Honestly, with school, soccer practice, and trying to maintain some semblance of sanity, weeknights can feel like a blur. But knowing I can toss a few simple ingredients into the slow cooker in the morning and come home to the aroma of a delicious, tender, beef french dip crockpot meal? It’s a game-changer. It’s a hug in a sandwich, really. And I love that this crockpot french dip recipe is so forgiving – you can adjust the seasonings to your liking and use whatever cut of beef you have on hand.

Trust me, once you try this crockpot french dip recipe, it’ll become a staple in your own home. It’s easy, it’s delicious, and it’s guaranteed to bring a smile to even the most harried faces around your table. Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients for the Perfect Crockpot French Dip

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3-4 lb Chuck Roast: This is the star of our show. I always look for one with good marbling for the most tender and flavorful beef french dip crockpot.
1 tbsp Olive Oil: For searing the roast. Don’t skip this, it builds amazing flavor!
1 large Onion, sliced: Yellow or white, whatever you have on hand. They melt into the au jus beautifully.
4 cloves Garlic, minced: Because everything is better with garlic, right?
4 cups Beef Broth: Low sodium is best so you can control the salt.
1 cup Water: Helps balance the richness of the broth.
1/4 cup Soy Sauce: My secret weapon for adding depth and umami to the au jus recipe crockpot. Don’t be scared!
2 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce: Another flavor booster.
1 tsp Dried Thyme: Adds a subtle herbal note.
1 tsp Dried Rosemary: Complements the beef perfectly.
1/2 tsp Black Pepper: Freshly ground, if possible.
1 Bay Leaf: Don’t forget to remove it before serving!
French Rolls or Baguettes: For serving. I like to use something sturdy that can hold up to the juicy au jus.
Provolone or Swiss Cheese (optional): For topping the sandwiches.

For my crockpot french dip recipe, I always use a good quality beef broth. It really makes a difference in the final flavor. When making crockpot french dip recipe, you can usually find chuck roast on sale at most grocery stores – keep an eye out for those deals! Here’s a crockpot french dip recipe trick I learned from my mom: she always adds a splash of red wine vinegar to the au jus at the end for a little extra tang. I often forget, but when I remember, it’s amazing!

For busy families making crockpot french dip recipe, you can prep the onion and garlic the night before. Chop them up and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s a small thing, but it saves precious minutes in the morning. To save money on your crockpot french dip recipe ingredients, consider buying a larger roast and freezing half for later. And speaking of leftovers, store any leftover cooked beef and au jus separately in airtight containers in the fridge. They’ll keep for 3-4 days. You can even freeze the au jus!

How to Make Crockpot French Dip: Step-by-Step

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Sear the Roast: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chuck roast on all sides until nicely browned. This step is crucial for developing flavor. Don’t worry if your crockpot french dip recipe roast isn’t perfectly browned; you just want a good crust. (Approximately 5-7 minutes per side). Searing the meat creates a Maillard reaction, which significantly enhances the depth of flavor in your final dish.
Sauté Aromatics: Add the sliced onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Sautéing the aromatics softens their flavor and allows them to meld beautifully into the au jus.
Transfer to Crockpot: Place the seared roast in the crockpot. Pour the sautéed onion and garlic over the roast.
Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in the beef broth, water, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Add the dried thyme, dried rosemary, black pepper, and bay leaf. The combination of these liquids and seasonings forms the base of your flavorful au jus.
Cook on Low: Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-6 hours, or until the roast is fork-tender. I learned the hard way with crockpot french dip recipe that you really can’t overcook it at the low setting, within reason. The longer it cooks, the more tender it becomes. Slow cooking allows the connective tissues in the chuck roast to break down, resulting in incredibly tender and juicy beef.
Shred the Beef: Remove the roast from the crockpot and shred it with two forks. It should fall apart easily. Discard the bay leaf.
Return to Crockpot: Return the shredded beef to the crockpot and let it soak in the au jus for at least 30 minutes. This allows the beef to absorb even more flavor. In my kitchen, crockpot french dip recipe usually takes the full cooking time to get that fall-apart tenderness. If yours is done sooner, just keep it warm until you’re ready to serve.
Prepare the Sandwiches: Slice the French rolls or baguettes in half. If desired, top with provolone or Swiss cheese.
Broil (Optional): Place the sandwiches on a baking sheet and broil for a minute or two, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Watch closely so they don’t burn! Broiling adds a warm, gooey element to your sandwiches that takes them to the next level.
Serve and Enjoy: Pile the shredded beef onto the rolls and serve immediately with the au jus for dipping. Your crockpot french dip recipe should smell like savory beef, herbs, and pure deliciousness at this point!

While the crockpot french dip recipe is cooking, I usually get the kids’ homework done, catch up on laundry, or maybe even sneak in a little bit of a book (if I’m lucky!). This is also a great time to prep any side dishes you want to serve with the sandwiches. The aroma will be amazing while it is cooking

If you find that the au jus is too salty, add a little bit of water or beef broth to dilute it. And if you want a richer flavor, try adding a tablespoon of tomato paste to the crockpot. This is one of those beef french dip crockpot meals that is very flexible. Add as much or as little seasoning as you like. It is an easy french dip recipe that you will make over and over.

Serving Suggestions for Your Crockpot French Dip

The kids love our crockpot french dip recipe when I serve it with a simple side salad and some crispy sweet potato fries. It’s the perfect combination of savory, juicy, and just a little bit sweet. My husband is partial to coleslaw with his. It just depends on the day!

