Prepare for a delightful culinary experience with this incredibly easy and utterly delicious Crock Pot Balsamic French Dip Sandwich recipe! Our love for slow cooker recipes runs deep, and for good reason—they consistently deliver amazing results with minimal hands-on time. This recipe is no exception, transforming simple ingredients into a rich, savory, and incredibly tender beef sandwich that will become a family favorite.

Slow Cooker Balsamic French Dip Sandwiches: An Unforgettable Recipe

There’s something uniquely satisfying about the aroma of a meal simmering slowly in the crock pot all day. It promises comfort, flavor, and a hassle-free dinner. Today, we’re thrilled to share one of our absolute go-to recipes: the Balsamic French Dip Sandwich. This isn’t just any French Dip; the addition of balsamic vinegar introduces a wonderful depth and subtle tang that elevates the classic flavor profile, making it truly stand out. It’s the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and tangy, cooked to perfection.

Using the slow cooker for this French Dip recipe isn’t just about convenience; it’s about achieving unparalleled tenderness and flavor. The low and slow cooking process allows the beef to break down beautifully, becoming incredibly succulent and easy to shred. Moreover, it gives all the flavors ample time to meld together, creating a rich, savory au jus that is essential for dipping. This recipe is ideal for anyone looking to create a hearty, satisfying meal without being tied to the kitchen.

Why Choose the Slow Cooker for French Dip?

The slow cooker, often hailed as a kitchen hero, truly shines when it comes to recipes like French Dip. Here’s why it’s our preferred method for this dish:

• Effortless Cooking: Simply combine the ingredients, set it, and forget it! You can go about your day while your dinner cooks itself.
• Unmatched Tenderness: The long, gentle cooking time at a low temperature breaks down tough cuts of beef, resulting in incredibly tender, fall-apart meat that is perfect for shredding.
• Deep Flavor Development: Hours of simmering allow the beef juices and the aromatic liquid to meld into a rich, complex au jus, which is the heart and soul of any great French Dip sandwich.
• Hands-Off Meal Prep: This recipe is fantastic for meal prepping. You can cook a large batch and enjoy delicious sandwiches throughout the week or freeze portions for quick future meals.
• Ideal for Busy Schedules: Whether you’re juggling work, errands, or simply want more free time in the evenings, the slow cooker ensures a warm, homemade meal is ready when you are.

Essential Ingredients for Your Balsamic French Dip

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple yet powerful ingredient list. Each component plays a crucial role in building the robust flavor profile of these sandwiches. When selecting your ingredients, opt for quality to ensure the best possible taste.

• Boneless Beef Roast: The star of the show. We recommend a chuck roast, bottom round, or even a sirloin tip roast. These cuts are ideal for slow cooking as they become incredibly tender and flavorful. Look for a roast with some marbling for added moisture and taste.
• Balsamic Vinegar: This is what gives our French Dip its distinctive twist. Choose a good quality balsamic for a richer, more complex sweetness and tang. It balances the richness of the beef beautifully.
• Beef Broth: The foundation of our delicious au jus. Use a high-quality beef broth or stock to maximize flavor. Low-sodium options are great if you want to control the salt content.
• Worcestershire Sauce: A secret weapon for adding umami and depth. Just a tablespoon can significantly enhance the savory notes of the beef.
• Brown Sugar: A touch of brown sugar helps to balance the acidity of the balsamic vinegar and tenderize the meat, contributing to a wonderfully rounded flavor.
• Garlic: Freshly crushed garlic cloves are essential for aromatic depth. Avoid garlic powder if possible for the best flavor.
• Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle spice and aromatic kick.
• Olive Oil: Used to lightly coat the bottom of the slow cooker, preventing sticking and adding a base flavor.

For the best results, we highly recommend using a slow cooker with a digital timer. This feature allows you to set the cooking duration, and once done, it automatically switches to a “warm” setting. This prevents overcooking and ensures your beef is perfectly tender and ready whenever you are, eliminating any stress about timing your meal.

More Delicious Crock Pot Recipes You’ll Love

If you’re as big a fan of the slow cooker as we are, you’re in for a treat! We have a treasure trove of easy and flavorful crock pot recipes that make weeknight dinners a breeze. From hearty soups to savory sandwiches, there’s something for everyone:

• Crock Pot French Onion Soup: A classic comfort food, made easy in your slow cooker.
• Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Sandwich: Spicy, tangy chicken perfect for sandwiches or salads.
• Crock Pot Bourbon Barbecue Beef Sandwiches: Sweet and savory, ideal for a crowd.
• Crock Pot Guinness Braised Short Ribs: Rich, fall-off-the-bone short ribs with deep flavor.
• Crock Pot Cheeseburger Pasta: A kid-friendly, cheesy pasta dish that’s a meal in itself.

Don’t stop there! Explore our full range of recipes, including mouthwatering copycat recipes, irresistible dessert recipes, and an extensive collection of our favorite Crock Pot Recipes for every occasion.

Stay connected with Tammilee Tips for all our latest recipe creations! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest, and join our community of food lovers.

Balsamic Roast Beef French Dip Sandwich Crock Pot Recipe

Learn how to make a truly delicious and tender Balsamic Roast Beef French Dip Sandwich in your crock pot. This recipe promises juicy beef and a flavorful au jus, perfect for an easy family meal.

