Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches: Cozy Comfort Food That Brings Back Childhood Flavors

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Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches are the ultimate comfort food, featuring tender, slow-cooked beef packed with flavor and served on soft hoagie rolls with melted Swiss cheese. The rich au jus enhances every bite, making this dish nostalgic and satisfying. Perfect for a weekend dinner, casual gatherings, or when you crave a cozy meal that’s easy to prepare, these sandwiches capture the essence of classic French dip sandwiches without the fuss.

Ingredients

  • 3–4 lbs beef chuck roast
  • 1 large onion, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 8 hoagie rolls
  • 8 slices Swiss cheese
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon cold water (for thicker au jus)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Crockpot Beef

  1. Place sliced onions and minced garlic at the bottom of the crockpot.
  2. Season beef chuck roast with salt and pepper and place on top of onions.
  3. Pour beef broth and Worcestershire sauce over the roast. Sprinkle thyme and rosemary evenly.

2. Cook the Beef

  1. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4–5 hours, until beef is tender and easily shredded with a fork.
  2. Remove beef and shred using two forks, discarding excess fat.

3. Make the Au Jus

  1. Strain liquid from the crockpot into a saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 5–10 minutes to concentrate flavors.
  2. Optional: For thicker au jus, whisk cornstarch with cold water and stir into simmering liquid until slightly thickened.

4. Assemble the Sandwiches

  1. Place shredded beef onto hoagie rolls. Top with a slice of Swiss cheese.
  2. Serve hot with small bowls of au jus for dipping.

Tips for the Perfect Crockpot French Dip

  • Cheese Options: Swiss cheese is classic, but provolone or mozzarella also work well.
  • Beef Options: Chuck roast is ideal, but brisket or bottom round can also be used.
  • Crispy Rolls: Toast hoagie rolls lightly for added texture.
  • Make Ahead: Cook beef overnight and assemble sandwiches just before serving.

Variations

  • Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef.
  • Vegetable Addition: Include sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions on top of the beef.
  • Mini Sliders: Use smaller rolls for appetizer-sized sandwiches.
  • Slow Cooker Combo: Add baby carrots or potatoes for a complete meal in one pot.

Serving Suggestions

  • Pair with French fries, sweet potato fries, or a simple side salad.
  • Add a side of pickles or coleslaw for extra crunch.
  • Perfect for game day, casual parties, or cozy family dinners.

Fun Facts

  • French Dip Sandwiches originated in Los Angeles in the early 20th century, with multiple restaurants claiming the invention.
  • Slow-cooking beef in a crockpot allows the meat to absorb flavors deeply, resulting in tender, juicy sandwiches.
  • Swiss cheese melts perfectly over shredded beef, adding a creamy, nutty flavor that complements the savory au jus.

Recipe Notes

  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.
  • Freeze shredded beef without rolls for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat with au jus.

Nutrition (per serving)

  • Calories: 450
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg
  • Sodium: 900mg
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Vitamin A: 2%
  • Vitamin C: 4%
  • Calcium: 20%
  • Iron: 30%

Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches

Tender, slow-cooked beef served on hoagie rolls with melted Swiss cheese and rich au jus, perfect for a cozy, nostalgic meal.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Comfort Food, Dinner
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

Beef
  • 3-4 lbs beef chuck roast
  • 1 large onion sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried rosemary
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 8 hoagie rolls
  • 8 slices Swiss cheese
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch optional, for thicker au jus
  • 1 tbsp cold water optional, for thicker au jus

Equipment

  • Crockpot
  • Saucepan
  • Forks

Method
 

  1. Place sliced onions and garlic at the bottom of the crockpot.
  2. Season beef with salt and pepper and place on top of onions.
  3. Pour beef broth and Worcestershire sauce over roast. Sprinkle thyme and rosemary.
  4. Cook on low 8 hours or high 4–5 hours until beef is tender.
  5. Remove beef and shred with two forks.
  6. Strain liquid into saucepan, simmer 5–10 minutes. Optional: add cornstarch slurry to thicken.
  7. Assemble sandwiches with shredded beef and Swiss cheese on hoagie rolls.
  8. Serve with au jus for dipping.

Notes

Store leftovers in fridge up to 3 days. Freeze shredded beef for 2 months.

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