If you’re craving a hearty, melt-in-your-mouth sandwich that’s effortlessly made and bursting with savory flavors, then you’ve got to try this Crockpot French Dip Sandwich Recipe. Imagine tender, slow-cooked beef so juicy and tender it practically falls apart, nestled inside a soft hoagie bun with gooey Provolone cheese, alongside a rich, flavorful au jus broth perfect for dipping. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into an unforgettable meal that’s perfect for casual gatherings or cozy nights in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting your ingredients together for this Crockpot French Dip Sandwich Recipe is refreshingly simple, yet each one plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and richness. From the hearty beef roast to the cheesy topping and savory broth, every component is essential to building this iconic sandwich experience.
- 5 pounds top or bottom round beef roast: The star of the dish, this cut slowly cooks to tender perfection in the crockpot.
- 2 ounces au jus mix: Adds that signature deep, beefy flavor essential for a great dipping sauce.
- 1.4 ounces Italian dressing mix: Brings subtle herbs and seasoning complexity that elevate the roast’s taste.
- 32 ounces beef broth: Creates the rich, comforting liquid to infuse the beef and make your dipping sauce.
- 8 hoagie buns: These soft yet sturdy buns hold all the juicy goodness without getting soggy too fast.
- 8 slices Provolone cheese: Melts perfectly over the beef, adding creamy, mild sharpness for a luxurious sandwich finish.
How to Make Crockpot French Dip Sandwich Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Crockpot and Place the Beef Roast Inside
Start by placing your beef roast—either top or bottom round—right into the crockpot’s base. It’s important the roast fits comfortably so it can soak in all those delicious flavors as it cooks low and slow.
Step 2: Season the Roast with Au Jus Mix and Italian Dressing Mix
Sprinkle the au jus mix and Italian dressing mix evenly over the surface of the roast. These seasonings create a savory blend that seeps deep into the meat, infusing every bite with rich, aromatic flavor.
Step 3: Pour Beef Broth Over and Cook on Low for 6-8 Hours
Now pour 32 ounces of beef broth gently over the roast. This will keep the meat moist and tender during the long cooking process. Set your crockpot to low, and let it work its magic for 6 to 8 hours until the meat is falling-apart tender.
Step 4: Remove and Slice the Roast Thinly for Sandwich Assembly
Once cooked, carefully remove the roast from the crockpot. Let it rest for a few minutes, then slice it as thinly as possible. Thin slices ensure you get maximum tenderness and juiciness in every bite.
Step 5: Assemble the Sandwiches and Add Provolone Cheese
Place a generous pile of sliced beef on the hoagie buns and top with a slice of Provolone cheese. For extra melty goodness, warm the sandwiches in the oven just until the cheese softens and begins to melt perfectly over the beef.
How to Serve Crockpot French Dip Sandwich Recipe
Garnishes
A few fresh garnishes can really take your sandwich to the next level. Try adding thinly sliced caramelized onions for sweetness or a handful of fresh arugula for a peppery crunch. A tiny sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper can also enhance the flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
This Crockpot French Dip Sandwich Recipe pairs wonderfully with classic sides like crispy French fries or a light, tangy coleslaw to balance the richness. For a healthier twist, roasted vegetables or a simple salad with vinaigrette make fantastic accompaniments.
Creative Ways to Present
Take your serving to a fun, casual level by creating individual dipping bowls filled with the reserved au jus broth for each sandwich. You could also slice the sandwich into halves or thirds to make perfect party-friendly sliders. Wrapping them in parchment paper adds a charming touch for an inviting, rustic presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover meat and broth keep well refrigerated in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days. To keep the beef slices juicy, store them submerged in some of the au jus broth. Keep your sandwich components separate until ready to reheat and serve for best texture.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, both the sliced beef with broth and the bread (stored separately) freeze well. Package the meat tightly in freezer-safe bags removing excess air to avoid freezer burn. It will keep for 2-3 months without losing quality.
Reheating
Reheat the beef and broth gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. For the sandwich, toast the bun and melt the Provolone cheese in the oven or toaster oven just before serving to revive that fresh sandwich feeling.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this Crockpot French Dip Sandwich Recipe?
Absolutely! While top or bottom round roast is ideal for tender slicing, other cuts like chuck roast can also work well, giving a slightly different texture and flavor profile. Just make sure to adjust cooking times if needed.
Is it necessary to use au jus mix, or can I make my own dipping sauce?
You can definitely make a homemade au jus by simmering beef broth with garlic, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and herbs until slightly reduced, but the au jus mix is a convenient shortcut that delivers consistent, rich flavor every time.
How thin should I slice the beef for the sandwiches?
Very thin slices are best, ideally about 1/8-inch thick or less. Thin slices soak up the au jus better and make the sandwich easier to bite through without overwhelming each bite.
Can I prepare this recipe without a crockpot?
While the crockpot method is hands-off and guarantees tender meat, you could slow roast the beef in the oven at low heat for a few hours. Just plan for more active cooking time and monitor the broth amount closely.
What’s the best way to prevent soggy hoagie buns?
Toast the buns lightly before assembling your sandwiches, and avoid soaking them in the au jus. Serve the dip on the side so everyone can control how much broth they want to add, keeping the bread nicely textured.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about sinking your teeth into a Crockpot French Dip Sandwich Recipe that’s been slow-cooked to juicy, tender perfection. Whether you’re making a comforting weeknight dinner or feeding a crowd, this recipe delivers deep flavor with minimal effort. I hope you find as much joy in making and eating these sandwiches as I do—once you try them, they’ll definitely become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
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Crockpot French Dip Sandwich Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes to 8 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crockpot French Dip Sandwich recipe delivers tender, savory beef slow-cooked to perfection with Italian dressing and au jus mix, served on hoagie buns with melted Provolone cheese. A comforting and hearty meal, perfect for casual dinners with friends or family, accompanied by flavorful broth for dipping.
Ingredients
Beef and Seasonings
- 5 pounds top or bottom round beef roast
- 2 ounces au jus mix
- 1.4 ounces Italian dressing mix
Liquid
- 32 ounces beef broth
Sandwich Assembly
- 8 hoagie buns
- 8 slices Provolone cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Crockpot: Place the beef roast into the crockpot, making sure it fits comfortably for even cooking.
- Season the Roast: Sprinkle the top of the beef roast evenly with the au jus mix and the Italian dressing mix to infuse rich, savory flavors.
- Add Broth and Cook: Pour the beef broth over the seasoned roast, cover with the crockpot lid, and cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours until the beef is tender and easily shreddable.
- Slice the Beef: Carefully remove the cooked roast from the crockpot, transfer to a cutting board, and slice thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.
- Assemble Sandwiches: Lay sliced beef on the hoagie buns, top each with a slice of Provolone cheese, then place the sandwiches in the oven to warm and melt the cheese.
- Serve with Au Jus: Unwrap the warmed sandwiches and serve hot, accompanied by the reserved beef broth from the crockpot to use as a delicious dip for the sandwiches.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can sear the beef roast in a hot skillet before placing it in the crockpot.
- If you prefer a stronger au jus, reduce some of the broth by simmering it on the stovetop before serving.
- Use crusty hoagie buns to prevent sogginess when dipping the sandwiches.
- Leftover shredded beef can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
