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Tender Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches

crockpot french dip sandwiches - featured image

A simple and easy slow cooker recipe that transforms a chuck roast into tender, juicy French Dip sandwiches served with a rich, savory au jus.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 34 pounds beef chuck roast
  • 3 cups low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 large onion, sliced
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 23 sprigs fresh thyme (or dried thyme)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 68 French rolls or hoagie buns
  • Provolone or Swiss cheese slices (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chuck roast dry with paper towels. Generously season all sides with about 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper.
  2. Optional: Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the roast on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side, to seal in juices and add flavor.
  3. Place sliced onion and minced garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the browned roast on top.
  4. Pour in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and tuck in thyme sprigs and bay leaf. The liquid should come about halfway up the roast.
  5. Cover and cook on low for 8-9 hours, or until beef is fork-tender and shreds easily. Avoid opening the lid frequently.
  6. Remove the roast and let rest for 10 minutes. Strain cooking liquid through a fine sieve into a saucepan. Skim off excess fat.
  7. Simmer the liquid for 10-15 minutes to reduce and concentrate flavor if desired. Season au jus with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Slice or shred the beef against the grain using forks or a sharp knife.
  9. Slice rolls horizontally and layer generously with beef. Top with cheese slices if using, then optionally toast under a broiler for 2-3 minutes to melt cheese.
  10. Serve sandwiches warm with au jus on the side for dipping.

Notes

Searing the roast before slow cooking adds extra flavor but can be skipped for convenience. Strain and skim the au jus for a clean, rich broth. Reduce au jus on stove for thicker consistency or add a cornstarch slurry. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat gently with au jus to maintain moisture.

Nutrition

Keywords: French Dip Sandwiches, Crockpot, Slow Cooker, Beef Sandwich, Au Jus, Easy Dinner, Comfort Food