There’s just something about slow-cooked, melt-in-your-mouth beef that makes the Crock Pot French Dip Sandwiches Recipe such a winner in my kitchen. It’s easy, hands-off, and fills your home with the most delicious aroma all day long. Whether you’re craving a comforting meal after a long day or feeding a crowd on a busy weekend, this recipe hits the spot every time.

I love how this recipe simmers gently in the crock pot, blending savory broth and tender beef together so you get those perfectly juicy sandwiches without a lot of fuss. And you’ll appreciate how simple it is to prepare, especially when you want a meal that feels indulgent but doesn’t demand hours of attention. You really can’t go wrong making these – they’re always a crowd-pleaser, and the homemade dip jus? Next level!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients all work together to build rich, flavorful broth and tender beef that’s worth savoring. When shopping, look for good-quality beef and fresh rolls for the best results.

Beef broth: The foundation for your dipping jus; look for low-sodium if you want to control salt levels.
Worcestershire sauce: Adds a savory depth and umami that makes the broth irresistible.
Soy sauce: A touch of saltiness and complexity; low sodium works well here too.
Garlic powder: For a mellow, easy garlic flavor without the work of fresh cloves.
Onion powder: Adds that subtle sweetness and earthiness we all love in beef dishes.
Dried thyme: Gives an aromatic note that rounds out the broth beautifully.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors—just be careful if your broth or sauces are already salty.
Black pepper: For a little mild heat and extra zing.
Hoagie rolls: The perfect sandwich base—soft but sturdy enough to hold all that juicy beef.
Provolone cheese slices: Melts beautifully and adds a creamy texture and mild flavor that pairs unbelievably well with the beef.

Variations

I’m all for making recipes your own, and this Crock Pot French Dip Sandwiches Recipe is a fantastic canvas for customization. I often change it up based on what I have on hand or to suit dietary needs.

Variation: Adding sliced mushrooms to the crock pot adds a lovely earthiness and extra texture that’s lovely.
Variation: If you want a bit of heat, toss in some crushed red pepper flakes or use pepper jack cheese instead of provolone.
Variation: For a gluten-free version, swap out the hoagie rolls for your favorite gluten-free buns—they hold up surprisingly well and taste great.
Variation: I sometimes use different herbs like rosemary or oregano for a slightly different herbal profile depending on the mood.

How to Make Crock Pot French Dip Sandwiches Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the flavorful broth

Start by combining beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper directly into your crock pot. Give it a good stir to mix everything thoroughly. This simple yet flavorful broth is the magic that gives your beef that classic French dip taste, so don’t skip this step or rush it.

Step 2: Add and cook the beef

Place your choice of beef roast (I usually use chuck roast) into the crock pot, submerging it as much as possible in the broth mixture. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. The low and slow method is my favorite because it results in the most tender, juicy meat that shreds effortlessly.

Step 3: Shred the beef and prepare sandwiches

Once the beef is tender, remove it from the crock pot and shred it with two forks. Keep the broth warm to use as your dipping jus. Pile the shredded beef onto hoagie rolls, and top with slices of provolone cheese for that luscious, melty finish. If you like, pop them under the broiler for a minute or two to melt the cheese to perfection.

How to Serve Crock Pot French Dip Sandwiches Recipe

Three sandwiches sit on a dark wooden board with a white marbled surface below. Each sandwich has a golden-brown bun with soft shredded dark brown meat piled high and melted white cheese dripping from the bottom. Fresh green parsley is sprinkled on top of the buns and scattered around the board. In the background, there is a white bowl with creamy white sauce and orange fries. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually keep garnishes simple — a little fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness, and sometimes sliced pickles on the side bring that perfect tangy crunch. Feel free to add sautéed onions or peppers for more depth if you like.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides are crispy French fries or a crisp green salad to cut through the richness. Sometimes, I like to roast some root vegetables or whip up a simple coleslaw to bring in some texture contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For family gatherings, I love setting up a “build your own sandwich” station with bowls of shredded beef, different cheeses, rolls, and toppings. It’s a fun, interactive way to let everyone customize their sandwich — plus, it looks colorful and inviting on the table!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After serving, I let any leftover beef cool completely, then store it in an airtight container along with some of the broth to keep it moist. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days—this beef actually tastes even better the next day once the flavors have melded overnight.

