Warm, savory, and hands-off, these Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches make a great weeknight dinner or casual party food. The slow-cooked beef becomes tender and juicy, the onions melt into the sauce, and the au jus fills each bite with rich, beefy flavor. If you like the idea of turning classic French dip flavors into other dishes, try a related twist like these savory beef French dip tortilla rollups for an easy appetizer.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours on low (or 4 hours on high)
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes (using low cook time)
- Servings: 8 sandwiches
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
(Approximate per serving, assumes 8 servings with Swiss cheese)
- Calories per serving: 680 kcal
- Protein: 50 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fat: 43 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
Why Make This Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches
This recipe gives you melt-in-your-mouth beef with minimal hands-on time. The crockpot breaks down the tough chuck roast into tender strands that soak up a savory broth. The smell while it cooks is rich and comforting, and the sandwiches have a juicy, warm texture that pairs perfectly with toasted rolls. It’s easy to scale and great for busy nights, potlucks, or game-day feeding.
How to Make Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches
Follow a few easy steps—prepare, mix the sauce, slow-cook, then finish and assemble. The slow heat gives you deep beef flavor and an au jus perfect for dipping.
Ingredients:
- 3 lbs beef chuck roast
- 1 onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sandwich rolls
- Swiss cheese (optional)
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
Place the beef chuck roast in the crockpot. Pat the roast dry and season the outside with salt and pepper so the meat develops flavor as it cooks.
Step 2: Mixing
Add the sliced onion and minced garlic on top of the roast. In a bowl, mix together the beef broth, water, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and a bit more salt and pepper. Pour the mixture over the beef roast, making sure some liquid reaches the sides of the pot.
Step 3: Cooking
Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours, until the meat is fall-apart tender. The slow heat melts the fat and releases beefy juices that turn into a rich au jus.
Step 4: Finishing
Remove the beef from the crockpot and shred it with two forks. Taste the cooking liquid and adjust seasoning if needed—skim fat if you prefer a lighter jus. Serve the shredded beef on sandwich rolls, spoon a little of the cooking liquid over the meat or serve it on the side for dipping, and add Swiss cheese if desired. For melty cheese, place assembled sandwiches under a broiler for 1–2 minutes until bubbly.
How to Serve Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches
Serve warm with a small bowl of au jus for dipping. Toast the rolls for texture contrast. Add pickled jalapeños or caramelized onions for extra depth. These sandwiches go well with fries, coleslaw, a crisp green salad, or roasted vegetables for a fuller meal.
How to Store Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches
- Refrigerate leftover shredded beef in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Store the au jus separately for best texture.
- Freeze cooked shredded beef in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Reheat gently in a pan with a splash of the reserved jus, or warm in the oven covered at 325°F (160°C) until heated through. Reheat rolls separately to keep them from getting soggy.
Expert Tips for Perfect Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches
- Trim large chunks of excess fat, but leave some fat for flavor and tenderness.
- Brown the roast briefly in a hot skillet before adding to the crockpot for deeper flavor (optional).
- Taste the au jus after cooking and reduce it on the stovetop for a more concentrated sauce.
- Use quality beef broth and low-sodium soy sauce to control salt levels.
- For a richer jus, add a splash of red wine to the cooking liquid before slow cooking.
- If the jus is too thin, mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water and stir into simmering jus to thicken slightly.
Delicious Variations
- Mushroom Swiss: Add sliced mushrooms to the crockpot and top sandwiches with extra Swiss cheese.
- Italian-style: Swap thyme for Italian seasoning and use provolone cheese for a different flavor.
- Spicy: Stir in 1–2 teaspoons of sriracha or a diced chipotle in adobo to the sauce for heat.
- Slow Cooker Gravy: Add a tablespoon of tomato paste and a splash of balsamic vinegar for a deeper gravy.
- Mini Sliders: Use small rolls and shred the beef into smaller portions for party sliders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different cut of beef?
A: Yes. Chuck roast gives great flavor and tenderness. You can use brisket or bottom round, but cooking times and final texture may vary. Brisket will be richer; bottom round can be leaner and may shred less easily.
Q: Do I need to brown the roast first?
A: No, browning is optional. Browning adds flavor and color, but the crockpot will still produce tender, tasty meat without it. For the best flavor, quickly sear all sides in a hot pan for 3–4 minutes each before slow cooking.
Q: How do I make the au jus more flavorful?
A: Reduce the cooking liquid on the stovetop to concentrate flavor, add a splash of red wine, or stir in a small spoon of beef bouillon paste. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
Q: Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
A: Yes. Use the sauté function to brown the roast, then pressure cook on high for about 60–75 minutes, followed by a natural release. Cooking times depend on roast size and your model.
Q: How can I avoid soggy rolls?
A: Lightly toast or grill the rolls before assembling. Serve the au jus in small dipping cups so guests can control how much liquid they add.
Q: Is soy sauce necessary?
A: Soy sauce adds savory depth and salt. You can substitute with tamari for gluten-free, or add a little extra Worcestershire sauce and a pinch of salt if you prefer.
Conclusion
These Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches are an easy, crowd-pleasing meal that fills the kitchen with a rich, beefy aroma and delivers tender, juicy sandwiches every time. They’re perfect for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or a comforting weekend dinner. If you want another slow-cooker take on the classic, check out this Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches – House of Nash Eats for more ideas and inspiration.
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Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches
- Total Time: 495 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
Warm, savory, and hands-off, these crockpot French dip sandwiches feature tender, juicy beef soaked in rich au jus, perfect for weeknight dinners or casual parties.
Ingredients
- 3 lbs beef chuck roast
- 1 onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sandwich rolls
- Swiss cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Place the beef chuck roast in the crockpot, pat dry, and season with salt and pepper.
- Add the onion and garlic on top of the roast. Mix together beef broth, water, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and more salt and pepper; pour over the roast.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours until the meat is fall-apart tender.
- Remove the beef from the crockpot and shred with two forks. Adjust seasoning of the cooking liquid if necessary, skim fat if desired. Serve on rolls with cooking liquid for dipping and Swiss cheese if desired.
Notes
For richer flavor, brown the roast before adding to the crockpot. Toast rolls before assembling to avoid sogginess.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 480 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 680
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 43g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 27g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 50g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
