Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches

Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches are the ultimate comfort food — tender, slow-cooked roast beef, perfectly seasoned, served on soft rolls, and paired with a flavorful au jus for dipping. This recipe takes the classic French dip sandwich and makes it effortlessly easy by using a slow cooker, allowing the beef to become melt-in-your-mouth tender while soaking in a rich, savory broth.

Perfect for game days, family dinners, or casual get-togethers, these sandwiches are satisfying, flavorful, and ridiculously easy to make. Pair with a crisp salad or fries for a complete meal, and you’ve got yourself a crowd-pleaser!

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s practically foolproof. You throw the ingredients into a crockpot, set it, and hours later, you have a tender roast beef sandwich that tastes like it came from a deli. The slow cooking brings out incredible depth of flavor, and the au jus is rich, savory, and perfect for dunking.

It’s comfort food at its finest — warm, hearty, and indulgent, yet incredibly simple to prepare. I also love that it’s versatile: you can serve it traditionally or get creative with toppings and rolls.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Effortless cooking: Let the crockpot do the work while you relax.
• Tender, juicy beef: The slow cooking method ensures perfect texture every time.
• Rich au jus: Full of savory flavor for dipping sandwiches.
• Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for family meals or entertaining.
• Customizable: Easily adapted with different rolls, cheeses, or seasonings.

If you want a hearty sandwich with minimal effort and maximum flavor, this is a must-try recipe.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 6–8 hours on low (or 4–5 hours on high)
• Total Time: 6–8 hours 15 minutes
• Servings: 6–8 sandwiches
• Calories: ~450 kcal per sandwich

Cuisine & Course

• Cuisine: American
• Course: Main Course / Sandwich

Ingredients

For the Roast Beef:

• 2–3 lb (900 g–1.4 kg) beef chuck roast
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon paprika

For the Au Jus:

• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup water
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 small onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Serving:

• 6–8 French rolls, hoagie rolls, or sandwich buns
• Optional: provolone or Swiss cheese
• Optional: sautéed onions or peppers

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Season beef with salt, pepper, and spices.
2. Sear beef in a hot skillet until browned on all sides.
3. Place beef in crockpot and add au jus ingredients.
4. Cook on low for 6–8 hours.
5. Shred beef into the au jus.
6. Serve on rolls with optional cheese and onions.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation Method

Step 1: Season and Sear the Beef

Pat the beef roast dry. Rub with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and thyme. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the roast on all sides until browned (2–3 minutes per side).

Step 2: Prepare the Crockpot

Place the sliced onion and minced garlic at the bottom of the crockpot. Add the seared roast on top.

Step 3: Add Liquid for Au Jus

Pour in beef broth, water, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and sprinkle rosemary. Stir lightly to combine ingredients.

Step 4: Cook Low and Slow

Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 4–5 hours until the beef is fork-tender.

Step 5: Shred the Beef

Remove the roast from the crockpot and shred using two forks. Return shredded beef to the au jus to soak up extra flavor.

Step 6: Serve

Spoon beef onto rolls or buns. Top with cheese and sautéed onions if desired. Serve with warm au jus for dipping.

How to Serve This Recipe

• Serve the sandwiches hot with au jus on the side for dipping.
• Pair with fries, potato chips, or a green salad for a complete meal.
• Add provolone, Swiss, or cheddar cheese on the sandwich for extra richness.
• Optional: garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Searing is key: Browning the roast before slow cooking adds depth of flavor.
• Don’t skip au jus: It’s what makes the sandwich authentically delicious.
• Use leftover beef: Perfect for meal prep or sandwiches later in the week.
• Customize rolls: Try ciabatta, baguette, or hoagie rolls for texture variation.
• Optional toppings: Sautéed mushrooms, peppers, or caramelized onions elevate the flavor.

Variations

• Italian-style French Dip: Add provolone cheese, roasted red peppers, and Italian seasoning.
• Spicy French Dip: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the au jus.
• Slow Cooker Onion Beef Dip: Add extra caramelized onions for sweetness.
• Mini Sliders: Use dinner rolls instead of large sandwich buns for bite-sized versions.
• Make Ahead: Roast can be cooked a day ahead, shredded, and reheated in the au jus.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigerator: Store shredded beef and au jus in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze cooked shredded beef and au jus separately for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.

Special Equipment Needed

• Crockpot / Slow cooker
• Large skillet (for searing)
• Forks for shredding
• Cutting board and knife
• Ladle for serving au jus

Conclusion

Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches are the ultimate comfort food: tender, juicy, and packed with flavor. The slow-cooked beef paired with rich au jus makes every bite satisfying, while the ease of preparation makes it a go-to for busy weeknights or entertaining.

This recipe proves that simple ingredients and slow cooking can create extraordinary flavor — a hearty, indulgent meal that never disappoints.