There’s something deeply comforting about tender, slow-cooked beef tucked into a soft hoagie roll and dipped into rich, savory au jus. These Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches are made for days when you want big flavor with minimal effort. The crockpot does the hard work, transforming a simple beef roast into a juicy, satisfying meal that feels special yet approachable.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe delivers restaurant-style flavor with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. The beef turns incredibly tender after hours of slow cooking, soaking up a deeply savory broth that doubles as a dipping sauce. It’s a flexible dish that works just as well for a cozy family dinner as it does for game day or casual gatherings, and it can be prepped ahead with very little hands-on time.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Pat the beef chuck roast dry using paper towels. Rub it evenly with olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef roast on all sides until nicely browned, about 3 to 4 minutes per side. This step adds extra depth of flavor but can be skipped if needed.
Place the beef roast into the crockpot.
In a bowl, combine the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce. Pour this mixture over the roast.
Cover and cook on low heat for 8 hours, until the beef is very tender and shreds easily with a fork.
Remove the beef from the crockpot and let it rest for about 5 minutes. Shred it into bite-sized pieces using two forks.
Return the shredded beef to the crockpot and allow it to soak in the juices for a few minutes.
Slice the hoagie rolls open. If using cheese, place a slice of provolone on each roll and warm briefly until melted.
Fill each roll generously with the shredded beef. Serve with small bowls of the cooking liquid for dipping and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
You can add sliced onions to the crockpot for a sweeter, more traditional flavor profile. Bell peppers or mushrooms can also be included for extra texture and depth. For a slightly richer taste, stir a tablespoon of butter into the broth before serving. If you prefer a milder saltiness, reduce the soy sauce to half a tablespoon.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover beef and broth together in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of broth to keep the meat moist. Assemble sandwiches just before serving to prevent the bread from becoming soggy.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, the beef can be cooked and shredded a day in advance. Store it in the broth and reheat before serving.
What cut of beef works best?
Beef chuck roast is ideal because it becomes tender and flavorful during long, slow cooking.
Can I skip the searing step?
Yes, searing is optional. The sandwich will still be flavorful, though searing adds extra depth.
Is provolone cheese required?
No, the sandwiches are delicious without cheese, but provolone adds a creamy contrast if you enjoy it.
Can I use a different type of roll?
Yes, any sturdy sandwich roll will work, as long as it can hold up to dipping.
How do I keep the sandwiches from getting soggy?
Serve the au jus on the side and dip each bite rather than pouring it directly onto the sandwich.
Can I freeze the cooked beef?
Yes, freeze the shredded beef with some broth in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
What can I serve with French dip sandwiches?
They pair well with roasted vegetables, fries, or a simple green salad.
Can I cook this on high instead of low?
You can cook it on high for about 4 to 5 hours, but low heat yields the most tender results.
How do I thicken the au jus if needed?
You can simmer it briefly on the stovetop to reduce it slightly, which will intensify the flavor.
Conclusion
Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches are the kind of meal that feels both hearty and comforting, with minimal effort required. Slow cooking transforms simple ingredients into tender, juicy beef and a rich dipping sauce that makes every bite memorable. Whether you’re feeding family or hosting friends, this recipe delivers reliable flavor and satisfying results every time.
These Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches feature tender, slow-cooked beef infused with savory broth and served on hoagie rolls with optional melted provolone cheese. Dipped in rich au jus, each bite is hearty, comforting, and packed with flavor—perfect for easy weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
2 pounds beef chuck roast
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
2 cups beef broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon soy sauce
4 hoagie rolls
4 slices provolone cheese (optional)
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Pat the beef roast dry. Rub with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Sear the beef in a skillet over medium-high heat for 3–4 minutes per side until browned (optional step).
Place beef in the crockpot. In a bowl, mix beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce. Pour over the beef.
Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, until the beef is tender and shreds easily.
Remove beef, rest for 5 minutes, then shred with forks. Return to crockpot to soak in juices.
Open hoagie rolls. Add provolone slices if using and warm until melted.
Fill rolls with shredded beef. Serve with small bowls of cooking liquid for dipping. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
Searing adds flavor but can be skipped for convenience.
Add sliced onions, mushrooms, or peppers to the crockpot for variation.
Reduce soy sauce if you prefer a less salty broth.
Stir in a tablespoon of butter to the au jus before serving for extra richness.
