On a chilly afternoon, my daughter and I wandered through the local farmer’s market. The crisp air carried the scent of fresh bread and simmering stews from nearby stalls, but it was the sound of laughter that really caught our attention.
We stopped by the vendor selling herbs and spices, where daughter, with her wide eyes and ever-curious spirit, asked the woman behind the counter what herbs would pair best with a slow-cooked beef dish.
The conversation led to a sudden craving for comfort food — something warm and hearty to settle into after a long, cold day. I remembered the Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches I used to make for family gatherings, the ones my father always raved about. The beef, tender from slow-cooking, soaking in savory flavors, paired with that perfect bite of provolone cheese. It was an easy, satisfying dish, always a hit, and it felt like the right choice to enjoy after a busy weekend.
Daughter and I gathered our ingredients, ready for the simple yet rewarding process of making these sandwiches. As the beef slowly cooked, filling the house with its rich aroma, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of calm, knowing we were about to share a meal that would bring everyone together. There’s nothing quite like a slow-cooked meal to wrap up a weekend.
Short Description
Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches feature tender beef chuck roast slow-cooked in a flavorful broth, served on soft hoagie rolls, and topped with provolone cheese. It’s a hearty, easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a family meal or casual gatherings.
Key Ingredients
For the Beef:
- 3-4 lb beef chuck roast
- 1 packet (1 oz) dry onion soup mix
- 1 packet (1 oz) au jus gravy mix
- 1 can (10.5 oz) beef broth
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed French onion soup
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
For the Sandwiches:
- 6-8 hoagie rolls or French bread
- 6-8 slices provolone cheese
- Optional: butter for toasting bread
For the Au Jus Dipping Sauce:
- Juices from the slow cooker
- Additional beef broth (optional, to thin sauce if needed)
Tools Needed
- Slow cooker
- Two forks for shredding the beef
- Strainer for removing fat and chunks from the broth
- Broiler or oven for toasting bread
- Knife and cutting board for slicing rolls and cheese
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
Place the beef chuck roast into your slow cooker. Sprinkle the dry onion soup mix, au jus gravy mix, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper evenly over the roast.
Pour in the beef broth, French onion soup, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce. The beef should be completely submerged in the liquid. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on Low for 7-8 hours or on High for 4-5 hours.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
Allow the roast to cook until it’s fork-tender. You’ll know it’s ready when the beef easily shreds when you pull it apart with two forks.
Step 3: Shred the Beef
Remove the beef from the slow cooker and place it on a large cutting board. Use two forks to shred the beef into bite-sized pieces.
Be gentle as you do this to keep the texture nice and tender. Once shredded, return the beef to the slow cooker to soak in all those delicious juices.
Step 4: Strain the Broth
Strain the remaining broth through a fine mesh sieve to remove any fat or solids. You want a clear, flavorful au jus for dipping. If the sauce is too thick, feel free to add a bit more beef broth to thin it out to your liking.
Step 5: Assemble the Sandwiches
Slice the hoagie rolls or French bread to your desired sandwich size. For extra flavor, spread a little butter on the inside of the rolls and toast them under the broiler for 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
Once toasted, pile a generous amount of shredded beef onto each roll and top with a slice of provolone cheese. Return the sandwiches to the broiler for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 6: Serve with Au Jus
Serve each sandwich with a small bowl of the reserved au jus on the side for dipping. The savory broth will soak into the sandwich, adding even more flavor to every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Incredible Taste: The slow-cooked beef is tender and juicy, with deep, savory flavors that are perfectly complemented by the cheese and bread.
Ease of Preparation: Simply toss everything into the slow cooker, and it does the hard work for you.
Versatility: This recipe works for a variety of occasions, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special gathering with friends and family.
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
1. The beef is too tough:
Solution: Make sure you’re cooking the beef long enough. If it’s not falling apart after the cooking time, let it cook a little longer.
2. Bread gets soggy:
Solution: Toast the bread under the broiler before assembling the sandwiches to create a crispy barrier that holds up against the juicy beef and au jus.
