The Crock-Pot French Dip Sandwich is the perfect combination of melt-in-your-mouth tender beef, rich au jus, and crispy toasted hoagie rolls. Slow-cooked to perfection, the beef absorbs all the flavors of the broth, creating a juicy and flavorful bite every time. Topped with melted provolone cheese and served alongside the delicious cooking broth, this sandwich is a true comfort food classic.
Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight meal or something special for a gathering, this recipe delivers both flavor and convenience. The slow cooker does all the work, making this a stress-free option that tastes like a restaurant-quality dish. Dip each bite into the savory broth, and you’ll understand why this sandwich is a timeless favorite!
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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3–4 lbs chuck roast
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1 onion, sliced
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3 cups beef broth
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¼ cup soy sauce
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2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
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1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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1 teaspoon dried thyme
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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4-6 hoagie rolls
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8 slices provolone cheese
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2 tablespoons butter, melted
Directions:
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Place the sliced onion in the bottom of the slow cooker.
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Add the chuck roast on top of the onions.
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In a bowl, mix the beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and black pepper.
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Pour the mixture over the roast, ensuring it is well-coated.
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Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until the beef is tender.
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Once cooked, remove the beef and shred it using two forks.
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Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker and let it soak in the juices for an additional 15 minutes.
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Split the hoagie rolls and brush the insides with melted butter.
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Toast the rolls in the oven for 5 minutes.
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Add the shredded beef onto the rolls, top with provolone cheese, and return to the oven for another 5 minutes until the cheese is melted.
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Serve with a side of the cooking broth for dipping.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 7 hours | Total Time: 7 hours 10 minutes
Kcal: 450 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Crock-Pot French Dip Sandwiches – The Ultimate Comfort Food
French Dip Sandwiches are a beloved classic, known for their rich, slow-cooked beef and delicious au jus dipping sauce. This Crock-Pot version takes all the effort out of the process, allowing the flavors to develop over hours of gentle cooking. The result? A mouthwatering, tender beef sandwich served on a crusty hoagie roll and topped with gooey melted cheese. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner, a gathering with friends, or even meal prep, this recipe is a foolproof way to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One of the best things about this Crock-Pot French Dip Sandwich recipe is how easy it is. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, infusing the beef with deep, savory flavors while keeping it perfectly tender. The combination of beef broth, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce creates a rich, umami-packed au jus that enhances the overall experience.
Another reason to love this recipe is its versatility. You can serve it traditionally with hoagie rolls and melted cheese, or you can get creative with different bread options, cheese varieties, and additional toppings like caramelized onions or horseradish sauce.
What Makes a Great French Dip Sandwich?
A French Dip Sandwich may sound simple, but getting it right requires a few key elements:
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Slow-Cooked Beef – The beef should be tender, juicy, and easy to shred. Cooking it low and slow ensures it remains moist and absorbs all the delicious flavors.
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Rich Au Jus – This is the heart of the dish. The dipping sauce should be deeply flavorful, made from the beef’s cooking juices, and well-seasoned.
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Crispy, Buttery Bread – A good sandwich needs the right bread. Hoagie rolls or French bread with a crispy exterior and a soft interior work best.
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Melted Cheese – While not always included in a classic French Dip, melted provolone or Swiss cheese adds a creamy, indulgent touch.
The History of the French Dip Sandwich
Despite its name, the French Dip Sandwich is actually an American creation. It originated in Los Angeles in the early 20th century, with two competing restaurants, Philippe The Original and Cole’s, both claiming to have invented it. The story goes that a chef accidentally dropped a sandwich into a pan of meat drippings, and instead of discarding it, he served it to a customer, who loved the added flavor. Since then, the French Dip Sandwich has remained a staple in American cuisine.
Choosing the Best Cut of Beef
For the perfect French Dip Sandwich, you need a cut of beef that becomes tender after slow cooking. The most popular choice is chuck roast, known for its marbling and ability to break down beautifully over long cook times. Other options include rump roast, which has a slightly leaner texture, and brisket, which adds a rich, smoky flavor.
What to Serve with French Dip Sandwiches
French Dip Sandwiches are satisfying on their own, but pairing them with the right side dishes can elevate your meal. Some great options include:
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French Fries or Sweet Potato Fries – The crispy texture complements the soft, juicy beef.
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Coleslaw – A tangy, crunchy slaw adds freshness and balances the richness of the sandwich.
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Roasted Vegetables – A side of roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus adds color and nutrition.
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Potato Salad – A creamy potato salad makes for a classic, comforting side.
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Pickles or Pepperoncini – A little acidity helps cut through the richness of the beef.
Tips for the Best French Dip Sandwich
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Sear the Beef First – While not necessary, searing the beef before placing it in the slow cooker adds extra depth of flavor.
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Use Quality Bread – A good French Dip requires a sturdy roll that won’t get too soggy when dipped into the au jus. Toasting the bread with butter helps maintain its texture.
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Don’t Rush the Cooking Time – Low and slow is the key. Cooking the beef on low for 7-8 hours will yield the most tender results.
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Skim the Fat from the Au Jus – If you want a cleaner dipping sauce, strain the au jus and skim off excess fat before serving.
Variations and Additions
If you want to put a unique spin on your French Dip Sandwiches, here are some delicious variations:
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Spicy Kick – Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for a bit of heat.
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Garlic Butter Spread – Brush the hoagie rolls with a mixture of butter, garlic, and parsley before toasting.
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Caramelized Onions – Slow-cooked onions add sweetness and depth to the sandwich.
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Mushroom Swiss – Sautéed mushrooms with melted Swiss cheese create a gourmet version.
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Horseradish Mayo – A touch of horseradish mayo adds a sharp, tangy flavor.
Storage and Reheating
If you have leftovers, you can store the beef and au jus separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the beef in its juices for up to 3 months.
To reheat, warm the beef gently in a saucepan with some of the au jus to keep it moist. Avoid microwaving, as it can dry out the meat.
Why This Recipe is Perfect for Meal Prep
Since the beef is slow-cooked in a large batch, it’s an excellent option for meal prepping. You can store portions in the fridge and easily reheat them throughout the week for quick lunches or dinners. You can also repurpose the beef for other dishes, such as tacos, quesadillas, or even over mashed potatoes.
Conclusion
Crock-Pot French Dip Sandwiches are the perfect combination of ease and indulgence. This recipe transforms a simple cut of beef into a tender, flavorful masterpiece with minimal effort. The slow cooking process enhances the flavors, making every bite rich and satisfying. Whether you’re serving them for a family dinner, game day, or just craving a hearty sandwich, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
With the right cut of beef, a well-seasoned au jus, and a perfectly toasted hoagie roll, you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal at home. The best part? The slow cooker does all the work, making this an effortless dish you can prepare ahead of time. So go ahead, dip, savor, and enjoy every bite of this classic comfort food!