Crock Pot French Dip Sandwiches are the perfect mix of tender, slow-cooked beef and melty cheese, all piled onto soft sandwich rolls. The beef cooks low and slow in a flavorful broth that turns into a rich dipping sauce you’ll want to dunk your sandwich in again and again. It’s the kind of meal that smells amazing while cooking and tastes even better.
I love making this recipe when I want something that feels special but doesn’t need me to be stuck in the kitchen. Just toss the beef and seasonings into the crockpot in the morning, and by dinner, you have juicy, tender meat that falls apart easily. One little tip I’ve learned is to shred the beef right in the pot so it soaks up all the juices—makes every bite super tasty.
My favorite way to eat these sandwiches is with plenty of gooey provolone or Swiss cheese melted on top and a side of those juicy au jus dipping cups. It’s like having a little restaurant meal at home, but without the fuss. These sandwiches always bring people together for a cozy, comforting meal that everybody loves.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef chuck roast: This cut is perfect for slow cooking because it becomes tender and juicy. If you can’t find chuck roast, brisket or round roast work well too.
Beef broth: Adds depth to the au jus. If you want a richer flavor, use low-sodium beef stock or homemade broth. For a lighter option, vegetable broth is okay but less intense.
Soy sauce & Worcestershire sauce: These give umami and a slightly salty kick to the dip. For gluten-free options, use tamari instead of soy sauce. Worcestershire sauce can be tricky; look for gluten-free versions or substitute with a splash of balsamic vinegar for tanginess.
Provolone or Swiss cheese: Both melt well and add creamy, mild flavor. Mozzarella is a good alternative but will be less sharp. Avoid harder cheeses that don’t melt easily.
Hoagie rolls or French buns: Look for sturdy rolls that hold up well to the juicy beef and broth. If you prefer, ciabatta or baguette slices work too. Just make sure they won’t get too soggy quickly.
How Do You Get Super Tender, Flavorful Beef in the Crock Pot?
Slow cooking is key to tender beef that shreds easily and soaks up all the flavors. Here’s how to do it right:
- Sear the beef on all sides first in a hot pan. This locks in juices and adds a tasty crust.
- Place onions and garlic at the bottom of the crock pot—they release flavor slowly and keep the beef moist.
- Mix broth, soy, Worcestershire, and spices before pouring over the beef. This creates a rich cooking liquid that turns into au jus.
- Cook low and slow: 8-10 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high. Resist the urge to peek—it keeps moisture in.
- After cooking, shred the beef right in the pot so it absorbs the juices fully. This step makes every bite juicy and flavorful.
This method takes time but requires very little effort and gives you the best texture and taste for your French Dip sandwiches.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Crock pot or slow cooker – perfect for cooking the beef low and slow while you go about your day.
- Large skillet – to sear the roast and lock in flavor before slow cooking.
- Cutting board and sharp knife – for slicing onions and shredding the cooked beef.
- Foil-lined baking sheet – handy for melting the cheese on the sandwiches under the broiler without mess.
- Fine mesh strainer – helps you strain the au jus so it’s smooth and ready for dipping.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap beef chuck roast for boneless pork shoulder for a slightly sweeter, tender twist.
- Add sautéed mushrooms to the beef before slow cooking for an earthy flavor boost.
- Try pepper jack cheese instead of provolone for a mild spicy kick.
- Mix in caramelized onions with the shredded beef for extra sweetness and depth.
Crock Pot French Dip Sandwiches
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Beef and Au Jus:
- 3 to 4 pounds beef chuck roast
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup beef broth
- ½ cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
For The Sandwiches:
- 6 to 8 hoagie rolls or French sandwich buns
- 8 to 12 slices provolone or Swiss cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
Plan about 15 minutes to prepare and sear the roast, then 8 to 10 hours on low (or 4 to 5 hours on high) for slow cooking the beef until it’s tender and shreddable. You’ll also need another 5 to 10 minutes to assemble and broil the sandwiches before serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sear the Beef:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the beef roast on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side, to boost flavor and seal in juices. Once browned, transfer the roast to your crock pot.
2. Prepare the Slow Cooker Base:
Place the sliced onion and minced garlic at the bottom of the crock pot. Then put the seared roast on top. Mix together beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and black pepper, and pour this mixture over the roast.
3. Slow Cook the Beef:
Cover and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours, or high for 4 to 5 hours, until the meat is tender and shreds easily with a fork.
4. Shred and Soak:
Remove the beef from the crock pot and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded meat to the crock pot so it soaks up all the flavorful juices.
5. Assemble and Broil Sandwiches:
Preheat your oven’s broiler. Place the bottom halves of the hoagie rolls on a baking sheet and pile on a generous amount of shredded beef. Top with slices of provolone or Swiss cheese. Broil for 1-2 minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles.
6. Serve and Dip:
Put the top halves on the sandwiches and serve them immediately. Strain the au jus from the crock pot into small bowls for dipping. Garnish the sandwiches with chopped parsley, if you like.
Enjoy your tender, savory Crock Pot French Dip Sandwiches with rich, flavorful dipping sauce for a comforting and delicious homemade meal!
Can I Use Frozen Beef Chuck Roast?
It’s best to thaw the roast completely before cooking to ensure even cooking and proper shredding. Thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the cold water method for quicker thawing.
Can I Make These Sandwiches Ahead of Time?
You can slow cook and shred the beef a day ahead, then refrigerate it in its au jus. Reheat gently in the crock pot or on the stove before assembling the sandwiches and melting the cheese.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Keep leftover shredded beef and au jus in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store sandwich components separately to avoid soggy bread. Reheat beef with the au jus to keep it moist.
What Can I Substitute for Provolone or Swiss Cheese?
Mozzarella or mild cheddar can be used as alternatives, though they’ll provide a slightly different flavor and texture. Look for cheeses that melt well for the best results.