easily?
Slow cooking low and slow is the secret. Here’s how to do it:
- Season the beef well with salt, pepper, and spices for flavor inside and out.
- Sear the roast before slow cooking if you can; this seals in flavor and develops a nice crust.
- Cook on low heat for 8-10 hours. This long, slow cook breaks down connective tissue, making the meat tender.
- Check tenderness by shredding the beef with forks; if it pulls apart easily, it’s ready.
- Return shredded beef to the sauce in the Crock Pot to let it soak up all those juices before serving.
Patience is key here! Resist the urge to cook on high; low and slow yields the best, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Crock Pot or slow cooker – it cooks the beef low and slow until tender without much effort.
- Large skillet – great for searing the roast to lock in flavor before slow cooking.
- Two forks – perfect for shredding the beef easily once it’s cooked.
- Baking sheet – to toast the sandwiches and melt the cheese under the broiler quickly.
- Small bowls – handy for serving the au jus for dipping sandwiches.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap beef roast for shredded pork shoulder for a different but equally tender and juicy filling.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions for extra sweetness and earthy flavor.
- Try swapping provolone for pepper jack cheese if you want a little spicy kick.
- Mix in fresh thyme and rosemary rather than dried for a brighter herb flavor if available.
How to Make Crock Pot French Dip Sandwiches
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Beef and Sauce:
- 3 to 4 pounds beef chuck roast
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- ½ cup soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For The Sandwiches:
- 6 to 8 hoagie rolls or French sandwich rolls
- 8 to 12 slices provolone cheese (or Swiss cheese)
- Optional: horseradish sauce or Dijon mustard for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes of active prep plus 8 to 10 hours cooking time in the Crock Pot. Most of the time is hands-off slow cooking, so you can go about your day while the beef gets tender and flavorful.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Beef:
First, pat your beef chuck roast dry with paper towels. Then season it all over with salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder to give it lots of flavor from the start.
2. Searing the Roast (Optional but Tasty):
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the roast on all sides until it gets nicely browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. This step helps seal in juices and adds depth of flavor. If you’re short on time, you can skip this.
3. Setting Up the Crock Pot:
Place the sliced onions and minced garlic in the bottom of your slow cooker. Put the seared roast on top of the onions and garlic.
4. Adding Liquids and Herbs:
Pour the beef broth and soy sauce over the roast. Sprinkle the dried thyme and rosemary evenly on top to add fragrant herb flavors.
5. Cooking Low and Slow:
Cover the Crock Pot and cook on low heat for 8 to 10 hours. The beef should become tender enough to shred easily with forks.
6. Shredding the Beef:
Remove the roast from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the beef into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded beef back to the Crock Pot to soak in the delicious juices.
7. Building the Sandwiches:
Preheat your oven’s broiler. Split open the hoagie rolls and fill them generously with the shredded beef. Top each sandwich with slices of provolone cheese.
8. Melting the Cheese:
Place the sandwiches on a baking sheet and broil for 2 to 3 minutes, until the cheese melts and looks smooth and bubbly. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
9. Serving with Au Jus:
Scoop some of the flavorful broth from the Crock Pot into small bowls for dipping your sandwiches. This warm au jus makes every bite extra juicy and delicious.
10. Optional Finishing Touches:
If you like, add some horseradish sauce or Dijon mustard to your sandwiches for a little extra zing.
Can I Use Frozen Beef Chuck Roast for This Recipe?
Yes, but make sure to fully thaw the roast in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. Cooking from frozen can lead to uneven cooking and longer cook times.
Can I Skip Searing the Roast?
Absolutely! Searing adds extra flavor and color but isn’t required. If short on time, you can place the roast directly into the Crock Pot and still get delicious results.
How Do I Store Leftover French Dip Sandwiches?
Store leftover shredded beef and au jus in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave. Keep rolls separate to avoid sogginess, then assemble before serving.
What Can I Use Instead of Provolone Cheese?
Swiss cheese, mozzarella, or even pepper jack are great alternatives. Choose cheeses that melt well and complement the savory beef flavors.