3. Au jus is too salty:
Solution: Adjust the salt by thinning out the broth with a little more beef broth or water. Taste as you go to avoid it becoming overly salty.
4. Cheese doesn’t melt properly:
Solution: Make sure the sandwich goes back into the broiler for just a minute or two to melt the cheese thoroughly. Don’t leave it too long, or the bread will burn.
5. Too much fat in the au jus:
Solution: Strain the broth carefully and skim off any excess fat to keep the dipping sauce clean and delicious.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve as a Main: These sandwiches are hearty enough to be a meal on their own, especially when paired with some crispy fries or a light salad.
Pair with Drinks: A cold beer or iced tea complements the savory flavors of the French Dip Sandwiches perfectly.
Family-Style: Serve the sandwiches on a large platter with a few small bowls of au jus for dipping, perfect for casual, family-style meals.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Storing Leftovers: Store any leftover beef in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Be sure to keep the au jus separate to prevent the bread from getting soggy.
Reheating: Reheat the beef gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. If you want to re-toast the bread, use the broiler again for a few minutes to bring back that crispiness. If the beef seems dry, add a splash of broth to moisten it.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of roast?
Yes, you can substitute a sirloin roast or round roast, but beef chuck works best for slow cooking as it becomes extra tender.
2. Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the beef and au jus the night before and store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat and assemble the sandwiches.
3. Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the beef and au jus for up to 3 months. Just be sure to freeze them in separate containers for the best texture when reheated.
4. Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?
Of course! Add some onions, carrots, or potatoes to the slow cooker for an even heartier meal. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time if necessary.
5. Can I use a different cheese?
You can substitute provolone with Swiss cheese, cheddar, or mozzarella, depending on your preference.
Tips & Tricks
Make it Spicy: Add a few dashes of hot sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to give your sandwich a little heat.
Slow Cooker Tip: If you’re in a rush, you can cook the beef on High for 4-5 hours, but cooking it on Low for 7-8 hours yields a more tender, flavorful result.
Recipe Variations
Vegetarian Version: Swap out the beef for hearty mushrooms or jackfruit to create a plant-based version. Use vegetable broth for the au jus.
Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses like cheddar, Gruyère, or mozzarella for a slightly different flavor profile.
Spicy Twist: Add a few sliced jalapeños or a teaspoon of chili powder to the slow cooker for a spicy kick that pairs well with the savory beef.
Final Thoughts
Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches have a way of turning an ordinary day into something special. The ease of preparation makes them a perfect fit for busy families, but the depth of flavor is what truly shines.
I can already see us making this again for the next family potluck or on a cozy evening when everyone needs a little comfort. It’s one of those meals that will forever hold a place in our kitchen and hearts.
Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches
Ingredients
For the Beef:
- 3-4 lb beef chuck roast
- 1 packet 1 oz dry onion soup mix
- 1 packet 1 oz au jus gravy mix
- 1 can 10.5 oz beef broth
- 1 can 10.5 oz condensed French onion soup
- ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
For the Sandwiches:
- 6-8 hoagie rolls or French bread
- 6-8 slices provolone cheese
- Optional: butter for toasting bread
For the Au Jus Dipping Sauce:
- Juices from the slow cooker
- Additional beef broth optional, to thin sauce if needed
Instructions
- Place the beef chuck roast in the slow cooker. Sprinkle the dry onion soup mix, au jus gravy mix, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper over the roast.
- Add beef broth, French onion soup, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce, ensuring the beef is submerged. Cover and cook on Low for 7-8 hours or High for 4-5 hours.
- Let the roast cook until fork-tender, easily shredding with two forks.
- Transfer the beef to a cutting board and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker to soak in the juices.
- Strain the remaining broth to remove fat and solids, creating a clear au jus. Add more beef broth if needed to thin it.
- Toast hoagie rolls with butter under the broiler for 1-2 minutes. Pile shredded beef onto each roll, top with provolone cheese, and broil for another 1-2 minutes until the cheese melts.
