Crock Pot French Dip Sandwich

Crock Pot French Dip Sandwiches are the ultimate comfort food that you can set and forget all day. The beef becomes melt—in—your—mouth tender as it slow cooks in a flavorful broth seasoned with onion soup mix and au jus gravy. When piled on a fresh sub roll and topped with melted cheese, these sandwiches are perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. The rich au jus on the side is ideal for dipping and adds an extra layer of savory goodness.

I first made this recipe on a busy Sunday when I wanted something hearty without standing over the stove. Now it’s one of our go—to meals because it’s so easy and reliable, and my family loves dunking their sandwiches in the savory jus.

Ingredients

• Beef round steak or chuck roast: choose a cut with good marbling for flavor and tenderness chuck roast is great for slow cooking
• Onion soup mix: store-bought or homemade, this adds a deep onion flavor that builds the base of the au jus
• Au jus gravy mix: this enhances the beefy broth with rich seasonings if unavailable, brown gravy mix can work in a pinch
• Beef broth or stock: low sodium is best to control salt levels and maintain a clean flavor
• Water: helps dilute the broth and keeps the beef juicy as it cooks
• Mozzarella or provolone cheese: provolone is traditional but mozzarella is a tasty, gooey alternative
• Sub rolls: fresh, soft sub rolls stand up well to the juicy beef and dip

Instructions

Sear the beef:

Heat a drizzle of oil in a hot pan over medium—high heat. Brown the chuck roast or beef round steak on all sides until it forms a browned crust but is not cooked through. This step adds a depth of flavor to the finished dish so don’t skip it.

Combine the cooking liquid and slow cook:

In a medium bowl, mix together beef broth, onion soup mix, au jus gravy mix, and water until fully combined. Place the browned beef into the slow cooker and pour the broth mixture over the top. Cover with the lid and cook on low for about 8 hours. Resist the urge to lift the lid during cooking to keep the meat tender.

Shred the beef:

About 1 hour before serving, use two forks to shred the beef inside the slow cooker or carefully remove the meat to slice thinly and then return it to the slow cooker. Stir the beef well and let it absorb the juices further in the final hour.

Prepare the sandwiches:

Preheat your oven’s broiler. Place sub rolls on a baking sheet and pile each with shredded beef. Top with slices of your chosen cheese. Broil for just a couple of minutes until the cheese melts and the rolls start to toast. Watch carefully to avoid burning.

Serve with au jus:

Ladle some of the cooking juices from the slow cooker into small bowls, straining if desired. You may want to add a bit more beef broth to stretch the au jus. Serve the sandwiches hot alongside the dipping sauce.

One of my favorite parts of this recipe is the simple homemade feel despite being so easy to prepare. I remember the first time I made it for a family game night and how everyone kept going back for more sandwiches dipped in the au jus. It quickly became a requested recipe at holidays and casual get togethers.

Storage Tips

Store any leftover shredded beef and au jus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of broth to keep the meat moist. For longer storage, freeze the shredded beef and au jus separately in freezer safe bags for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you prefer not to use packaged seasoning mixes, you can easily make a simple onion soup base by combining dried onion flakes, garlic powder, and herbs like thyme and parsley. For au jus, beef broth enriched with a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce can mimic the flavor. If you do not have sub rolls, French bread slices or hoagie buns work well too.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these sandwiches with crispy French fries, kettle chips, or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal. Pickles on the side add a tangy contrast to the rich beef and cheese. For a touch of heat, add a few slices of pickled jalapeño or a spread of horseradish mayo inside the rolls.

This slow cooker French dip is simple to prep and perfect for feeding a crowd. Let the beef soak in the au jus for the best flavor.

Common Recipe Questions

→ What cut of beef is best for this dish?

Chuck roast or beef round steak work best as they become tender and flavorful when slow-cooked.

→ Can I use homemade seasoning instead of store-bought mixes?

Yes, homemade onion soup mix and natural beef broth can be used to control ingredients and enhance flavor.

→ What type of bread is ideal for the sandwiches?

Soft sub rolls or French bread are excellent choices that hold the shredded beef and melted cheese well.

→ How is the au jus prepared for dipping?

The cooking liquid from the slow cooker is strained and sometimes diluted with beef broth to serve as a rich dipping sauce.

→ Is browning the beef necessary before slow cooking?

Browning adds extra depth of flavor but can be skipped for convenience if desired.