Crock Pot French Dip Sandwiches are a total game-changer when it comes to easy, tasty dinners. Tender, slow-cooked beef smothered in flavorful juices, piled high on soft rolls, and served with a side of rich au jus for dipping—that’s what makes these sandwiches so special. The meat is juicy and falls apart perfectly, thanks to the slow cooker doing all the work for you.
I love how simple it is to prepare these sandwiches. You just toss everything in the Crock Pot in the morning, and by dinnertime, the house smells amazing and the beef is melt-in-your-mouth tender. One of my favorite things is using the broth left in the pot to make the separate au jus dip—it brings the whole sandwich together and makes every bite even better. I usually thin the au jus a bit with some broth to get just the right consistency for dunking.
These sandwiches are perfect for casual dinners, weekend meals, or game day gatherings. I like serving them with pickles and a side of crispy fries or a simple salad. Plus, they’re crowd-pleasers that I always feel good about making because they’re so hearty without any fuss. If you want to keep things easy but still impress, give these Crock Pot French Dip Sandwiches a try—you won’t be disappointed!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck Roast: This cut is perfect for slow cooking because it becomes tender and shreddable. If you can’t find chuck roast, brisket or even a pork shoulder can work well, though flavor will differ slightly.
Onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the broth. Yellow onions are my go-to, but sweet onions or even shallots also taste great.
Beef Broth: Using low sodium broth helps control salt levels since you season the meat separately. If you’re short on broth, you can add water with a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire.
Worcestershire Sauce: Brings umami and richness. If unavailable, try soy sauce as a simple substitute but start with less to avoid overpowering the dish.
Cheese: Provolone or Swiss melt nicely and add creamy flavor to the sandwich. You could swap for mozzarella or even mild cheddar depending on your taste.
Hoagie or French Rolls: Use crusty rolls with a soft interior to soak up the juices. In a pinch, sturdy sandwich buns work fine too.
How Do You Get Tender, Shreddable Beef in the Crock Pot?
The key to tender shredded beef is low and slow cooking. Here’s how I do it:
- Season the beef well upfront to build flavor inside and out.
- Sear the roast on all sides in a hot pan to lock in juices and add a caramelized flavor. You can skip this if short on time, but the taste will be lighter.
- Cook on low heat for 8 to 10 hours so the connective tissues break down. If you’re in a hurry, high for 4-5 hours works but the texture might be a little less tender.
- Once cooked, use two forks to gently shred the meat—it will fall apart easily if done right.
- Don’t forget to strain the cooking liquid and skim off fat to make the perfect au jus for dipping.
These steps help you get moist, flavorful beef that melts in your mouth and creates a delicious sandwich.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Crock Pot or slow cooker – It’s the star here, slowly cooking the beef until it’s tender without needing your attention all day.
- Large skillet – Great for searing the roast first to add extra flavor and color.
- Sharp knife – Essential for slicing the onions and cutting the sandwiches cleanly.
- Slotted spoon or tongs – Helps you remove the roast from the Crock Pot without losing all the liquid.
- Fine mesh strainer – Perfect for straining the au jus to get a clear, smooth dipping sauce.
- Baking sheet or ovenproof dish – For melting the cheese on your assembled sandwiches under the broiler.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Try adding mushrooms to the Crock Pot for an earthy flavor boost that pairs well with beef.
- Instead of beef, use boneless pork shoulder for a different but still juicy and shreddable filling.
- Swap provolone cheese for pepper jack if you want a little spice and extra kick.
- Add fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs to the pot for enhanced herbal notes during cooking.
Crock Pot French Dip Sandwiches
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Beef:
- 3-4 lbs beef chuck roast
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 3 cups beef broth (preferably low sodium)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
For The Sandwiches:
- 4-6 hoagie rolls or French rolls
- 6-8 slices provolone or Swiss cheese
How Much Time Will You Need?
Preparation takes about 15 minutes, plus 8 to 10 hours of slow cooking on low or 4 to 5 hours on high in the Crock Pot. Add a few more minutes to brown the beef if you choose to sear it before cooking, and about 5 minutes to heat up the sandwiches and melt the cheese before serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season and Sear the Beef:
Pat the chuck roast dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix together salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and rosemary. Rub this seasoning mixture all over the beef roast. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the roast on all sides for about 3-4 minutes per side to build flavor. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step.
2. Set Up and Cook in the Crock Pot:
Place the sliced onions in the bottom of the Crock Pot. Put the seared (or unseared) roast on top of the onions. Pour the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce over the roast. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the meat is very tender and can be shredded easily.
3. Shred the Beef and Prepare Au Jus:
Remove the roast from the Crock Pot and shred the meat with two forks, discarding any excess fat. Strain the cooking liquid into a bowl or pot to remove the onions and any solids. Skim off any fat on top. This flavorful liquid will be your au jus dip for the sandwiches.
4. Assemble and Melt the Sandwiches:
Slice the rolls in half and fill them generously with shredded beef. Top each sandwich with a slice or two of provolone or Swiss cheese. Place the sandwiches under a broiler or in a hot oven for a few minutes until the cheese melts and the bread is slightly toasted.
5. Serve:
Serve the sandwiches warm with a small bowl of the hot au jus on the side for dipping. Enjoy the tender, juicy beef and melty cheese with a delicious flavorful dip!
Can I Use Frozen Beef Chuck Roast?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw the roast in the refrigerator overnight before preparing. Cooking from frozen can increase cooking time and result in unevenly cooked meat.
Is It Necessary to Sear the Roast First?
Searing adds extra flavor and a nice browned crust, but you can skip it if short on time. The slow cooker will still make the beef tender and delicious without searing.
How Should I Store Leftover Sandwiches and Au Jus?
Keep leftover shredded beef and au jus in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat the beef gently and warm the au jus before dipping.
Can I Use Different Bread or Cheese?
Absolutely! Any sturdy, crusty roll works well, and you can swap provolone or Swiss for mozzarella, cheddar, or pepper jack depending on your preference.