My go-to side dishes that pair with crockpot french dip recipe are roasted vegetables (like broccoli or carrots) and a big bowl of creamy mashed potatoes. The veggies add some much-needed nutrients, and the mashed potatoes are just pure comfort food. This crockpot french dip recipe is perfect for game day, potlucks, or any casual gathering. It’s always a crowd-pleaser.

For crockpot french dip recipe presentation tips, I like to serve the sandwiches on a wooden board or platter, with the au jus in small bowls or ramekins for dipping. It just makes everything look a little more appealing. If you have extra crockpot french dip recipe beef and au jus, you can use it to make French dip sliders, quesadillas, or even add it to a grilled cheese sandwich! The possibilities are endless.

For a seasonal crockpot french dip recipe variation, try adding some sliced mushrooms to the crockpot along with the onion and garlic in the fall. They add a lovely earthy flavor. My friends always ask for this crockpot french dip recipe recipe whenever I host a party. It’s become my signature dish, and I’m always happy to share it. If I have some caramelized onions on hand, they add an amazing touch to this easy french dip recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions About Crockpot French Dip

Can I use a different cut of beef for this crockpot french dip recipe?
Absolutely! While chuck roast is my go-to, you can also use brisket, round roast, or even sirloin tip roast. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly. You know what I do when my crockpot french dip recipe cut is different? I just check it more often until it is to my liking.
Can I make this crockpot french dip recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can! In fact, I often do. Just cook the beef as directed, then shred it and store it in the au jus in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the beef and au jus in the crockpot or on the stovetop.
What if my au jus is too thin?
If your au jus isn’t as thick as you’d like, you can thicken it by whisking together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Stir the mixture into the au jus during the last 30 minutes of cooking. The simmering heat from the crockpot will cause it to thicken. I have made that mistake with my crockpot french dip recipe, and it turned out great.
Can I add vegetables to this crockpot french dip recipe?
Definitely! Sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or carrots would all be delicious additions. Add them to the crockpot along with the onion and garlic.
My roast is tough! What did I do wrong with my crockpot french dip recipe?
Don’t worry, we’ve all been there! It likely just needs to cook longer. Sometimes, depending on the cut of beef, it can take longer to break down and become tender. Just keep cooking it on low until it’s easily shredded with a fork.
Can I use different bread?
Of course! While French rolls or baguettes are traditional, you can use any sturdy bread that you like. Ciabatta rolls, sourdough bread, or even hoagie rolls would all work well. The crockpot french dip recipe works well with whatever you have on hand.
Can I add beer or wine to the au jus for my crockpot french dip recipe?
Yes, you can! For a richer flavor, add 1/2 cup of red wine or dark beer to the crockpot along with the beef broth. Just be sure to let it simmer for a few minutes to cook off the alcohol.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Absolutely! Leftover cooked beef and au jus can be frozen separately in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. This is a great tip for the crockpot french dip recipe.

Final Thoughts on This Easy French Dip Recipe

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This crockpot french dip recipe is more than just a meal to me; it’s a reminder of simpler times, of family dinners around the table, and of the joy of sharing good food with the people you love. It’s a testament to the fact that you don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated techniques to create something truly special.

My Crockpot French Dip Recipe Pro Tips:

Don’t skip the searing! It adds so much flavor to the beef.
Taste the au jus as it cooks and adjust the seasonings to your liking.
Let the shredded beef soak in the au jus for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Some variations I’ve tried with my family include adding a little bit of Dijon mustard to the au jus for a tangy kick, or using caramelized onions instead of regular onions for a sweeter flavor. My husband loves when I add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the au jus for a little heat. He really likes the beef french dip crockpot. My kids prefer it with just cheese.

I truly hope you enjoy making this recipe as much as my family and I do. It’s a labor of love, but it is an easy french dip recipe that’s well worth the effort. And remember, don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own! Cooking should be fun, so relax, enjoy the process, and trust your instincts.

So go ahead, give this crockpot french dip recipe a try. I promise, you won’t be disappointed! It is a slow cooker french dip that is sure to please.

Crockpot French Dip Recipe: The Ultimate Comfort Food

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This is an easy and delicious recipe for Crockpot French Dip sandwiches. Perfect for a weeknight meal or a party!

Author: Zoubida
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours
Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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1 (3-4 pound) beef chuck roast
1 packet dry au jus gravy mix
1 packet dry ranch dressing mix
1 (12 ounce) can beer or beef broth
French rolls, split
Provolone cheese (optional)

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Instructions

Place chuck roast in a 6-quart slow cooker.
Sprinkle au jus gravy mix and ranch dressing mix over the roast.
Pour beer (or beef broth) over the roast.
Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours, or until the roast is very tender and easily shredded.
Shred the roast with two forks.
Remove the roast from the slow cooker and set aside.
Strain the juices from the slow cooker, discarding any solids.
Return the shredded roast to the slow cooker with the strained juices.
To assemble the sandwiches, pile the shredded beef onto French rolls.
Top with provolone cheese, if desired, and serve with the remaining juices for dipping.

Notes

For a richer flavor, sear the chuck roast in a hot skillet before adding it to the slow cooker. You can also add sliced onions and bell peppers to the slow cooker for extra flavor.