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There was a time when I kept my slow cooker on the counter more than in the cabinet. With two hungry teenage boys and a daughter who could smell dinner from down the street, easy recipes were worth their weight in gold. A crock pot full of slow-cooked roast, soft hoagie rolls, and melted provolone cheese? That meant peace at the dinner table and maybe even a quiet moment or two.
These crockpot French dip sandwiches became one of my regulars-simple lean meat slowly simmered in beef broth, beef consomme, and onion soup mix until it was tender enough to shred with a fork. The beef juices made the perfect dipping sauce, especially when ladled into a small bowl of warm au jus sauce for each plate.
Funny how a dinner can become a memory. I can still see everyone lined up at the stove, waiting their turn to build their sandwich. It's the only thing they ever agreed on: a couple of minutes under the broiler to melt the swiss cheese or provolone was non-negotiable.
So here's how I make them now-simple, reliable, and always a hit on our dinner menu.
The Gist
Cook Time: 8 hours
Total Time: About 8 hours 15 minutes
Yield: About 12 sandwiches
Skill Level: Easy
Dietary Notes: Contains gluten and dairy, customizable
Why You'll Love It
• The slow cooker does the work-great for busy days or freezer meals.
• The roast becomes fall-apart tender, easy to slice meat or shred meat.
• Toasted french rolls or hoagie rolls hold up beautifully to dipping.
• Swiss cheese or provolone cheese melts into a warm, savory layer.
• Everyone builds their sandwich to their personal preference.
Where This Dish Comes From
French dip sandwiches first appeared in Los Angeles in the early 1900s, created by accident when a roll fell into beef drippings. The idea stuck-especially the part where you dip the finished sandwich into warm au jus sauce. Home cooks later started slow cooking the meat for convenience, bringing the diner classic into everyday kitchens.
Kitchen Equipment
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Slow Cook the Beef
Place the roast in the slow cooker. Add beef broth, water, and (if using) beef consomme. Sprinkle with onion soup mix, thyme, and any seasoning preferences like garlic powder, onion powder, soy sauce, or worcestershire sauce. Cover and cook on LOW for about 8 hours.
Shred or Slice
Transfer the roast to a cutting board and let it rest for a few minutes. Slice thinly or shred meat with two forks.
Make the Au Jus
Ladle the beef juices from the slow cooker into small bowls. Keep warm.
Toast the Rolls
Split your sandwich rolls and lightly butter them. Toast under the broiler until golden-just a couple of minutes.
Assemble & Melt
Pile sliced meat onto the bottom of each roll. Top with swiss cheese or provolone cheese. Return to the broiler until the cheese melts. Add the top bun and serve with warm au jus.
✨ Scroll on down, friend. That full recipe's waitin' for you at the bottom. ✨
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Chef's Tips for Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches
• Toast the rolls: Helps them hold up when dipped.
• Don't drain all the fat: A little makes the au jus flavorful.
• Add caramelized onions: For extra richness and sweetness.
• Use provolone cheese: Or Gruyere, mild and melty, perfect for dipping.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead?
Yes-this is great for meal prep. Reheat gently in the au jus.
Can I freeze it?
Yes. Freeze the meat with a little au jus for up to 3 months.
Can I use a different cheese?
Absolutely. Try Gruyere, Havarti, or mozzarella for a milder flavor.
Leftovers & Storage
Store meat and au jus separately for up to 4 days.
Reheat slowly to keep the meat tender.
Freeze shredded beef with some au jus to prevent drying.
My Favorite Storage Containers
Rubbermaid Brilliance Storage Containers
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If easy, comforting meals are your thing, you'll feel right at home here. There's always something simmering. Don't forget to subscribe to my newsletter for more delicious recipes straight to your inbox.
Tried It?
If you make this recipe, tag me on Instagram with #jennifercooks - I'd love to see what you're cookin'.
Set It, Forget It, and Come Back to Something Delicious
Some days you need dinner to take care of itself. These slow cooker favorites are the kind you load up in the morning and return to later-tender, flavorful, and ready when you are. Here are cozy, set-and-forget options that fit right in with crockpot french dip sandwiches.
Easy Creamy Crockpot Macaroni and Cheese
Ultra-creamy mac and cheese that turns out rich and smooth without any fuss.
Slow Cooker Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup
A cozy bowl with sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, and tender chicken simmered low and slow.
Slow Cooker Layered Beef Enchiladas
Stacked tortillas, saucy beef, and melty cheese for an easy Tex-Mex casserole your whole family will love.
Easy Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup
Creamy, comforting enchilada flavors with a slow-cooked finish and simple stovetop option.
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Sweet-savory Texas-style pulled pork that's perfect for piling onto buns for an easy crowd-pleaser.
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Before You Get Started! If you whip up this recipe, I'd love to hear what you think! Leave a review and rating to let me know how it turned out. Your feedback helps keep the kitchen running and allows me to keep sharing free recipes with y'all!
Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches
Equipment
- Small Bowls for au jus
Ingredients
- 1 (3-pound) chuck roast 3 to 4 pounds
- 1 (16-ounce) carton beef broth
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can Beef Consomme
- 1 packet dry onion soup mix
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves coarsely chopped (optional)
- 12 slices Provolone Cheese or Swiss Cheese
- 12 Hoagie Rolls
Instructions
Prepare the Beef
- Trim excess fat from the roast and place it in the slow cooker.
- Pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire, and water.
- Sprinkle the onion soup mix and thyme over the roast.
- Cover and cook on LOW for about 8 hours, or until the meat is tender and shreds easily.
Rest and Shred
- Carefully transfer the cooked roast to a cutting board.
- Let it rest for about 10 minutes.
- Slice the meat thinly against the grain or shred with two forks.
Prepare the Au Jus
- Ladle the cooking liquid from the slow cooker into small bowls for dipping.
- Keep warm until ready to serve.
Prepare the Rolls
- Split the French rolls.
- Spread lightly with butter.
- Place open-faced under the broiler and toast until lightly golden.
Assemble the Sandwiches
- Add a generous portion of sliced or shredded beef to the bottom half of each toasted roll.
- Top with one slice of cheese.
- Return to the broiler just until the cheese melts.
- Add the top half of the roll and serve with warm au jus on the side.
Notes
Nutrition
*Nutrition information is automatically calculated based on ingredient data and should be considered an estimate. When multiple ingredient options are provided, the first listed is used for calculation. Optional ingredients and garnishes are not included in the nutrition analysis.
Did you make this recipe? Tag @jennifercooks123 on Instagram and hashtag it #jennifercooks so we can see all the deliciousness!
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