French Dip {Crock Pot}

A french dip sandwich is a hearty and easy dinner to throw together when you are busy! The tender roast beef is slow cooked all day in the crock pot so it’s falling apart when you pile it high in a toasted hoagie roll with melted provolone cheese. Don’t forget to dunk it in the salty au jus for the perfect final touch!

I decided to introduce you to this crock pot french dip sandwich recipe! Everyone seems to love my Instant Pot french dip sandwich, but they are easy to make in the slow cooker too!

Personally, I’m a sucker for a toasted hoagie bun that I’ll take these any day of the week. These are the kinds of sandwiches I used to order in restaurants but now we make them at home. My tuna melt and monte cristo sandwich are other deli favorites we like to make, too!

What’s not to love about a buttered and toasted bun piled high with fall-apart tender roast beef and melted Provolone cheese? Nothing! Plus, the fact they cook all day in the crock pot makes it even better. I love coming home to a meal that’s almost completely done and I can serve it quick to my family!

I just quickly cook some roasted vegetables or lemon asparagus to finish off this easy meal and dinner is on the table in no time!

Why You’ll Love this French Dip Recipe

• This slow cooker french dip sandwich recipe is set and forget. Great for a busy day when you don’t have the mental space to think about dinner.
• French dip in the crock pot makes 8 hearty servings. It’s a wonderful dinner for large families, or meal prep for the week since it store and reheats well.
• You can repurpose leftover roast beef for tons of different recipes. Nothing will go to waste!

Ingredients for A French Dip Sandwich

• Chuck roast or bottom round beef roast – A roast with more marbling will produce the best and most tender beef.
• Salt – Beef always needs plenty of salt, so be sure to measure this out to season it well.
• Pepper – A little black pepper gives a bit a kick to this beef.
• Onion powder – The flavor of onion powder compliments au jus mix very well.
• Olive oil – You’ll need a bit of olive oil in the hot skillet when you sear the beef. If you don’t have olive oil on hand, butter and any other mild flavored oil will work.
• Dry au jus mix – Not only does this help season the roast beef, but it will create the most delicious au jus for your slow cooker french dip sandwich.
• Beer – The secret ingredient to the most amazing homemade french dip sandwich recipe.
• Butter – Use real butter and melt it to add onto the hoagie rolls before toasting.
• Garlic powder – A little garlic powder make a garlic butter mixture for the hoagie rolls.
• Provolone cheese – Provolone cheese has the best flavor that pairs wonderfully with tasty roast beef and toasted hoagie rolls.
• Hoagie rolls – The BEST bread for a french dip sandwich.
• Optional: fresh chopped parsley – You can add a little parsley as a garnish.

How to Make a French Dip Sandwich

Though this may seem like a difficult meal to make, it’s really so simple. The crock pot makes it really easy and always cooks the meat to perfection! Here’s how to make a homemade french dip sandwich:

Make the Meat

First things first, start by removing the roast from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes. Then, season it with salt, pepper and onion powder.

Next, add olive oil to a large skillet and heat over medium heat. Once hot, place the seasoned roast into the hot skillet and sear it on all sides.

Remove the roast from the skillet and place into the slow cooker. Then sprinkle the au jus seasoning over the roast and pour a beer over it.

Place the lid onto the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours.

Once the 8 hour cooking time is up, transfer the meat to a plate and shred it. It is typically tender enough that it just falls apart, so use two forks and gently pull it apart to shred.

Prepare the Bread

Next, set your oven to broil and place the hoagie rolls onto a baking sheet.

Mix the butter and garlic powder together in small bowl and brush over rolls. Then broil the hoagie rolls on low heat until just golden brown.

Remove from oven and pile with shredded french dip meat and top with provolone cheese. Return to oven and broil until cheese is melted.

Top sandwiches with fresh parsley if desired.

Strain the Au Jus

Using a fine mesh strainer, strain the liquid over a bowl to get any chunks out of it.

Then I serve it in my favorite Ramekin dishes so it’s easy to dip your sandwich in!

Immediately serve the sandwiches while hot and enjoy!

How to Store Leftover Beef from this French Dip Recipe

FRIDGE: Place leftover roast beef into an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Do not store meat on the toasted bread, as it will get soggy in the fridge. Au jus can be stored separately in an airtight container or mason jar.

Store leftover toasted bread at room temperature in an airtight container or tightly sealed zip top plastic bag.

FREEZER: You can also freeze leftover beef and au jus. Store in separate airtight containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Allow to thaw in the fridge before reheating.

How to Reheat Leftovers

To reheat, place meat into the microwave or on the stove top. Toast buns just as the recipe calls for, then add the reheated meat and sliced cheese to bread and broil until cheese is melted. Reheat au jus on stove top or in the microwave and serve.

What to Serve with Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwich

There are so many crave-able side dishes that you can serve with french dip sandwiches. Crack potatoes are one of my favorites! The flavors pair so well together…dangerously addictive.

You could serve a healthier option like this southwestern salad or some tasty skillet asparagus. Serve a more classic side dish like sweet potato fries or air fryer french fries for a nostalgic combo!

What can I do with leftover beef?

Here are a few quick ideas to use up leftover roast beef if you have it left! Of course, you can always make a french dip sandwich from leftover, but there are tons of other options too.

Make a quick Minute Steak Sandwich by frying thin slices of your roast beef in a skillet then putting them on top of a baguette. Top that with sautéed onions and cheese then toast it under the broiler.

Another great idea is to make a twist on sloppy joe. Simply chop up the roast beef, then simmer with chopped onions, garlic, tomato sauce and light brown sugar to make a sloppy joe. Pile it on top of a sandwich bun!

Personally, I’m really boring and I love it cold, piled with ketchup on a bun. It’s one of those comfort foods I remember from childhood!

This easy recipe is a go-to classic that the whole family will enjoy!

More Easy Crock Pot Recipes You’ll Love

• Crock Pot Pulled Pork is such an easy way to make tender and juicy pork. A lovely dinner and great for parties too!
• Make these gooey Crock Pot Hot Ham & Cheese Sandwiches when you’re craving the ultimate comfort food.
• Want BBQ, but not ready to fire up the grill or smoker? Turn to this recipe and make a Crock Pot Smokey BBQ Shredded Chicken Sandwich instead!
• Crock Pot Grape Jelly Meatballs are a classic recipe that everyone needs to try.