Freezing

I’ve frozen shredded beef and broth combos in freezer bags multiple times, and it holds up beautifully. Just thaw overnight in the fridge, and you’re good to reheat. Perfect for meal prep or saving time on busy weeks.

Reheating

Reheating is easiest on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of broth to keep it juicy. Microwave works too, but be careful not to dry out the meat. Then, just reassemble your sandwiches and toast the cheese if desired!

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for the Crock Pot French Dip Sandwiches Recipe?

Absolutely! While chuck roast is ideal for its marbling and tenderness after slow cooking, brisket or round roast can also work well. The key is to pick a cut that becomes tender and shred easily after slow cooking.
Do I have to use hoagie rolls, or can I swap the bread?

You can definitely swap in your favorite sandwich bread. Soft yet sturdy rolls like baguettes, kaiser rolls, or even ciabatta make great alternatives. Just make sure whatever bread you choose can hold up to dipping in the broth without falling apart.
How long can I keep the broth after cooking?

The broth is best used within 3-4 days if refrigerated properly. Since it contains meat juices, it’s important to store it in an airtight container and keep it cold to maintain safety and flavor.
Can I make the Crock Pot French Dip Sandwiches Recipe in an Instant Pot?

Yes! You can use the sauté and pressure cook functions to speed up the process. Sear the beef first for extra flavor, then pressure cook with the broth and spices for about 60 minutes, followed by a natural release. It’s a great alternative if you’re short on time.

Final Thoughts

If you want a meal that feels like a special treat but is actually low-effort and comforting, this Crock Pot French Dip Sandwiches Recipe is your new best friend. I’ve made it countless times and every version turns out tender, flavorful, and just downright satisfying. Trust me, once you try these sandwiches with that savory jus for dipping, you’ll find yourself craving them again and again. Give it a go—you won’t regret it.

Crock Pot French Dip Sandwiches Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 50 reviews

These Crock Pot French Dip Sandwiches feature tender, flavorful beef cooked slowly in a savory broth infused with herbs and spices. Served on toasted hoagie rolls and topped with melted provolone cheese, they make a comforting and easy-to-prepare meal perfect for any day of the week.

Author: Mary
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 4–6 sandwiches 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American

Instructions

Prepare the Broth: In the crock pot, combine beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine all seasonings thoroughly.
Cook the Beef: Add the beef (typically chuck roast or similar cut) to the crock pot if available, ensuring it is submerged in the broth mixture. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the beef is tender and easily shredded.
Shred the Beef: Once cooked, remove the beef from the crock pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded beef to the broth to soak up the flavors while you prepare the sandwiches.
Prepare the Rolls: Cut hoagie rolls in half and toast them lightly if desired to add a crispy texture.
Assemble the Sandwiches: Place a generous amount of shredded beef on the bottom half of each hoagie roll, top with a slice or more of provolone cheese, then add the top half of the roll.
Melt the Cheese: If preferred, place assembled sandwiches under a broiler or in an oven for a few minutes to melt the provolone cheese evenly over the beef.
Serve with Au Jus: Serve the sandwiches with a small bowl of the seasoned broth (au jus) from the crock pot for dipping.

Notes

For best results, use a well-marbled beef roast such as chuck roast for tenderness and flavor.
If you want a more intense flavor, add a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar to the broth.
Leftover shredded beef can be stored in the broth in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To make this recipe faster, you can use a pressure cooker instead of a slow cooker, reducing cooking time significantly.
Add sautéed onions or mushrooms to the sandwiches for extra depth.

Keywords: French Dip, Crock Pot Sandwich, Slow Cooker Beef, Comfort Food, Hoagie Roll Sandwich