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Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches Easy Recipe for Perfect Au Jus

Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches - featured image

Tender, slow-cooked beef is piled onto toasted rolls, topped with melty provolone cheese, and served with a rich homemade au jus for dipping. This comforting, crowd-pleasing sandwich is perfect for gatherings, weeknight dinners, or cozy family meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 23 lbs beef chuck roast (well-marbled for tenderness)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil (for searing, optional)
  • 3 cups low-sodium beef broth
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 medium onion, sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 sprig fresh thyme)
  • 1 tsp dried rosemary (or 1 sprig fresh rosemary)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
  • 68 sturdy sandwich rolls or French baguettes
  • 12 slices provolone cheese
  • Butter, melted (for toasting rolls)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chuck roast dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and black pepper on all sides.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef roast on all sides until browned, about 2-3 minutes per side (optional).
  3. Place sliced onions and minced garlic at the bottom of your slow cooker. Lay the beef roast on top.
  4. In a bowl, combine beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, and Dijon mustard. Pour this mixture over the beef and onions in the crockpot.
  5. Cover and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours, until the beef is fork-tender and easy to shred.
  6. Remove the roast from the crockpot and let it rest for 10 minutes. Shred the beef with two forks or slice thinly. Skim any excess fat from the au jus and discard the bay leaf.
  7. Preheat oven to 375Β°F. Slice the sandwich rolls open and brush with melted butter. Arrange on a baking sheet and toast for 5-7 minutes, until golden and crisp.
  8. Pile shredded beef onto each roll, top with 1-2 slices of provolone cheese. Return the sandwiches to the oven for 2-3 minutes to melt the cheese.
  9. Ladle the warm au jus into small bowls for dipping. Serve sandwiches hot.

Notes

For gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce and gluten-free rolls. Searing the beef before slow cooking adds extra flavor but is optional. If your au jus is thin, simmer it on the stovetop to concentrate flavors. Leftovers freeze well for up to 2 months. For dairy-free, use vegan cheese or omit cheese. Add sautΓ©ed mushrooms or caramelized onions for extra flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: French dip, crockpot, slow cooker, beef sandwich, au jus, comfort food, easy dinner, potluck, family meal