If you’re looking for a recipe that’s as comforting as it is easy to make, you’re going to love these Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches. Imagine tender, juicy beef piled high on a crusty roll, dipped into warm, flavorful au jus—pure heaven! This is one of those recipes where the slow cooker does all the hard work for you, leaving you with a meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner. Bonus? It’s a hit with kids and adults alike!
Let’s get cooking, shall we?
What You’ll Need:
For the Beef & Au Jus:
- 3-4 lbs beef chuck roast
- 1 packet onion soup mix
- 1 can (10.5 oz) beef consommé (or beef broth)
- 1 cup water
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt & pepper, to taste
For the Sandwiches:
- 6-8 hoagie rolls or French bread rolls
- 8 slices provolone cheese
- Butter, for toasting rolls (optional)
Tools & Utensils:
- Slow cooker
- Small saucepan (for au jus, optional)
- Tongs
- Knife & cutting board
Pro Tips:
- Sear the beef first (optional): Browning the chuck roast in a hot skillet before putting it in the crockpot adds extra flavor, but it’s not necessary if you’re in a rush!
- Choose the right bread: Hoagie rolls or crusty French bread are best since they won’t fall apart when dipped in au jus.
- Melt the cheese: Pop the assembled sandwich under the broiler for 1-2 minutes to get the cheese bubbly and gooey.
- Make it kid-friendly: Serve the au jus on the side for dipping (kids love this part!). You can also add a slice of mild cheese they like, such as mozzarella.
- Freeze leftovers: If you have leftover beef, freeze it with the juices in an airtight container for an easy meal later!
Substitutions and Variations:
- Swap beef consommé with beef broth or stock if needed.
- Try Swiss cheese or mozzarella instead of provolone.
- Add caramelized onions or sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor.
- Use gluten-free rolls if needed!
Make Ahead Tips:
- Cook the beef a day ahead, shred it, and store it in the fridge with the juices. When ready to serve, reheat in the slow cooker on low for 1-2 hours.
How to Make Easy Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches:
1. Prep the Beef:
Place the chuck roast in the slow cooker. Sprinkle the onion soup mix, garlic powder, and thyme over the top. Pour in the beef consommé, water, and Worcestershire sauce. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Cover and cook on LOW for 8-10 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours until the beef is tender and shreddable.
2. Shred the Beef:
Once the beef is cooked, use tongs to transfer it to a cutting board. Shred the beef using two forks, removing any excess fat. Return the shredded beef to the crockpot to keep it warm in the juices.
3. Toast the Rolls:
(Optional) Butter the hoagie rolls and toast them in a skillet or under the broiler until golden and slightly crispy.
4. Assemble the Sandwiches:
Pile the shredded beef onto the toasted rolls. Top with a slice of provolone cheese. (Optional: Place the sandwiches under the broiler for 1-2 minutes to melt the cheese.)
5. Serve with Au Jus:
Ladle the warm juices from the crockpot into small bowls for dipping. Serve alongside the sandwiches and enjoy!
Leftovers & Storage:
- Refrigerate: Store leftover beef and juices in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Freeze shredded beef with the juices for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the crockpot.
Conclusion:
There’s just something so satisfying about dipping a warm, cheesy sandwich into flavorful au jus. These Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches are easy to make, family-approved, and downright delicious. I hope you try them and love them as much as we do! If you make this recipe, leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out. I’d love to hear from you!