Print Recipe

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 6 hours

Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes

Servings: 8

Calories: 338 kcal

Author: Tammilee Tips

Ingredients

• 3 lb. boneless beef roast (such as chuck roast or bottom round)
• ½ cup balsamic vinegar
• ¾ cup beef broth
• 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 Tablespoon brown sugar
• 3 cloves garlic, crushed
• ½ tsp. black pepper
• 1-2 tsp. olive oil

Instructions

1. Drizzle olive oil lightly in the bottom of your slow cooker. This helps prevent sticking and adds a foundational flavor.
2. Carefully place the beef roast into the slow cooker pot.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, crushed garlic, and black pepper until well combined.
4. Pour the flavorful mixture evenly over the beef roast in the slow cooker. Ensure the roast is partially submerged in the liquid.
5. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the beef is incredibly tender and easily pulls apart with a fork. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on your slow cooker and the size/cut of your roast.
6. Once cooked, carefully remove the roast from the slow cooker and use two forks to shred the meat. It should shred effortlessly.
7. Generously pile the shredded beef onto your favorite rolls or hoagie buns.
8. For the au jus, strain the remaining liquid from the slow cooker through a fat separator or a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth to remove any impurities and excess fat. Serve this rich au jus alongside your sandwiches for dipping.
9. If desired, top your sandwiches with a slice of provolone or Swiss cheese and melt under a broiler for a minute or two before serving.

Kitchen Tools

• Slow cooker (preferably one with a digital timer)
• Whisk
• Forks and tongs for shredding meat
• Fat separator or fine-mesh sieve with cheesecloth

Nutrition Facts

Nutrition Facts

Balsamic Roast Beef French Dip Sandwich Crock Pot Recipe

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 338   Calories from Fat 180

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% Daily Value*

Fat 20g   31%

Saturated Fat 9g   56%

Cholesterol 117mg   39%

Sodium 244mg   11%

Potassium 614mg   18%

Carbohydrates 5g   2%

Fiber 1g   4%

Sugar 4g   4%

Protein 33g   66%

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Vitamin A 22IU   0%

Vitamin C 1mg   1%

Calcium 41mg   4%

Iron 4mg   22%

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* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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Tips for the Perfect Balsamic French Dip

• Searing the Beef (Optional): While not strictly necessary for the slow cooker, quickly searing the beef roast in a hot pan with a little olive oil before placing it in the crock pot can add an extra layer of caramelized flavor.
• Choosing Your Bread: The type of roll can make a big difference! Crusty French rolls or hoagie buns are traditional and hold up well to dipping. Toasted rolls also add a nice texture.
• Cheese, Please! Melted cheese is a popular addition. Provolone, Swiss, or even white cheddar slices placed on top of the meat and briefly broiled can elevate your sandwich.
• Serving Suggestions: French Dip sandwiches are hearty on their own, but they pair wonderfully with a simple green salad, crispy french fries, or a creamy coleslaw.
• Make it Your Own: Feel free to experiment! Add sliced onions or mushrooms to the slow cooker for extra flavor and texture. A pinch of red pepper flakes can introduce a subtle heat.

Meal Prep and Storage

This Balsamic French Dip is an excellent recipe for meal preparation, making your weeknights much smoother. The cooked beef and au jus store beautifully, allowing you to enjoy delicious sandwiches with minimal effort throughout the week.

• Storing Leftovers: Once cooled, store the shredded beef and the au jus separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Gently reheat the beef in a skillet with some of the au jus to keep it moist. The au jus can be reheated in a saucepan on the stovetop or in the microwave. Assemble your sandwiches just before serving to prevent the bread from getting soggy.
• Freezing: For longer storage, both the shredded beef and the au jus can be frozen. Place the shredded beef in freezer-safe bags or containers, and store the au jus separately. They will keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions About French Dip Sandwiches

What is the best cut of beef for French Dip sandwiches?

For the slow cooker, boneless chuck roast is often considered the best due to its rich flavor and tenderness when cooked slowly. Other good options include bottom round roast or sirloin tip roast, which also become wonderfully tender. The key is a cut with some fat and connective tissue that breaks down during long cooking.

Can I make the au jus thicker?

Traditional French Dip au jus is thin and savory, meant for dipping. If you prefer a slightly thicker consistency, you can create a slurry with a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a tablespoon of cold water, then whisk it into the hot au jus after straining. Simmer for a few minutes until it thickens to your liking.

How do I prevent my French Dip sandwiches from getting soggy?

The best way to prevent sogginess is to assemble the sandwiches just before serving. Toasting the rolls lightly can also create a barrier that helps them stand up better to the moist beef and the au jus. Always serve the au jus on the side for dipping, rather than pouring it directly over the sandwich.

Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker with the beef?

Absolutely! Adding sliced onions, mushrooms, or even carrots to the slow cooker along with the beef will infuse the au jus with additional flavor and provide soft, delicious vegetables to serve alongside your sandwiches or mix directly into the meat.

Final Thoughts on This Balsamic French Dip Recipe

This Slow Cooker Balsamic French Dip Sandwich recipe is a testament to the magic of slow cooking. It transforms a simple cut of beef into a mouthwatering, tender, and deeply flavorful meal that feels gourmet but requires minimal effort. Whether you’re preparing a family dinner, hosting a casual get-together, or stocking your freezer with ready-to-eat meals, this recipe is a winner. The unique balsamic twist adds an unexpected layer of sophistication, making it a dish you’ll be proud to serve. So go ahead, dust off your crock pot, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy one of the most satisfying sandwiches you’ll ever make!

Recipe originally shared on February 19, 2015. Updated November 2020.