This Easy Crockpot French Dip Sandwich is a winner! Tender beef slowly cooked in savory broth is packed into crusty rolls for a meal that’s super tasty and easy to make.
Who doesn’t love a sandwich that you can just set and forget? I love enjoying it with some gooey cheese melted on top. Perfect for a cozy dinner with friends! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck Roast: This cut is great for slow cooking because it becomes tender over time. If you can’t find chuck roast, consider using a pot roast or brisket. Just keep in mind to adjust cooking times as different cuts may vary.
Beef Broth: Homemade broth is ideal, but store-bought works just as well. If you’re looking for a lower-sodium option, you can use low-sodium beef broth. For a vegetarian version, switch to vegetable broth and use mushrooms for that hearty flavor.
Worcestershire Sauce: This adds depth to the flavor. If you don’t have it, soy sauce or a mix of vinegar and sugar can be a substitute. Toss in a few dashes of hot sauce for a little kick if you like!
Onions: Sweet onions or yellow onions work best since they caramelize nicely. If you’re in a pinch, you can use frozen onions or skip them altogether, though they do add a lot of flavor.
How Do I Get the Beef Shredded Perfectly?
Shredding the beef at the end is key to making great sandwiches. Once it’s cooked and you remove the roast from the crockpot, let it rest briefly. Use two forks to pull the meat apart gently. If you find it tough, it’s not quite done – simply cook it a little longer in the juices!
- Pull apart the beef with two forks. Start on the thicker parts and shred in the direction of the grain.
- If there’s noticeable fat, cut or pull this away before mixing the shredded meat back in.
Returning the shredded beef to the cooking juices keeps it moist and flavorful, making your sandwiches mouthwatering!
Easy Crockpot French Dip Sandwich
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 pounds beef chuck roast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 6-8 French rolls or hoagie buns
- Provolone or Swiss cheese slices (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Crockpot French Dip Sandwich recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and then lets your crockpot do the work for 4-5 hours on high or 8 hours on low. Just a little waiting and you’ll have delicious sandwiches ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Beef:
Begin by seasoning your beef chuck roast on all sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. This adds flavor right into the meat!
2. Sear the Beef:
In a skillet over medium-high heat, heat one tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, add the roast to the skillet and sear it on all sides until browned. This should take about 3-4 minutes per side. Searing locks in juices, giving you a more flavorful result.
3. Prepare the Crockpot:
Now, place the sliced onions at the bottom of your crockpot. Next, put the seared roast on top of the onions.
4. Add the Liquids:
Pour the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce over the roast and sprinkle the dried thyme and rosemary on top. These will infuse into the meat as it cooks!
5. Cook It:
Cover your crockpot and cook on low for about 8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the beef becomes tender and easy to shred.
6. Shred the Beef:
Once cooked, carefully remove the beef from the crockpot. Use two forks to shred it into pieces. Don’t forget to return the shredded meat back into the crockpot and mix it with the delicious juices.
7. Assemble the Sandwiches:
Split your French rolls or hoagie buns open and layer them with the shredded beef. If you’d like, add cheese slices on top, and either melt them under a broiler or in a skillet for a gooey finish!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your sandwiches with small bowls of the hot au jus broth from the crockpot for dipping. Enjoy your tender, flavorful French Dip Sandwiches made effortlessly in the crockpot!
FAQ – Easy Crockpot French Dip Sandwich
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef?
Absolutely! While chuck roast is ideal for its tenderness, you can also use brisket or round roast. Just adjust cooking times as needed, since these cuts may vary in tenderness and moisture.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the beef and cook it in the crockpot a day in advance. Once it cools, store it in the refrigerator in its juices. When ready to serve, just reheat it gently in the crockpot or on the stovetop for the best flavor and texture.
What Should I Serve with French Dip Sandwiches?
A classic side for French Dip Sandwiches is crispy fries or potato chips. You could also serve a simple salad or roasted vegetables for a lighter option. Don’t forget the small bowls of au jus for dipping!
How Do I Store Leftover Sandwiches?
Store any leftover beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or stove before serving. For best results, keep the bread separate and toast it fresh when you’re ready to enjoy the sandwiches again!
