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Easy Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches Recipe with Provolone Au Jus

Easy Crockpot French Dip Sandwich - featured image

A comforting and easy slow cooker recipe featuring tender beef chuck roast, melty provolone cheese, and a savory au jus perfect for dipping. Ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 pounds beef chuck roast, trimmed of excess fat
  • 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
  • 8 slices provolone cheese
  • 4 large hoagie rolls
  • 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for searing)

Instructions

  1. Pat dry the 3-pound chuck roast with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season generously on all sides with salt and black pepper.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When shimmering, add the roast and brown for about 4 minutes per side until a golden crust forms (optional but recommended).
  3. Place the seared roast in the slow cooker. Scatter the thinly sliced yellow onion and minced garlic over the top.
  4. Pour in 4 cups low-sodium beef broth, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, and sprinkle 1 teaspoon dried thyme evenly. Stir gently to distribute ingredients.
  5. Cover and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours, or on high for 4 to 5 hours, until the beef is fork-tender and easily shreds.
  6. Remove the roast from the slow cooker onto a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. Return shredded beef to the slow cooker to soak in the juices.
  7. Skim off excess fat from the surface of the cooking liquid. Pour the remaining broth into a saucepan and simmer over medium heat for 10 minutes to concentrate flavors. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  8. Preheat the oven broiler. Slice the hoagie rolls lengthwise and place on a baking sheet. Toast under the broiler for 1-2 minutes until lightly browned but not burnt.
  9. Pile shredded beef onto the bottom halves of the toasted rolls. Top each with 2 slices of provolone cheese. Place sandwiches under the broiler for another 1-2 minutes until the cheese melts.
  10. Serve the sandwiches immediately with small bowls of warm au jus for dipping.

Notes

Searing the beef before slow cooking adds flavor but is optional. Use low-sodium broth to control saltiness. Skim fat from au jus for a lighter sauce. Watch the broiler carefully to avoid burning the bread or cheese. Leftover au jus can be refrigerated or frozen for later use.

Nutrition

Keywords: French dip sandwich, crockpot recipe, slow cooker meals, provolone cheese, au jus, beef chuck roast, easy dinner, comfort food