• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • About Me & Contact
  • Cookbooks

2 Cookin Mamas logo

menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipes
  • About Me
  • Subscribe
  • Cookbooks
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    Home » Recipes » Appetizer Recipes » Best Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches

    Published: Jan 27, 2021 · Modified: Mar 13, 2021 by Linda Warren

    Best Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    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.

    Dipping sandwich half in au jus.

    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! 

    Halved sandwich on white plate with au jus and rolls and second sandwich in back.

    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.

    Closeup of melted cheese on sandwich on wooden cutting board.

    How to make French Dip in the crockpot

    Prep steps for French dip slow cooker recipe.

    1. 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)
    2. Place roast in bottom of crockpot and top with sliced onions. (photo 2)
    3. Mix together soy sauce, bouillon cube, bay leaf, peppercorns, oregano, thyme and garlic. Pour over meat. (photo 3)
    4. Add just enough beef broth to barely cover meat. (photo 4)
    5. 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)
    6. Here it is. all cooked with caramelized onions all around. Just yum! (photo 6)

    Shredding beef in large bowl for sandwiches.

    1. 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)

    Preparing sandwiches for boiler.

    1. 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)
    2. 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)

    Sandwich cut in half on white plate with au just on blue striped napkin.

    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!

    Love quick & easy recipes? Follow me on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest for all the latest recipe inspiration! Plus join my email list and receive a free e-book.

     

    Halved sandiwch on white plate with au jus and rolls and second sandwich in back.

    Crockpot French Dip

    This recipe takes little prep and makes the most delicious, tender beefy sandwiches. You just can't beat juicy shredded beef piled high on a hard roll, topped with cheese, then dipped into a rich au jus.
    No ratings yet
    Print Rate
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 8 hours hours
    Total Time: 8 hours hours 15 minutes minutes
    Servings: 6 servings
    Calories: 672kcal
    Author: Linda Warren

    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

    Calories: 672kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 56g | Fat: 33g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Trans Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 172mg | Sodium: 1891mg | Potassium: 870mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 194IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 198mg | Iron: 16mg

    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.

    More Appetizer Recipes

    • Cream cheese caramel apple dip surrounded by apple slices.
      Cream Cheese Caramel Apple Dip
    • Caramel Apple Cheese Ball
    • Cranberry Sauce Meatballs in green dish.
      Cranberry Sauce Meatballs
    • Air Fryer Vegetable Egg Rolls on plate with sweet chili dipping sauce.
      Air Fryer Vegetable Egg Rolls

    Primary Sidebar

    Hey, I’m Linda, the recipe creator, photographer and cocktail lover at 2 Cookin Mamas. Here you’ll find easy recipes that are not only delicious but can get you out of the kitchen ASAP. Come and join me and let me take you on a tasty trip through your kitchen. Thanks for stopping by! Learn more about me

    Trending Recipes

    • Overhead closeup of plum jam in mason jar.
      Easy Plum Jam is a Breakfast Standout
    • Stuffed Shells with ground beef on serving spoon.
      Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef
    • Holding a meatball slider over tray.
      Easy Meatball Sliders with Hawaiian Rolls
    • Two pieces of Banana Snack Cake stacked in front of pan.
      Banana Snack Cake

    Seasonal Favorites

    • Waldorf Salad with Apples & Walnuts
    • Stack of four apple oatmeal cookies.
      Apple Oatmeal Cookies
    • Pouring syrup on French Toast.
      Crockpot Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole
    • Two glasses filled with sangria with pitcher in back.
      Sparkling Apple Cider Sangria
    As featured in list.

    Stay Updated!

    Subscribe and receive your free "AWESOME APPETIZERS FOR EVERY OCCASION" e-book.

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclosure
    • Accessibility Policy

    Newsletter & Media

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates
    • Cookbooks

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Services
    • Sitemap

    Copyright © 2017 2CookinMamas