If you’re craving a hearty, melt-in-your-mouth sandwich, look no further than this Crock Pot French Dip Sandwiches Recipe. Slow-cooked to perfection, the tender beef soaks up a savory blend of herbs and spices before being piled high on perfectly toasted rolls with gooey provolone cheese. The rich, flavorful broth served alongside makes every bite a dip-worthy delight. This recipe delivers a comforting meal that’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it an absolute favorite for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Crock Pot French Dip Sandwiches Recipe calls for wonderfully simple ingredients that come together to create layers of exceptional flavor and texture. Each component plays an essential role – from the aromatic herbs seasoning the beef to the melted cheese that crowns the sandwich, plus the savory broth that completes the dish.
- 3 pounds chuck roast (or rump roast, 2.5-4 pounds): The star of the show, chuck roast becomes tender and juicy after slow cooking.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds a fragrant herbal note that enhances the beef’s natural flavor.
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme: Brings subtle earthiness to the seasoning mix.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Delivers warm, garlicky undertones without overpowering.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder: Provides a mild sweetness and depth alongside the fresh onion slices.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances and brightens all the flavors.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Offers just the right amount of heat and bite.
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced (optional): Caramelizes slightly as it cooks, adding natural sweetness beneath the beef.
- 3 cups beef broth: Creates a rich, savory base for slow cooking and dipping juice.
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce: Boosts umami flavor, making the broth extra tasty.
- 1 medium bay leaf: Infuses subtle herbal fragrance during cooking – just remember to remove before serving.
- 6 sub-style rolls (sausage rolls): The sturdy yet soft foundation for holding all that juicy beef and melted cheese.
- 2 tablespoons melted salted butter: Brushed on the rolls before broiling to create golden, flavorful toasts.
- 6 slices provolone cheese: Melts beautifully over the warm rolls, adding a mild creamy layer.
How to Make Crock Pot French Dip Sandwiches Recipe
Step 1: Prep Slow Cooker
Start by spraying your slow cooker with cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Meanwhile, trim any excess fat from the beef if needed to keep the sandwich from becoming too greasy.
Step 2: Season Beef
Mix together oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Generously rub half of this flavorful seasoning over the entire roast. If using onions, layer the thinly sliced onions at the bottom of the slow cooker for a natural flavor base before placing the beef on top, seasoned side down. Rub the remaining seasoning all over the exposed side of the beef for even flavor throughout.
Step 3: Add Broth and Seasonings
Carefully pour the beef broth along the edge of the slow cooker so not to wash away the seasoning. Next, add Worcestershire sauce and tuck in the bay leaf for an aromatic boost that will infuse the beef and broth during cooking.
Step 4: Slow Cook
Cover and cook everything on the LOW setting for 7 to 8 hours. The long, slow heat transforms the roast into tender, shreddable beef. This patient cooking is what builds the rich flavors and incredible texture that make this Crock Pot French Dip Sandwiches Recipe so special. Remember to discard the bay leaf when the cooking is done.
Step 5: Shred Beef
Carefully remove the roast and let it rest for about 10 minutes to retain juices. Then, use two forks to shred the beef into bite-sized pieces, ready to pile high onto your rolls.
Step 6: Toast Rolls
Preheat your oven’s broiler and lightly spray a baking sheet. Slice the sub rolls open and place them cut-side up on the tray. Brush both sides generously with melted salted butter for that rich, toasty flavor. Cut the provolone slices in half and arrange them on the rolls, then broil for 1 to 2 minutes until the cheese is perfectly melted and bubbly.
Step 7: Assemble Sandwiches
Top the toasted rolls with a generous heap of the shredded beef. Don’t forget to strain the broth from the slow cooker and pour it into small bowls for dipping. This extra step turns every bite into a juicy, flavorful experience that mimics a restaurant-style French dip perfectly at home.
How to Serve Crock Pot French Dip Sandwiches Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can elevate your sandwich experience. Freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of cracked black pepper on top adds a lovely pop of color and freshness that contrasts beautifully with the rich beef.
Side Dishes
These sandwiches pair wonderfully with crispy French fries or a light side salad to balance the hearty flavors. Roasted vegetables or a classic cole slaw also make delightful companions for the rich beef and gooey cheese combination.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the shredded beef on sliders instead of subs for a party-friendly option. Alternatively, use a crusty baguette for a rustic feel. You can even top your sandwiches with caramelized onions or sautéed mushrooms for an extra layer of indulgence that complements the slow-cooked beef beautifully.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (though they’re often devoured too quickly!), store the shredded beef and jus separately in airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 3 to 4 days to enjoy in sandwiches or as a flavorful protein addition to other meals.
