Crockpot French Dip Sandwich

Crockpot French Dip Sandwich is a classic comfort food that is easy to make and full of flavor. This tasty sandwich features tender, juicy beef piled high on a soft roll, and served with flavorful broth for dipping. It’s perfect for busy weekdays, family dinners, or even gatherings with friends.
Why Make This Recipe
Making Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches is a great choice because they require minimal effort and time. Just throw everything into the crockpot, and let it do all the work for you. The beef gets slow-cooked until it’s so tender that it shreds easily. Plus, you can customize each sandwich with toppings like cheese and onions, making it a fun meal for everyone.
How to Make Crockpot French Dip Sandwich
Ingredients:
- 1 (3-4 lb) beef roast (chuck or brisket)
- 1 onion, sliced
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- French rolls or hoagie buns
- Optional: Provolone or Swiss cheese, for serving
Directions:
-
Place the beef roast in the crockpot. Season it with salt and pepper. This step is important because it adds flavor to the meat.
-
Add the sliced onion and minced garlic on top of the roast. The onions and garlic will help to flavor the beef as it cooks.
-
In a separate bowl, mix together the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and dried thyme. Pour this mixture over the beef and onions in the crockpot. This broth will keep the beef moist and flavorful.
-
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. The beef should be so tender that it shreds easily with a fork when done.
-
Once the beef is cooked, remove it from the crockpot and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded beef to the crockpot so it can soak up all the delicious juices.
-
To serve, spoon the beef onto French rolls or hoagie buns. If you like, add a slice of cheese on top for an extra treat.
-
Serve the sandwiches with small bowls of the broth for dipping. This makes the sandwich even more tasty!
How to Serve Crockpot French Dip Sandwich
Serve the sandwiches warm, and let everyone dip their sandwiches into the broth. This adds a nice, savory flavor to each bite.
How to Store Crockpot French Dip Sandwich
If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Keep the beef and broth separate from the buns to prevent them from getting soggy.
Tips to Make Crockpot French Dip Sandwich
- Use a tougher cut of beef, like chuck or brisket, as it becomes very tender when cooked slowly.
- Don’t rush the cooking time; slow cooking gives the best flavor and texture.
- For extra flavor, you can add some bay leaves or peppercorns to the broth as it cooks.
Variation (if any)
You can add mushrooms or bell peppers to the crockpot for added taste and texture. If you want to spice things up, consider adding some sliced jalapeños.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe with a different type of meat?
Yes, you can use pork or chicken, but the cooking time may vary.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the shredded beef in an airtight container. Just make sure to cool it before freezing, and it can last up to 3 months.
Is it possible to make this recipe without a crockpot?
Yes, you can use a slow cooker on the stovetop or a pot in the oven set to a low temperature, but you will need to watch it closely to prevent burning.