This Easy Crockpot French Dip features juicy, tender beef slow-cooked in tasty broth. It’s perfect for those busy days when you want a warm, hearty meal without the fuss!
Just imagine juicy beef piling up high on a soft bun. I love to dunk it in that flavorful broth—it’s like having a warm hug in a sandwich! Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck Roast: This cut is ideal because it gets tender and flavorful when slow-cooked. If you need a substitute, you can use brisket or round roast, but the texture may differ slightly.
Beef Broth: I prefer low sodium to control the saltiness. You can also use homemade broth or stock if you have it on hand. Vegetable broth can work for a lighter flavor.
Onion and Garlic: Fresh onions and garlic really enhance the dish. If you’re short on time, onion and garlic powders can be used instead—just adjust the amount to your taste.
Worcestershire Sauce: This adds umami to the dish. If you’re vegetarian or vegan, you can replace it with soy sauce or tamari for a similar depth of flavor.
Buns: French rolls are traditional, but I’ve used crusty baguettes or even whole grain sandwich bread, and they work great too!
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Beef Shredding Technique?
Shredding beef properly is key to enjoying your French Dip. After slow-cooking, the beef should be super tender and practically fall apart. Here’s how to do it:
- Remove the beef from the crockpot and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Using two forks—one to hold the meat and the other to pull apart—shred the beef into bite-sized pieces.
- For extra flavor, mix the shredded beef back into some of the cooking liquid before serving.
This step brings out maximum flavor and makes for a delicious sandwich filling!
Easy Crockpot French Dip Recipe for Tender Beef
Ingredients:
- 3 to 4 pounds beef chuck roast
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth (preferably low sodium)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional, for added depth)
- 1 bay leaf
- French rolls or hoagie buns, for serving
- Provolone or Swiss cheese slices (optional)
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and requires either 8-9 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high in the crockpot. Overall, set aside about 9 hours for cooking, plus some time for shredding and serving!
Detailed Instructions:
1. Seasoning the Beef:
Start by evenly seasoning the beef chuck roast with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and rosemary. This will ensure the flavors are infused into the meat as it cooks.
2. Searing for Flavor:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. When hot, sear the roast on all sides until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. This step adds a delicious depth of flavor to the beef!
3. Preparing the Crockpot:
Place the sliced onion and minced garlic at the bottom of the crockpot. Lay the browned roast on top to keep the onion flavor infusing into the meat.
4. Adding the Broth:
Pour the beef broth over the roast, then add the Worcestershire sauce and soy sauce (if using). Tuck in the bay leaf for an extra layer of flavor.
5. Cooking:
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 8-9 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. You want the beef to be tender enough that it easily shreds with a fork!
6. Shredding the Beef:
Once cooked, remove the beef from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. This is where the magic happens—your beef should be fall-apart tender!
7. Making the Au Jus:
Strain the cooking liquid in a saucepan, discarding the bay leaf and onion solids. Simmer the broth on low to reduce slightly and concentrate the flavors into a delicious au jus.
8. Assembling the Sandwiches:
To serve, pile the shredded beef onto French rolls or hoagie buns. If you like, add slices of provolone or Swiss cheese on top for that melty goodness!
9. Serve with Dipping Broth:
Serve the sandwiches alongside small bowls or cups of the warm broth for dipping—this is what makes the French Dip so special!
10. Enjoy!
Dig into your tender, flavorful Crockpot French Dip sandwiches! Enjoy the warmth and comfort of each bite!
This recipe yields rich, juicy beef with delicious au jus that’s perfect for a cozy meal that’s effortless to prepare. Enjoy every delicious bite!
FAQ for Easy Crockpot French Dip Recipe
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef?
Yes, you can substitute beef chuck roast with brisket or round roast. However, keep in mind that chuck roast tends to be more tender after slow cooking, so the texture may differ slightly with other cuts.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Place any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the beef and broth on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth to keep the beef moist!
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Simply use gluten-free broth and omit the soy sauce or use a gluten-free soy sauce alternative like tamari. Make sure your rolls are also gluten-free.
Is It Possible to Prepare This Dish Without Searing the Beef?
While searing adds extra flavor, you can skip this step if you’re short on time. Just season the roast and place it directly in the crockpot with the other ingredients. It will still be delicious but slightly less rich in flavor.
