Crock Pot French Dip

Crock Pot French Dip Sandwiches are the ultimate easy weeknight meal that requires minimal effort but delivers big on flavor. Tender beef slow cooked until it falls apart in rich au jus gravy and served on soft sub rolls with melted cheese make these sandwiches a family favorite that satisfies every time. Whether you serve them with fries, chips, or a simple salad, this recipe will quickly become your go to comfort food.

I first made these sandwiches on a busy weeknight when I barely had time to cook and now my whole family asks for them regularly. The smell of the beef cooking all day fills the house with an irresistible aroma.

Ingredients

• Beef round steak or chuck roast: choose a cut with good marbling for juiciness and tender texture
• Onion soup mix: adds savory depth and layers of flavor consider making your own to avoid preservatives
• Au jus gravy mix: provides the rich beef broth flavor important for dipping the sandwich
• Beef broth or stock: use low sodium if you want to control salt and enhance natural beef taste
• Water: balances the broth and seasoning and helps the slow cooker work its magic
• Mozzarella or provolone cheese: melts beautifully and adds richness provolone is traditional but mozzarella works well too
• Sub rolls: soft and sturdy rolls hold the beef and sauce perfectly fresh from a deli or bakery will elevate your sandwich

Instructions

Sear the Beef:

In a hot skillet with a little oil, brown the beef roast on all sides for a few minutes per side until well browned but not cooked through. This caramelization adds extra flavor and locks in juices.

Slow Cook the Beef:

Place the seared beef in the slow cooker. In a bowl, mix beef broth, onion soup mix, au jus seasoning, and water until combined. Pour this over the beef. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for about 8 hours. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to keep the beef tender.

Shred the Beef:

About an hour before serving, remove the beef and shred it with two forks or slice thinly if preferred. Return the meat to the slow cooker to soak up more juices for the last hour.

Toast and Assemble:

Preheat your broiler. Place the sub rolls on a baking sheet, top with shredded beef, and add slices of cheese. Broil for a few minutes until cheese is melted and rolls are lightly toasted. Watch carefully to prevent burning.

Serve:

Serve each sandwich with au jus from the slow cooker for dipping. You can strain the au jus and add a little extra beef broth if needed to ensure plenty of flavorful sauce.

I love how the slow cooker takes a tough piece of beef and transforms it into juicy, tender meat with minimal effort. One time we made these for a casual family gathering, and everyone couldn’t stop talking about how delicious and comforting the sandwiches were. The au jus is like a secret ingredient that keeps you coming back for more.

Storage Tips

Store leftover shredded beef and au jus separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave and add a splash of broth if needed to keep the meat moist. Sandwiches are best assembled fresh but leftovers make a quick reheat meal.

Ingredient Substitutions

Chuck roast or brisket can be swapped in for beef round steak if you prefer or if prices vary. Using pre sliced roast beef or shaved steak speeds up cooking time though you might lose some of the slow cooked depth of flavor. For cheese, Swiss or mild cheddar provide a nice variation but stick with softer cheeses for melting.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these sandwiches with crispy French fries or kettle chips for a classic combo. A side of coleslaw or a green salad balances the richness and adds freshness. For a twist, serve with pickled jalapeños or horseradish sauce on the side.

These Crock Pot French Dip Sandwiches are simple, comforting, and perfect for busy weeknights. Enjoy them with plenty of au jus for dipping.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ What cut of beef works best for this dish?

Chuck roast or beef round steak are ideal since they become tender when slow-cooked and shred easily.

→ Can I use homemade seasoning instead of store-bought mixes?

Yes, homemade onion soup mix and natural beef broth concentrate can replace packaged seasoning to customize flavor.

→ What type of bread is recommended for these sandwiches?

Soft sub rolls or French bread work well, providing a sturdy base that crisps nicely under the broiler.

→ How should I finish the sandwiches before serving?

After layering shredded beef and cheese, broil for a few minutes until cheese melts and the bread is lightly toasted.

→ What is au jus and how is it prepared here?

Au jus is a flavorful beef broth sauce made from the slow cooker juices combined with seasoning and additional beef broth, perfect for dipping.