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Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches Recipe

Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches Recipe

4.9 from 28 reviews

These Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches feature tender, slow-cooked beef chuck roast simmered in a savory broth, then piled high on crusty rolls and topped with melted Swiss or provolone cheese. Perfectly juicy and full of rich, comforting flavors, these sandwiches are ideal for an easy, hearty meal with delicious au jus for dipping.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Broth

  • to 3 pounds beef chuck roast
  • 2 (14.5-ounce) cans beef broth (or Better-than-Bouillon)
  • 2 cups water

Seasonings and Oils

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 (1-ounce) packets dry onion soup mix

Sandwich Assembly

  • 68 crusty rolls (ciabatta or hoagie)
  • 68 slices Swiss or provolone cheese

Instructions

  1. Heat the Olive Oil: Warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking, preparing it to sear the beef.
  2. Season the Beef: Generously season the 2½ to 3 pounds beef chuck roast with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper on all sides to enhance flavor.
  3. Sear the Beef: Place the beef in the hot skillet and sear for 1–2 minutes on each side until all sides are nicely browned, which seals in the juices and adds depth of flavor.
  4. Transfer to Slow Cooker: Move the seared beef along with any pan drippings into the slow cooker to begin the slow cooking process.
  5. Add Seasonings and Liquids: Sprinkle the dry onion soup mix evenly over the beef. Pour in 2 cups water and 2 cans (14.5 ounces each) of beef broth to create a flavorful cooking broth.
  6. Slow Cook the Beef: Cover the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for 4–6 hours or on LOW for 8–10 hours, until the beef is very tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.
  7. Shred the Beef: Remove the beef from the slow cooker and shred it into bite-sized pieces using two forks, discarding any large chunks of fat.
  8. Assemble the Sandwiches: Slice the crusty rolls horizontally, pile them with the shredded beef, and top with slices of Swiss or provolone cheese.
  9. Melt the Cheese: Place the assembled sandwiches under a broiler for a few minutes until the cheese melts completely and the rolls get toasted to a golden brown.
  10. Serve with Au Jus: Serve the hot sandwiches immediately with the reserved juices from the slow cooker (au jus) on the side for dipping to maximize flavor and enjoyment.

Notes

  • For best results, use a well-marbled beef chuck roast for tenderness and rich flavor.
  • You can substitute Swiss cheese with provolone or mozzarella according to your preference.
  • Use crusty rolls like ciabatta or hoagie rolls to hold up well to the juicy beef and dipping au jus.
  • Leftover shredded beef makes excellent tacos or can be used in other sandwich recipes.
  • If you prefer a thicker gravy, remove some cooking liquid and simmer it to reduce before serving as au jus.

Nutrition

Keywords: Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches, slow cooker beef sandwich, French dip, beef chuck roast sandwiches, au jus sandwiches