Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches (Printable Version)

Tender slow-cooked beef on hoagie rolls with savory dipping jus for an easy, hearty meal everyone loves.

# What You Need:

→ Beef

01 - 2 lbs chuck roast, trimmed of excess fat

→ Broth & Liquids

02 - 2 cups beef broth
03 - 1/4 cup soy sauce
04 - 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce

→ Vegetables & Aromatics

05 - 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
06 - 3 cloves garlic, minced

→ Spices & Seasonings

07 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
08 - 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
09 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
10 - 1/2 teaspoon salt

→ Bread & Cheese

11 - 4 hoagie rolls or French rolls
12 - 4 slices provolone or Swiss cheese (optional)

# How To Make:

01 - Arrange sliced onions and minced garlic evenly across the bottom of the slow cooker insert.
02 - Rub the chuck roast thoroughly with salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary, pressing the spices into the meat. Place the seasoned roast directly on top of the onion layer.
03 - Pour the beef broth, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce over the beef and onions, ensuring the meat is partially submerged.
04 - Cover and cook on low heat for 8 hours until the beef is fork-tender and easily pulls apart.
05 - Transfer the cooked beef to a cutting board or large plate. Using two forks, shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker and stir well to coat with the accumulated juices.
06 - Preheat your oven's broiler. Split the hoagie rolls horizontally and fill each with an equal portion of shredded beef. Top with a slice of provolone or Swiss cheese if desired.
07 - Arrange the assembled sandwiches on a baking sheet. Place under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes, watching closely, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the rolls are lightly toasted.
08 - Transfer the sandwiches to plates. Ladle the remaining cooking liquid from the slow cooker into small bowls and serve alongside for dipping.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The beef becomes impossibly tender after eight hours of low and slow cooking, practically falling apart when you touch it
  • That homemade au jus is packed with deep umami flavor that puts restaurant versions to shame
  • Set it and forget it convenience means you can go about your day while dinner cooks itself
02 -
  • Resist the urge to lift the lid during cooking, as every time you do you release heat and extend the cooking time significantly
  • The beef will continue absorbing flavor as it shreds and sits in the au jus, so do not be afraid to let it soak for an extra 15 minutes before serving
  • If your rolls seem soft or stale, a quick toast under the broiler before adding the beef will give them a satisfying crunch
03 -
  • A splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar in the cooking liquid adds incredible depth and mimics restaurant quality au jus
  • Toasting the cut sides of your rolls under the broiler for just 30 seconds before adding the beef prevents sogginess

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