why make this recipe
This recipe gives you tender beef with a rich dipping sauce. It is easy to make in a slow cooker. You can set it and forget it. The sandwiches taste like a restaurant meal but take less work. They please a crowd and work for weeknight dinners.
introduction
This Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches recipe makes juicy shredded beef and a good au jus for dipping. The slow cooker makes the meat very soft and full of flavor. It pairs well with simple sides and easy appetizers like a bright bruschetta dip recipe before the main course.
how to make Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches – Simple & Amazing Flavor
Ingredients :
2 tablespoons olive oil, 2½ to 3 pounds beef chuck roast, Kosher salt, Freshly ground black pepper, 2 (1-ounce) packets dry onion soup mix, 2 cups water, 2 (14.5-ounce) cans beef broth (or Better-than-Bouillon), 6–8 slices Swiss or provolone cheese, 6–8 crusty rolls (ciabatta or hoagie)
Directions :
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season beef with salt and pepper.
- Sear beef on all sides until browned (1–2 minutes per side).
- Transfer seared beef and pan drippings to a slow cooker.
- Sprinkle dry onion soup mix over the meat.
- Pour in water and beef broth.
- Cover and cook on HIGH for 4–6 hours or LOW for 8–10 hours.
- Remove beef and shred it using two forks.
- Pile shredded beef onto sliced rolls and top with cheese.
- Place under broiler until cheese melts and rolls are toasted.
- Serve sandwiches with slow cooker juices (au jus) for dipping.
how to serve Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches – Simple & Amazing Flavor
Serve hot with a small bowl of the au jus for each sandwich. Add a side of pickles or a simple salad. Serve fries or roasted vegetables for a fuller meal. Let guests dip each bite for the classic French dip experience.
how to store Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches – Simple & Amazing Flavor
Store leftover shredded beef and au jus in separate airtight containers. Keep in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Reheat beef in a pan with a little au jus to keep it moist. Freeze cooked beef in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
tips to make Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches – Simple & Amazing Flavor
- Brown the roast well. The sear adds extra flavor.
- Use beef chuck for tender, flavorful meat.
- Keep the au jus thin. Add a little water if it gets too thick.
- Shred the beef while warm for easy pulling.
- Toast the rolls under the broiler quickly so they do not get soggy.
variation (if any)
- Make sliders using smaller rolls.
- Add caramelized onions to the beef for extra sweetness.
- Use provolone or mozzarella if you prefer milder cheese.
- For more flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the broth.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different cut of beef?
A: Yes. Chuck roast works best, but brisket or round roast can work. Chuck gives the best tenderness.
Q: Can I skip searing the beef?
A: You can skip it, but searing adds flavor and a better crust. The sear is worth the few extra minutes.
Q: How do I make the au jus thicker?
A: Remove some liquid and whisk in a small amount of cornstarch mixed with cold water over heat. Stir until it thickens slightly.
Q: Can I make this in an instant pot?
A: Yes. Use the sauté function to brown, then pressure cook on high for about 60–70 minutes, then shred.
Q: How long will the shredded beef keep in the fridge?
A: Store it in a sealed container for 3–4 days. Keep au jus separate if possible to preserve texture.
Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 360 minutes
- Total Time: 375 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: None
Description
Tender beef with a rich dipping sauce made effortlessly in a slow cooker, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2½ to 3 pounds beef chuck roast
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 2 (1-ounce) packets dry onion soup mix
- 2 cups water
- 2 (14.5-ounce) cans beef broth (or Better-than-Bouillon)
- 6–8 slices Swiss or provolone cheese
- 6–8 crusty rolls (ciabatta or hoagie)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season beef with salt and pepper.
- Sear beef on all sides until browned (1–2 minutes per side).
- Transfer seared beef and pan drippings to a slow cooker.
- Sprinkle dry onion soup mix over the meat.
- Pour in water and beef broth.
- Cover and cook on HIGH for 4–6 hours or LOW for 8–10 hours.
- Remove beef and shred it using two forks.
- Pile shredded beef onto sliced rolls and top with cheese.
- Place under broiler until cheese melts and rolls are toasted.
- Serve sandwiches with slow cooker juices (au jus) for dipping.
Notes
Brown the roast well for extra flavor. Use beef chuck for tenderness. Toast rolls quickly to avoid sogginess.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 90mg