Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches Recipe

Introduction

Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches are a comforting and flavorful meal perfect for busy days. Tender, slow-cooked beef tucked inside crusty rolls with melted cheese, served alongside rich au jus for dipping. This easy recipe delivers classic deli taste with minimal effort.

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)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Step 2: Season beef chuck roast generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
3. Step 3: Sear the beef on all sides in the hot skillet until browned, about 1–2 minutes per side.
4. Step 4: Transfer the seared beef and any pan drippings to the slow cooker.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle the dry onion soup mix evenly over the beef.
6. Step 6: Pour in the water and beef broth.
7. Step 7: Cover and cook on HIGH for 4–6 hours or LOW for 8–10 hours until the beef is tender.
8. Step 8: Remove the beef from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
9. Step 9: Pile the shredded beef onto sliced rolls and top with slices of Swiss or provolone cheese.
10. Step 10: Place the assembled sandwiches under a broiler until the cheese melts and the rolls are toasted.
11. Step 11: Serve the sandwiches with the warm juices (au jus) from the slow cooker for dipping.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add minced garlic or a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the broth mixture before cooking.
• Try different cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar for a twist.
• If you prefer a thicker au jus, strain the cooking liquid and simmer it on the stove until slightly reduced.
• Use hoagie rolls or baguette for different sandwich textures.

Storage

Store leftover shredded beef and au jus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. To maintain the sandwich’s texture, assemble and toast fresh before serving again.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes, you can substitute beef brisket or bottom round roast, but cooking times may vary slightly depending on the cut’s tenderness.

Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?

Absolutely. Use the sauté function to sear the beef, then cook on high pressure for about 60 minutes, followed by a natural release for tender results.

Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches Recipe

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Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches are a hearty and savory meal featuring tender slow-cooked beef chuck roast, seasoned with onion soup mix and simmered in rich beef broth. Served on crusty rolls and topped with melted Swiss or provolone cheese, these sandwiches come with flavorful au jus for dipping, making them perfect for a comforting and easy-to-make dinner.

• Author: Luna
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 to 6 hours on HIGH or 8 to 10 hours on LOW
• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes to 10 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 to 8 sandwiches 1x
• Category: Sandwiches
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Kosher

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Beef and Broth

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2½ to 3 pounds beef chuck roast
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 (1-ounce) packets dry onion soup mix
• 2 cups water
• 2 (14.5-ounce) cans beef broth (or Better-than-Bouillon)

Sandwiches

• 6–8 slices Swiss or provolone cheese
• 6–8 crusty rolls (ciabatta or hoagie)

Instructions

1. Heat the oil: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat to prepare for searing the beef, which will help lock in the flavors.
2. Season the beef: Pat the beef chuck roast dry and season all sides generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the meat’s natural flavor.
3. Sear the beef: Sear the beef on all sides in the hot skillet until browned, about 1–2 minutes per side. This step creates a flavorful crust and adds depth to the dish.
4. Transfer to slow cooker: Place the seared beef along with any pan drippings into the slow cooker, which will be used to slowly cook the meat until tender.
5. Add seasoning and liquids: Sprinkle the dry onion soup mix evenly over the beef. Pour in 2 cups of water and the two cans of beef broth, ensuring the beef is partially submerged for optimal slow cooking.
6. Slow cook the beef: Cover the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for 4 to 6 hours or on LOW for 8 to 10 hours, until the beef is fork-tender and easy to shred.
7. Shred the beef: Remove the beef from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks, breaking the meat into bite-sized pieces perfect for sandwiches.
8. Prepare the sandwiches: Slice the crusty rolls and pile the shredded beef onto each roll, then top with a slice of Swiss or provolone cheese.
9. Melt the cheese and toast the rolls: Place the assembled sandwiches under the broiler until the cheese melts completely and the rolls are toasted, usually 2-3 minutes. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
10. Serve with au jus: Serve the French dip sandwiches with the flavorful juices (au jus) from the slow cooker on the side for dipping, enhancing every bite.

Notes

• For extra flavor, add a few garlic cloves or fresh herbs like thyme to the slow cooker.
• Use crusty rolls like ciabatta or hoagie for the best texture and sandwich structure.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• The au jus can be skimmed of excess fat and reheated for dipping.
• To make the sandwich gluten-free, substitute the rolls with gluten-free bread options.

Keywords: Crockpot French Dip, Beef Sandwich, Slow Cooker, French Dip Sandwiches, Easy Dinner, Beef Chuck Roast, Au Jus Sandwich