Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches

Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches are a delightful dish that brings comfort and flavor to any meal. This easy slow cooker recipe is perfect for busy days or special occasions, allowing you to enjoy tender, savory beef without the fuss. With a few simple ingredients, you’ll create a mouthwatering meal that your family will love. The combination of juicy meat, melted cheese, and rich broth makes these sandwiches a standout choice for game days, family gatherings, or cozy dinners at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Preparation: Just season the meat, let your crockpot do the work, and enjoy a delicious meal with minimal effort.
Rich Flavor: The slow cooking process infuses the beef with savory goodness, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy these sandwiches on their own or pair them with sides like fries or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Great for Meal Prep: Make a larger batch for leftovers or freeze some for future meals; they hold up beautifully in the freezer.
Family Friendly: Kids and adults alike love the combination of juicy beef and gooey cheese—perfect for all ages.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your essential kitchen tools to make this recipe smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Kitchen Tools

Slow Cooker
Skillet
Cutting Board
Chef’s Knife
Tongs

Why These Tools Matter

Slow Cooker: This tool allows you to set it and forget it while ensuring that your meat becomes perfectly tender over hours of low cooking.
Skillet: Searing the meat beforehand adds depth of flavor and texture that elevates the overall dish.
Chef’s Knife: A good knife makes slicing onions and garlic quick and easy, keeping prep time efficient.

Ingredients

This is an easy slow cooker recipe that my family loves to make with a chuck roast!

For the Meat

3-4 lb Chuck Roast
Salt, pepper, and garlic powder

For Cooking

2 TBSP butter
1 onion sliced
2 TBSP minced garlic
2 TBSP of Worcestershire sauce
12 oz of beef broth
1 package of Au Jus
1 1/2 cups beef broth

For Serving

Sub rolls
Provolone cheese

How to Make Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches

Step 1: Season the Meat

Begin by seasoning the chuck roast on all sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

Step 2: Sear the Meat

Melt butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear the chuck roast on all sides until browned.

Step 3: Prepare the Crockpot

Place the seared chuck roast in your crockpot.
Pour 1 1/2 cups of beef broth over the roast.

Step 4: Create Flavorful Gravy

In the hot skillet used for searing, add sliced onions, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, remaining beef broth, and Au Jus packet.
Stir and let it simmer for a few minutes.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients in Crockpot

Pour the onion mixture over the chuck roast in the crockpot.
Cover and let it cook on low for 6-8 hours until tender.

Step 6: Assemble Sandwiches

Once cooked, shred the meat with tongs or forks and discard any excess fat.
Build sandwiches using shredded meat layered with provolone cheese on sub rolls.
Place assembled sandwiches in an oven for just a few minutes to melt the cheese.

Step 7: Enjoy!

Dive into your delicious Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches! Serve warm with extra gravy on the side if desired.

How to Serve Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches

Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches are perfect for sharing and can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a casual gathering or enjoying a family dinner, these sandwiches offer versatility and delicious flavor.

Classic Serving

Serve on fresh sub rolls with melted provolone cheese for that traditional taste.

With a Side of Au Jus

Provide a small bowl of warm au jus for dipping, enhancing the sandwich’s rich flavors.

Add Crunchy Vegetables

Serve with pickles or sliced jalapeños on the side for an extra crunch and spice.

Build Your Own Station

Create a fun build your own sandwich station where guests can add toppings like sautéed onions or additional cheese.

Pair with Fries

Offer crispy fries or sweet potato fries as a side option to complement the hearty sandwich.

How to Perfect Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches

To make your Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches truly exceptional, follow these helpful tips.

Choose Quality Meat: Opt for a good quality chuck roast to ensure tender and flavorful meat.
Sear the Roast: Don’t skip the searing step; it adds depth of flavor by creating a nice crust.
Adjust Seasonings: Feel free to customize seasonings based on your taste preferences; adding herbs can elevate the dish.
Let It Rest: Allow the shredded beef to sit in the juices for a few minutes before serving; this helps absorb more flavor.
Use Fresh Rolls: Select fresh sub rolls or artisan bread for the best texture and taste.

Best Side Dishes for Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches

To round out your meal, consider serving these delicious side dishes alongside your Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches. They enhance the overall dining experience and add variety to your table.

Coleslaw: A creamy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the savory sandwiches.
Potato Chips: Crunchy potato chips are an easy addition that pairs nicely with any sandwich.
Green Salad: A light garden salad with vinaigrette balances out the richness of the sandwiches.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables add color and nutrition to your meal.
Baked Beans: Sweet and savory baked beans create a comforting side that complements the main dish well.
Macaroni Salad: This classic picnic favorite offers creaminess that pairs delightfully with the dip sandwiches.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches, there are a few common mistakes you should be aware of to ensure your dish turns out perfectly.

Bold seasoning: Many people forget to season the meat properly. Make sure to season the chuck roast evenly with salt, pepper, and garlic powder before cooking.
Bold searing: Skipping the searing step can lead to less flavor. Always sear the roast on all sides before placing it in the crockpot for enhanced richness.
Bold broth choice: Using low-quality broth can affect the overall taste. Opt for a good-quality beef broth for a more flavorful result.
Bold timing: Cooking on high instead of low can result in tough meat. Stick to low heat for 6-8 hours to achieve tender shreds of meat.
Bold cheese melting: Not melting the cheese properly can make sandwiches less enjoyable. Place your assembled sandwiches in the oven just long enough to melt the provolone cheese.

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches in an airtight container.
Keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches

Allow the meat and gravy mixture to cool completely before freezing.
Use freezer-safe containers or bags and label them with the date.
Frozen leftovers can last up to 3 months.

Reheating Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches

Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap sandwiches in foil and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Place individual sandwiches on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat for about 1-2 minutes, checking frequently.
Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat, add a little butter, and warm each sandwich for several minutes until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best cut of meat for Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches?

The best cut is chuck roast, as it becomes tender and flavorful when slow-cooked.

Can I use chicken instead of beef?

Yes! You can use chicken or turkey breast, but adjust cooking times as they may cook faster than beef.

How do I serve Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches?

Serve them on sub rolls topped with melted provolone cheese, alongside a bowl of au jus for dipping.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance and simply reheat it when you’re ready to serve.

Conclusion

Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this recipe allows room for customization by adding your favorite toppings or using different types of bread. Try making this dish today; it’s sure to become a new favorite!