Freezing
This Crock Pot French Dip Sandwiches Recipe freezes beautifully. Place shredded beef and broth in freezer-safe bags or containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to retain moisture and flavor.
Reheating
Warming the beef slowly over low heat with some of the reserved broth is key to keeping it tender and juicy. You can reheat in a saucepan or microwave, adding broth as needed to prevent drying out. Toast fresh rolls and melt fresh cheese when ready to serve again.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Absolutely! While chuck roast is ideal for slow cooking due to its marbling and tenderness, rump roast or brisket can also work well as long as you slow cook it long enough for shredding.
Do I need to add the onions?
Onions add a lovely sweetness and depth, but they are optional. If you’re not a fan, you can skip them, though your broth may have a slightly different flavor profile.
Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?
While this recipe is designed for the ease of a Crock Pot, you can adapt it for a Dutch oven in the oven at low heat (around 275°F) for several hours. Just keep an eye to ensure the beef stays moist and tender.
What type of rolls are best?
Sub-style rolls like sausage buns work perfectly because they’re sturdy enough to hold all the juicy beef and broth without falling apart. You can experiment with hoagie rolls or baguettes depending on your preference.
How do I make the dipping juice thicker?
If you prefer a thicker au jus, strain some broth into a small saucepan and simmer it to reduce and concentrate the flavor. You can also whisk in a bit of cornstarch slurry to achieve your desired consistency.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, this Crock Pot French Dip Sandwiches Recipe will quickly become your go-to comfort food for any occasion. It’s easy, flavorful, and endlessly satisfying. So why wait? Gather these simple ingredients, let your slow cooker do the magic, and prepare yourself for a sandwich experience that’s juicy, cheesy, and utterly unforgettable.
Print
Crock Pot French Dip Sandwiches Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 7 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 sandwiches
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Crock Pot French Dip Sandwiches feature tender, slow-cooked chuck roast seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices, cooked to perfect shredding consistency in a savory beef broth. Served on toasted sub rolls with melted provolone cheese and accompanied by flavorful au jus for dipping, these sandwiches are an easy, comforting meal perfect for any day of the week.
Ingredients
Beef and Seasoning
- 3 pounds chuck roast (or rump roast, 2.5–4 pounds)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced (optional)
Broth and Additional Flavorings
- 3 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 medium bay leaf
Sandwich Components
- 6 sub-style rolls (sausage rolls)
- 2 tablespoons melted salted butter
- 6 slices provolone cheese
Instructions
- Prep Slow Cooker: Spray the slow cooker with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Trim any excess fat from the beef roast as needed for even cooking.
- Season Beef: In a small bowl, mix oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Rub half of this seasoning blend thoroughly over the beef. If using, spread the thinly sliced onion evenly on the bottom of the slow cooker. Place the beef on top of the onions (or directly in the slow cooker if not using onions), seasoned side down, then rub the remaining seasoning mixture on the exposed side of the beef.
- Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour the beef broth gently around the edge of the slow cooker to keep the seasoning in place. Add the Worcestershire sauce and drop in the bay leaf for added flavor.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 7 to 8 hours, or until the beef is tender enough to shred easily with forks. Once done, remove and discard the bay leaf.
- Shred Beef: Carefully take out the beef and let it rest for about 10 minutes. Shred the beef using two forks to create tender pieces perfect for sandwiches.
- Toast Rolls: Preheat your oven’s broiler. Lightly spray a baking sheet. Open the sub rolls and place them cut side up on the baking sheet. Brush both the cut and outside sides of the rolls with melted butter. Cut the provolone cheese slices in half and place the halves on top of the rolls.
- Broil Sandwich Rolls: Broil the buttered rolls with cheese for 1 to 2 minutes, or until the cheese has fully melted and begins to bubble slightly. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Assemble Sandwiches: Pile a generous amount of shredded beef on each toasted roll. Strain the cooking broth from the slow cooker into serving bowls for dipping. Serve immediately, allowing everyone to dip their sandwiches into the flavorful au jus.
Notes
- Using onions in the slow cooker adds sweetness and depth but is optional.
- For extra crispy rolls, toast them under the broiler a minute longer before adding cheese.
- Leftover beef and broth can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Substitute provolone with Swiss or mozzarella cheese according to preference.
