Crock Pot French Dip Sandwiches are an easy and delicious way to enjoy tender, slow-cooked beef piled high on soft, warm rolls. The beef soaks up all those rich juices and herbs as it cooks in the crock pot, making every bite juicy and flavorful. Plus, the melty cheese and the side of dipping au jus sauce make this sandwich feel like a special treat any day of the week.
I love how simple this recipe is — you just set it and forget it, then come back to a kitchen that smells amazing and meat that falls apart perfectly. I find it’s a great recipe to make when I want something tasty but don’t want to spend all afternoon in the kitchen. Sometimes I like to stir a little horseradish into the sauce for an extra kick.
These sandwiches are fantastic served with crispy fries or a fresh green salad on the side. The dipping sauce is a must because it really brings everything together and makes the sandwich extra juicy. I often double the sauce to have plenty for dunking because once you’ve had a bite dipped in that au jus, you won’t want to eat these without it!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef chuck roast: This cut is perfect for slow cooking because it becomes tender and flavorful. If you can’t find chuck roast, try brisket or round roast as alternatives.
Provolone cheese: It melts nicely and adds mild flavor. Swiss or mozzarella work well too if you prefer.
Beef broth & Worcestershire sauce: These build the rich flavor of the au jus. Low-sodium beef broth is a good choice if you want to control salt. Worcestershire adds depth, but soy sauce can be used in place or alongside for umami.
Onion and garlic: They add great aroma and sweetness. Using fresh garlic and sliced onions is best for flavor, but powdered versions can work if needed.
How Do You Make the Beef Tender and Flavored Perfectly in a Crock Pot?
Slow cooking is the key here. The long, gentle heat breaks down tough meat fibers and lets flavors soak in fully.
- Pat the beef dry to help the seasoning stick and prevent steaming instead of browning.
- Season evenly with salt, pepper, and herbs so every bite tastes balanced.
- Cook on low for 8-10 hours rather than high if you have the time—it gives a softer texture.
- Don’t skip shredding the beef and mixing it back into the juices; it keeps the meat moist and flavorful.
All these steps together make the meat pull apart easily and taste rich without extra work.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Crock pot or slow cooker – It gently cooks the beef low and slow for tender, juicy meat without much fuss.
- Sharp knife – Great for trimming the roast and slicing onions thinly.
- Cutting board – Provides a safe, sturdy space to cut your ingredients.
- Two forks – Perfect for shredding the cooked beef into tender pieces.
- Medium saucepan – You’ll use this to warm and thicken the au jus dipping sauce.
- Strainer – Helps remove bits from the cooking liquid for a smooth dipping sauce.
- Baking sheet and broiler (optional) – For melting the cheese on the sandwiches if you like them extra gooey.
- Serving bowls – To serve the au jus alongside the sandwiches for dipping.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Switch beef chuck roast for a pork shoulder if you want a different meat but still want tender, shreddable texture.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions to the sandwich for extra sweetness and texture.
- Use pepper jack or Swiss cheese instead of provolone to change the flavor profile.
- Stir a little horseradish or Dijon mustard into the au jus for a spicy kick I like on occasion.
Crock Pot French Dip Sandwiches
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef:
- 3-4 pounds beef chuck roast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
For the Sandwiches:
- 6-8 hoagie or French rolls
- 8-10 slices provolone cheese
For the Au Jus Dipping Sauce:
- 2 cups beef broth (reserved from cooking or additional)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce (optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (optional for thickening)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe needs about 10 to 15 minutes for prep, and then the slow cooker does its magic for 8 to 10 hours on low or 4 to 5 hours on high. Don’t forget a few minutes at the end for shredding the beef and putting the sandwiches together. So overall, plan for about 8-10 hours with mostly hands-off time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season and Set Up the Beef:
Dry the chuck roast with paper towels, then sprinkle salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and rosemary evenly over the meat. Place sliced onions and minced garlic in the bottom of your crock pot. Lay the seasoned roast right on top.
2. Add Broth and Cook:
Pour the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce over the roast. Cover and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours, or on high for 4 to 5 hours. The beef should be tender and easy to shred when done.
3. Shred the Beef:
Take the roast out and use two forks to pull it into thin pieces. Put the shredded beef back into the crock pot and mix it with the cooking liquid to soak up the flavor.
4. Make the Au Jus Sauce:
Pour the cooking juices through a strainer into a saucepan. Add extra beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce if you’d like. Bring to a gentle simmer. For a thicker sauce, stir in the cornstarch-water mix and cook a couple of minutes until it thickens a little.
5. Assemble the Sandwiches:
Slice the hoagie rolls open. Pile shredded beef generously on the bottom half, then layer with provolone cheese slices. Optional: place the sandwiches under a broiler for 2-3 minutes to melt the cheese deliciously.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve each sandwich with a bowl of warm au jus for dipping. Dunk the sandwich or take a sip of the flavorful sauce between bites – it’s what makes a French Dip so yummy!
Can I Use Frozen Beef Chuck Roast for This Recipe?
Yes, but be sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator before cooking. Cooking from frozen in the crock pot can lead to uneven cooking and may not result in tender meat.
Can I Make the Au Jus Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the au jus a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove before serving, stirring occasionally to prevent separation.
How Should I Store Leftover Sandwiches and Au Jus?
Keep leftover beef and au jus in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the beef in the au jus on the stove for best flavor and moisture before assembling sandwiches.
Can I Use Different Cheese or Bread?
Definitely! Swiss, mozzarella, or pepper jack cheese are great alternatives. For bread, any sturdy roll like ciabatta or baguette works well to hold the juicy beef and sauce.
