When the calendar fills up and the week gets hectic, the last thing you want is a complicated dinner recipe. That’s where the magic of a slow cooker comes in! There’s nothing better than coming home to a warm, inviting aroma that tells you dinner is not only ready but also promises to be incredibly delicious.
These Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches are the epitome of simple, comforting food. They require minimal prep time, allowing your crockpot to work its magic and transform an ordinary beef roast into the most succulent, fork-tender beef you’ve ever had. Paired with gooey, melted provolone and a rich, savory au jus for dipping, this is a weeknight meal that tastes like it took all day to make.
This recipe is a true game-changer for busy families and anyone who loves a hearty, flavorful sandwich. Are you ready to dive into the best French dip you’ve ever had? Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients
For the Beef and Au Jus:
- 3 lbs beef chuck roast
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cans (10.5 oz each) beef consommé
- 1 packet onion soup mix
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Assembly:
- 6-8 hoagie or sub rolls
- 6-8 slices provolone or Swiss cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Beef: Generously season the beef chuck roast on all sides with salt and pepper. If you have time, you can sear it in a hot pan for a few minutes per side to lock in the flavor, but this step is optional.
- Combine Ingredients: Place the sliced onions in the bottom of your slow cooker. Add the seasoned beef roast on top.
- Create the Au Jus: In a separate bowl, whisk together the beef consommé, onion soup mix, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme. Pour this mixture over the beef roast in the slow cooker.
- Cook to Perfection: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The beef is ready when it is incredibly tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.
- Shred the Beef: Carefully remove the beef roast from the slow cooker and use two forks to shred it into small pieces. Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker and stir it into the au jus to keep it moist and flavorful.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Slice your hoagie rolls lengthwise and toast them lightly. Fill each roll with a generous amount of the shredded beef.
- Add the Cheese: Lay one or two slices of provolone or Swiss cheese over the beef on each sandwich.
- Melt the Cheese: Place the sandwiches on a baking sheet and broil for 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is perfectly melted and bubbly. Be sure to watch them closely to avoid burning!
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the sandwiches immediately with small bowls of the au jus from the crockpot for dipping.
Tips & Serving Suggestions
- Which Cut of Beef? A chuck roast is the best choice for this recipe because it has a good amount of marbling. The fat and connective tissue break down during the long cooking time, resulting in incredibly tender and flavorful beef.
- Au Jus Flavor: For a richer au jus, you can add a half-cup of dry red wine to the liquid mixture before cooking.
- Making It a Meal: These sandwiches pair perfectly with a simple side salad, some crispy potato chips, or a serving of roasted vegetables.
I hope this recipe becomes a new family favorite in your kitchen!
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Easy Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Place sliced onions in the bottom of the slow cooker and set beef chuck roast on top.
- In a bowl, whisk together beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic, thyme, rosemary, and black pepper. Pour over beef.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 8–10 hours, until beef is very tender and shreds easily.
- Remove beef from slow cooker and shred with two forks. Strain cooking liquid and reserve for au jus dipping sauce.
- Toast hoagie rolls, then layer shredded beef and cheese slices inside each roll.
- Serve sandwiches hot with reserved au jus for dipping.