Crockpot French Dip Sandwich Recipe

Juicy Crockpot French Dip Sandwich Recipe for Cozy Dinners

My weekend game-changing crockpot french dip sandwich delivers mouthwatering comfort right to your plate.

Slow-cooked beef becomes impossibly tender when bathed in rich, savory broth.

Crisp rolls wait eagerly to cradle those juicy meat slices.

Melted provolone adds creamy depth to each delectable bite.

Homemade au jus transforms an ordinary lunch into a restaurant-quality experience.

Simple ingredients combine with minimal effort for maximum deliciousness.

Grab some napkins because this sandwich promises messy, unforgettable satisfaction.

Why Crockpot French Dip Sandwich Is A Classic Pick

  • Create Flavor-Packed Perfection: This slow-cooked beef roast transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering masterpiece with layers of herb-infused complexity.
  • Master Hands-Off Cooking: Crockpot method allows minimal effort while delivering maximum taste, letting the appliance do all the hard work for tender, succulent meat.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Hearty sandwich satisfies hungry families and friends with rich, robust flavors that everyone from kids to adults will absolutely love.
  • Versatile Meal Solution: Adaptable recipe works perfectly for casual gatherings, game days, weekend lunches, or when craving a seriously delicious protein-packed meal.

What Goes In Crockpot French Dip Sandwich

For the Meat:
  • Beef Chuck Roast, Brisket: Large, flavorful cuts perfect for slow cooking and creating tender, rich meat for sandwiches.
For the Herbs and Seasonings:
  • Garlic Cloves: Aromatic ingredient that adds deep, pungent flavor to the meat rub.
  • Dried Thyme, Rosemary: Earthy herbs that provide robust and traditional roast seasoning.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the meat's natural flavors.
For the Liquid and Cooking Base:
  • Olive Oil: Helps bind the herb rub and provides a smooth coating for the meat.
  • Beef Broth: Adds moisture and intensifies the meaty flavor during slow cooking.
  • Red Wine: Contributes depth and complexity to the braising liquid.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Brings tangy and umami notes to the overall dish.
For the Additional Components:
  • Onions: Caramelized and layered to add sweetness and texture to the meat.
  • Hoagie Rolls: Soft bread rolls used as the base for the sandwich.
  • Butter: Used to toast the rolls and add richness.
  • Provolone Cheese: Melts beautifully and provides creamy texture.
For the Optional Condiments:
  • Horseradish Sauce, Mustard: Complementary condiments that add extra kick and flavor.

Simple Steps For Crockpot French Dip Sandwich

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

Pat beef chuck roast and brisket completely dry using paper towels. This step ensures the meat surface is moisture-free for maximum seasoning absorption.

Step 2: Create Herb Rub

Crush garlic cloves and mix with:
  • Olive oil
  • Dried thyme
  • Rosemary
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Combine ingredients to form a flavorful herb mixture.

Step 3: Season the Meat

Massage herb mixture thoroughly into every surface of the meat. Ensure complete and even coating for deep flavor penetration.

Step 4: Arrange in Crockpot

Place seasoned meat strategically in the crockpot, positioning larger pieces to promote uniform cooking.

Step 5: Add Aromatic Onions

Slice onions into thin rings. Distribute onion rings around and between meat pieces to enhance overall flavor profile.

Step 6: Pour Braising Liquid

Pour liquid ingredients directly over the meat:
  • Beef broth
  • Red wine
  • Worcestershire sauce

Create a rich, fragrant braising base.

Step 7: Slow Cook

Cover crockpot and set to low heat. Allow meat to cook slowly for 8-10 hours until extremely tender and easily shreddable.

Step 8: Check Meat Doneness

Confirm internal temperature reaches 195-205°F. Remove meat from crockpot and rest for 15 minutes.

Step 9: Shred Meat

Gently pull meat apart using two forks, creating tender, succulent shreds.

Step 10: Prepare Dipping Sauce

Strain braising liquid and skim excess fat from surface. Reserve warm liquid for dipping.

Step 11: Prepare Rolls

Butter hoagie rolls and lightly toast until golden and crisp.

Step 12: Assemble Sandwiches

Layer shredded meat generously on toasted rolls. Top with caramelized onions and melted provolone cheese.

Step 13: Serve and Garnish

Serve sandwiches immediately with warm braising liquid for dipping. Offer horseradish sauce and mustard as optional condiments.

Cooking Tips For Crockpot French Dip Sandwich

  • Dry Meat Perfectly: Pat beef chuck roast and brisket completely dry to help seasonings stick and create a delicious crust.
  • Create Flavor-Packed Rub: Crush garlic and mix with herbs and oil to develop a deeply aromatic seasoning that penetrates the meat.
  • Layer Ingredients Strategically: Position meat pieces carefully in crockpot and spread thin onion rings to ensure even cooking and maximum flavor distribution.
  • Master Slow Cooking Technique: Cook on low heat for 8-10 hours to achieve melt-in-your-mouth tenderness that pulls apart effortlessly with two forks.
  • Elevate Sandwich Assembly: Toast hoagie rolls with butter, load generously with shredded meat, and serve with warm braising liquid for an irresistible dipping experience.

Ways To Change Crockpot French Dip Sandwich

  • Lean Meat Method: Use turkey or chicken breast instead of beef chuck roast for a lighter protein option with similar slow-cooking techniques.
  • Spicy Southwest Spin: Replace rosemary and thyme with chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika to create a bold, southwestern-style flavor profile.
  • Vegetarian Jackfruit Alternative: Swap meat with young jackfruit, maintaining identical seasoning and slow-cooking method for a plant-based sandwich version that mimics meat texture.
  • Low-Carb Lettuce Wrap Edition: Skip hoagie rolls and serve shredded meat inside large butter lettuce leaves for a keto-friendly, low-carbohydrate presentation that preserves the original recipe's rich flavors.

