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French Dip Sandwiches Made Easy: Best Crockpot Beef Dip Recipe

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These easy crockpot French dip sandwiches feature tender, slow-cooked beef, melty provolone cheese, and a rich, savory au jus for dipping. Perfect for cozy family dinners, game days, or make-ahead lunches, this recipe is a comforting classic made simple with the help of a slow cooker.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 to 4 lbs chuck roast, trimmed of excess fat
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 large onion, thinly sliced
  • 4 garlic cloves, smashed
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 4 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
  • 1 bay leaf (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon whole or cracked black peppercorns
  • 6 to 8 French rolls or hoagie buns, split
  • 12 slices provolone cheese
  • Butter, for toasting rolls (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chuck roast dry with paper towels and season generously with kosher salt and black pepper on all sides.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the roast for 3–4 minutes per side until deeply browned. Transfer to the crockpot.
  3. Add sliced onion, smashed garlic, thyme, bay leaf, and peppercorns around the beef in the crockpot.
  4. In a large measuring cup, combine beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce. Pour over the beef and aromatics.
  5. Cover and cook on low for 8–10 hours (or high for 4–5 hours) until the beef is fall-apart tender.
  6. Remove the beef to a cutting board, tent loosely with foil, and let rest for 10 minutes. Shred with two forks.
  7. Skim excess fat from the surface of the cooking liquid. Strain the liquid into a bowl to make the au jus.
  8. Preheat broiler. Split the rolls and spread with butter if desired. Broil, cut side up, for 1–2 minutes until golden.
  9. Pile shredded beef onto each roll, top with two slices of provolone, and broil until the cheese is melted and bubbling, about 1 minute.
  10. Ladle hot au jus into small bowls for dipping. Serve sandwiches immediately.

Notes

For best flavor, always sear the beef before slow cooking. Use sturdy rolls to prevent sogginess when dipping. The beef and au jus can be made ahead and stored separately for up to 2 days. For gluten-free, use tamari and gluten-free rolls. For dairy-free, omit the cheese or use plant-based slices. If the au jus is too salty, add a splash of water or low-sodium broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: French dip, crockpot, slow cooker, beef sandwich, au jus, comfort food, easy dinner, provolone, game day, make ahead

Find it online: https://bitefuljoy.com/french-dip-sandwiches-made-easy-best-crockpot-beef-dip-recipe/