- Prepare the beef: Place the beef roast into your crockpot. Pour the beef broth over the roast, then sprinkle the French onion soup mix over it. Add Worcestershire sauce, and season with salt and pepper.
- Slow cook: Cover and cook the beef on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the beef is very tender and easily shreds with a fork.
- Shred the beef: Once the beef is cooked, remove it from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded beef to the crockpot to soak up all the delicious juices.
- Prepare the grilled cheese: Butter one side of each slice of bread. On the non-buttered side, add a generous amount of shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese.
- Grill: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Place the bread slices with the cheese on the skillet, buttered side down. Grill until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Assemble the sandwich: Once the grilled cheese is done, spoon the shredded beef from the crockpot onto the sandwich. Optionally, add extra cheese on top of the beef.
- Serve with au jus: Serve the sandwich with a cup of the flavorful broth from the crockpot as an au jus dip.
Serving and Storage
This Easy Crockpot French Dip Grilled Cheese is best served immediately while the sandwich is warm and the cheese is gooey. The au jus dip adds an extra layer of flavor, making each bite even more indulgent.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the beef and broth separately, and grill fresh sandwiches when ready to serve.
For the best experience, grill the bread fresh to keep that crispy exterior.
Tips
- Don’t overcook the beef! It’s important to shred the beef once it’s just tender enough to fall apart easily.
- If you don’t have French onion soup mix, you can substitute with caramelized onions and a bit of beef bouillon for a homemade version.
- For a more indulgent sandwich, add extra cheese inside the grilled cheese sandwich before adding the beef.
- Use hearty bread like sourdough or French bread to ensure the sandwich holds up to the juicy beef and au jus.
- Serve with a side of pickles or coleslaw for a refreshing contrast to the rich sandwich.
Variations
Vegetarian Version: Substitute the beef with portobello mushrooms or tempeh for a vegetarian twist on the classic sandwich.
Cheese Lovers: Add a slice of sharp cheddar or a few slices of Swiss cheese for added flavor complexity.
Spicy Kick: If you like some heat, add jalapeños to the beef or inside the grilled cheese for a spicy kick.
Smoky Flavors: Add a bit of smoked paprika to the beef or use smoked cheese in the sandwich for a smoky twist.
Conclusion
The Easy Crockpot French Dip Grilled Cheese is the ultimate comfort food that combines the best of two classic dishes into one irresistible meal.
With minimal prep and a slow cooker doing most of the work, this recipe is perfect for busy evenings when you crave something rich and satisfying.
Whether you’re feeding a family or just looking for a special treat, this recipe will leave everyone asking for more. Don’t forget to dip your sandwich into the flavorful au jus for that ultimate French dip experience!
FAQ
Can I make this with a different cut of beef?
Yes! You can use brisket, sirloin, or flank steak as alternatives, but chuck roast is the most tender and flavorful option for slow cooking.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes! You can freeze the shredded beef and broth separately for up to 3 months. Reheat when ready to assemble the sandwiches.
What kind of bread works best?
Sourdough, French bread, or a crusty artisan loaf all work wonderfully for this recipe as they hold up well against the juicy beef and cheese.
Can I use a different cheese?
Absolutely! Swiss, cheddar, or pepper jack cheese can all work great as alternatives depending on your taste preference.
How do I make the au jus?
The au jus is made with the broth from the slow-cooked beef, so just serve the liquid from the crockpot alongside the sandwiches for dipping.
