Easy Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches Recipe

You wouldn’t believe how ridiculously satisfying it is to get lost in the savory world of homemade French dip sandwiches—it’s like taking a comfort food trip straight to Flavorville without leaving your kitchen.

Explore how simple it is to make delicious French Dip Sandwiches from the Crockpot. I use a beef chuck roast, seasoned with salt, pepper, and lots of garlic, and let it simmer in a super tasty blend of beef broth, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce.

The softened roast beef melts in your mouth, especially when you savor it with ooey-gooey provolone cheese on a soft French roll.

Easy Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches Recipe Ingredients

• Beef chuck roast: Rich in protein, hearty and tender when slow-cooked.
• Onion: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor, rich in antioxidants.
• Garlic: Provides robust, aromatic flavor with potential health benefits.
• Beef broth: Enhances savory flavor, low-calorie, and nutrient-rich.
• Soy sauce: Adds umami flavor, salty, and enhances overall taste.
• Dijon mustard: Tangy with a slight spice, enhances meat flavor.
• Thyme and rosemary: Infuse herbaceous flavor, antioxidant properties.
• Provolone cheese: Creamy texture, mild flavor, and good source of calcium.

Easy Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 3-4 pounds beef chuck roast
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 bay leaf
• 6-8 French rolls or hoagie buns
• 8 ounces provolone cheese, sliced
• Optional: horseradish sauce or mayonnaise for serving

How to Make this Easy Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches Recipe

1. Generously apply salt and pepper to all sides of the beef chuck roast.

2. In a big frying pan, warm the olive oil on medium-high. Brown the roast on all sides, searing it well: 4-5 minutes per side.

3. Move the browned pot roast to a slow cooker. Top with the sliced onion and the minced garlic.

4. In a medium bowl, combine the beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and bay leaf.

5. In the crockpot, add the broth mixture. When that is done, it is time to add the main event, the chuck roast. Before doing so, ensure that the broth mixture is deep enough to cover the majority of the surface area of the chuck roast.

6. For easy shredding with a fork, be sure to cover the crockpot and to cook on low heat for 8-10 hours. The beef will be fork-tender when done.

7. After cooking, take the beef out of the crockpot and shred it with two forks. Any excess fat and the bay leaf should be discarded.

8. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) in advance. Take the French rolls and divide them. Afterward, lay them split-side up on a sheet that will go into the oven.

9. Place the shredded beef onto the rolls and top with slices of provolone cheese. Then, use the oven to bake each sandwich for 5-7 minutes. The end goal is to have melted cheese and slightly toasted bread.

10. Present the sandwiches alongside the heated au jus from the broth for dipping. You could also spread some spicy brown mustard on the inside of the roll before adding the beef.

Easy Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Large frying pan
2. Slow cooker (crockpot)
3. Medium mixing bowl
4. Measuring spoons
5. Measuring cups
6. Chef’s knife
7. Cutting board
8. Tongs
9. Oven
10. Baking sheet
11. Two forks (for shredding)
12. Spatula (optional for spreading sauce)

FAQ

• Can I use a different cut of beef?While beef chuck roast is ideal for its marbling and tenderness, you can use other cuts like bottom round or shoulder roast. Just ensure they are suitable for slow cooking.
• Can I prepare this in advance?Certainly! The beef can be prepared one day in advance. Just keep it in the refrigerator for the night, and then warm it up before putting together the sandwiches.
• Can I use different cheese?Absolutely. Although provolone is traditional, you can use Swiss, mozzarella, or your preferred melting cheese to impart a different flavor.
• Is there a vegetarian alternative?Replace the beef with portobello mushrooms, and utilize vegetable broth. Adjust seasonings to taste for a scrumptious vegetarian alternative.
• Can I make this in an Instant Pot?Of course, you can use an Instant Pot. Brown the beef on the sauté setting, then pressure cook on high for about 60 minutes, and from there follow the same steps to assemble.
• How can I make the sandwiches spicier?Sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce can be added to the broth or as a topping to create that extra kick in the food.

Easy Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Substitutes for beef chuck roast include beef brisket and rump roast. Both of these can provide different flavors and textures to a dish that calls for beef chuck roast.
Canola oil or vegetable oil can be employed as substitutes for olive oil.
Beef broth: Use chicken broth or vegetable broth for a lighter flavor.
Tamari is a gluten-free substitute for soy sauce; coconut aminos is a soy-free and gluten-free option.
Provolone cheese: For a similar melty texture, use Swiss cheese or mozzarella.

Pro Tips

1. Searing for Flavor Make sure you sear the beef chuck roast well on all sides before putting it into the slow cooker. This step enhances the flavor and creates a deep, rich taste for your dish. A good crust is key to adding complexity to the final product.

2. Herb Infusion For an even more aromatic dish, consider adding fresh rosemary and thyme instead of dried. Tie them into a bundle with kitchen twine for easy removal later, and let the fresh herbs infuse their flavors into the broth as it cooks.

3. Customized Au Jus After cooking, strain the au jus to remove any large bits or leftover herbs. You can further enhance its flavor by simmering it on the stove with a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar before serving.

4. Cheese Variations While provolone is classic, you can experiment with other cheeses like Swiss or mozzarella for a different flavor profile. Mixing cheeses can also provide a unique twist to each sandwich.

5. Crispier Rolls To prevent the bread from getting soggy and to add texture, lightly brush the rolls with melted butter or olive oil before toasting them in the oven. This will create a deliciously crisp outer layer.