Great Pairings For Crockpot French Dip Sandwich

  • Enhance Flavor Harmony: Bold Red Wine Pairing
  • Select a robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec to complement the rich, tender beef's deep flavor profile, matching the wine's tannic structure with the meat's savory complexity.
  • Elevate Sandwich Experience: Crisp Pickle Side
  • Add tangy dill pickle spears or homemade quick-pickled vegetables to cut through the meat's richness, providing a bright, acidic contrast that refreshes the palate between bites.
  • Create Creamy Contrast: Horseradish Aioli
  • Whip up a zesty horseradish aioli by blending mayonnaise, fresh horseradish, Dijon mustard, and a splash of lemon juice, offering a creamy, spicy condiment that intensifies the sandwich's flavor depth.

How To Store Crockpot French Dip Sandwich Right

  • Store leftover shredded beef in an airtight container for up to 4 days, ensuring meat is completely cooled before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Transfer meat to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air, and freeze for maximum 3 months; label with date and contents.
  • Place shredded beef in microwave-safe dish, sprinkle 2-3 tablespoons of reserved braising liquid, cover with damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to maintain moisture.

Common FAQs About Crockpot French Dip Sandwich

  • How do I choose the right cut of meat for this recipe?

Select beef chuck roast or brisket with good marbling. These cuts have enough fat to become tender and flavorful during slow cooking, ensuring a juicy and rich result.

  • Can I make this recipe without alcohol?

Yes, simply replace red wine with additional beef broth or beef stock. The recipe will still maintain deep, robust flavors from the herbs and braising process.

  • What if my meat isn't tender after cooking?

If the meat isn’t falling apart, continue cooking for another 1-2 hours. Tough cuts require longer slow cooking to break down connective tissues and become tender.

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Crockpot French Dip Sandwich Recipe

Crockpot French Dip Sandwich Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 8 reviews

  • Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes – 10 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Rich, succulent Crockpot French Dip Sandwich delivers mouthwatering comfort with tender beef slow-cooked in savory au jus. Melted provolone and caramelized onions nestled between crusty rolls promise a hearty meal you’ll savor with every delicious bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat:

  • 2 lbs beef chuck roast
  • 1 lb beef brisket

Seasonings and Liquids:

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1/2 cup red wine
  • 2 tbsp worcestershire sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried rosemary
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

Bread and Toppings:

  • 4 hoagie rolls
  • 2 large onions
  • 4 slices provolone cheese
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • Optional: horseradish sauce
  • Optional: mustard

Instructions

  1. Pat the beef chuck roast and brisket dry with paper towels, ensuring surface moisture is completely removed for optimal seasoning absorption.
  2. Crush garlic cloves and combine with olive oil, dried thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper to create a robust herb-infused rub.
  3. Massage the herb mixture thoroughly into the meat, coating every surface to enhance flavor penetration.
  4. Place seasoned meat into the crockpot, strategically positioning larger pieces for even cooking.
  5. Slice onions into thin rings and layer them around and between the meat pieces.
  6. Pour beef broth, red wine, and Worcestershire sauce directly over the meat, creating a rich, aromatic braising liquid.
  7. Cover and set crockpot to low heat, allowing meat to slow-cook for 8-10 hours until extremely tender and easily shredded.
  8. Once meat reaches 195-205°F internally, remove from crockpot and let rest for 15 minutes before gently shredding with two forks.
  9. Strain and reserve braising liquid for dipping sauce, skimming excess fat from the surface.
  10. Butter hoagie rolls and lightly toast until golden and crisp.
  11. Layer shredded meat generously onto toasted rolls, topped with caramelized onions and melted provolone cheese.
  12. Serve immediately with warm reserved braising liquid on the side for dipping.
  13. Optionally, offer horseradish sauce and mustard as complementary condiments.

Notes

  • Choose chuck roast or brisket with good marbling to guarantee maximum tenderness and rich flavor when slow-cooked.
  • Pat meat completely dry before seasoning to help herb rub adhere better and create delicious caramelized exterior during cooking.
  • Slice onions uniformly thin to ensure even caramelization and consistent texture throughout the dish.
  • Experiment with red wine varieties like cabernet or merlot to subtly enhance braising liquid’s depth and complexity.
  • For gluten-free adaptation, use gluten-free hoagie rolls or serve meat over cauliflower rice for low-carb alternative.
  • Consider trimming excess fat from meat before cooking to control final dish’s richness and prevent greasy texture.
  • Allow meat to rest after cooking to help juices redistribute, ensuring maximum moisture and tenderness when shredding.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8-10 hours
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Mia Thompson

Mia Thompson

Pastry Chef & Content Creator

Expertise

  • Creating wholesome, seasonal desserts with a focus on nutrition.
  • Developing recipes on healthy baking alternatives.
  • Experimenting with plant-based and gluten-free recipes.​

Education

Portland Community College – Baking and Pastry Arts Program
Specialized in artisanal bread, seasonal desserts, and sustainable baking methods.

National University of Natural Medicine – Bachelor of Science in Nutrition (BScN)
Focused on “Food as Medicine” philosophy, with core threads in nutrition.


Mia’s love affair with baking began in her grandmother’s kitchen, where sneaking spoonfuls of batter first sparked her curiosity. She refined her skills through Portland Community College’s Baking and Pastry Arts Program and her expertise at the National University of Natural Medicine, earning a B.Sc. in Nutrition.
At The Scrumptious Pumpkin, Mia reimagines classics with effortless seasonal treats, healthier twists on old favorites, and playful confections that feel like pure joy. Beyond the oven, she nurtures her urban garden, forages local ingredients around Portland, and leads hands‑on nutrition workshops for her community.

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