This melt-in-your-mouth Crockpot French Dip recipe takes little prep and makes the most delicious, tender beefy sandwiches. You just can't beat juicy shredded beef piled high on a crusty roll, topped with melty cheese, then dunked into a rich au jus. Great for game time, lunch or pair it with some fries and coleslaw for the perfect comfort food dinner.
Winter is upon us and life is a bit crazy but cooking dinner in the slow cooker can sure make it easier! I love making Crockpot Beef Stew, Mexican Chili or Cuban Pork but this French Dip crockpot recipe has always been a favorite.
I first had this mouthful of deliciousness when my girlfriend Kathy brought it into work in 2001 for a potluck lunch. And boy was it popular!
Who wouldn't love savory tender beef, piled high on a crusty roll, topped with cheese that's broiled until it oozes, then dipped in a mouthwatering au jus. Ummm, can't think of anyone!
And this French Dip slow cooker recipe is so easy too! All you need are a few ingredients, a chuck roast, onion, beef broth, soy sauce and a few herbs. Then just dump everything in the crockpot and let this baby cook, low and slow all day.
When it's finished, out comes this tender, moist beef with caramelized onions that make some of the best sandwiches on earth!
What is the best meat for French Dip sandwiches?
Chuck roasts were designed for slow cookers. They do best when cooked low and slow in a liquid. This breaks down the muscle fibers and connective tissues in the beef making it extraordinarily tender. This same cut is often used for stews, curries and pot roasts.
You can also use well-marbled cuts of beef such as brisket, boneless ribeye or sirloin.
What type of bread should I use?
I love to use crusty hoagie rolls. They are a denser, heartier bread that holds up well to dipping. I've also used French bread cut in thirds as well as sourdough rolls.
Which cheeses work best for French Dip sandwiches?
You want to use a cheese that melts well for the best texture and flavor. I prefer to use Swiss or Provolone cheese but you can also sub in mozzarella as well.
How to make French Dip in the crockpot
- Gather ingredients - chuck roast, onion, beef broth, soy sauce for salty flavor and which helps soften the beef, bouillon cube, bay leaf and spices. (photo 1)
- Place roast in bottom of crockpot and top with sliced onions. (photo 2)
- Mix together soy sauce, bouillon cube, bay leaf, peppercorns, oregano, thyme and garlic. Pour over meat. (photo 3)
- Add just enough beef broth to barely cover meat. (photo 4)
- Ready to cover and cook low and slow for 8-10 hours. If after 8 hours, the beef is not pull apart tender, place back in the crockpot for another hour. (photo 5)
- Here it is. all cooked with caramelized onions all around. Just yum! (photo 6)
- Take the chuck roast out of the pot and place on wooden cutting board or in large bowl. Take 2 forks and shred the beef. You can also slice the beef if you prefer. (photo 7)
- Preheat broiler on high. Cut hoagie rolls in half and lay open on foil-lined cookie sheet. Place beef and onions on half then top with slices of Swiss cheese. (photo 8)
- Place under broiler until cheese gets all melty. This also toasts the roll to give it a nice crunchy outside while remaining soft on the inside. Makes it perfect for dipping! (photo 9)
I've made this French Dip in the crockpot often for game time parties, easy weekend lunches or easy comfort food dinners and it never ceases to be a favorite. Serve it with French fries and coleslaw or a side salad for a dinner that is sure to win you smiles from the whole family. Enjoy!
More easy crockpot recipes:
White Chicken Chili with Taco Seasoning is a hearty meal for a cold winter day and great for game day too!
Slow Cooker Barbecue Ribs from Let's Dish
Slow Cooker Tacos with shredded chicken, black beans, and green chiles.
Find lots of easy Crockpot recipes here on 2CM!
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Crockpot French Dip
Ingredients
- 3-4 lbs. boneless chuck roast
- 1 large onion, sliced thin
- ½ cup soy sauce
- 1 beef bouillon cube
- 1 bay leaf
- 3-4 peppercorns
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried minced garlic
- 32 oz Beef broth or just what is needed to cover roast
- Hoagie rolls or French bread
- Swiss or Provolone cheese slices
Instructions
- Trim excess fat from chuck roast. Place roast and onion in bottom of crockpot. Combine remaining ingredients except for beef broth and pour over roast.
- Add enough beef broth to barely cover meat.
- Cook on low for 8-10 hours. When done, remove meat from broth and place in bowl. Using 2 forks, shred beef, discarding any leftover fat.
- Strain broth for dipping. Set aside.
- Cut rolls or bread in half. Place on an aluminum foil covered cookie sheet. Pile beef on half of bread. Cover with slices of cheese.
- Heat broiler.
- Place sandwiches under broiler and cook until cheese melts and starts to brown.
- To serve, place sandwiches on plate with dipping bowls of au jus (beef broth) on the side.
Notes
What meat is best for French Dip?
Chuck roasts were designed for slow cookers. They do best when cooked low and slow in a liquid. This breaks down the muscle fibers and connective tissues in the beef making it extraordinarily tender. This same cut is often used for stews, curries and pot roasts. You can also use well-marbled cuts of beef such as brisket, boneless ribeye or sirloin.What type of bread should I use?
I love to use crusty hoagie rolls. They are a denser, heartier bread that holds up well to dipping. I've also used French bread cut in thirds as well as sourdough rolls.Which cheeses work best for French Dip sandwiches?
You want to use a cheese that melts well for the best texture and flavor. I prefer to use Swiss or Provolone cheese but you can also sub in mozzarella as well.Nutrition
This post has been updated with new photos and step-by-step instructions to make it even easier to make. It was first published on October 1, 2015.
