1-First Step: Heat the skillet and season the roast Start by heating 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. While the oil warms, season the 2 1/2 to 3 pounds beef chuck roast generously with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper. This simple seasoning creates a strong savory base right from the beginning. If you like a bolder sandwich, do not be shy with the salt and pepper.

2-Second Step: Sear the beef Place the roast in the hot skillet and sear it on all sides for about 1 to 2 minutes per side. You are looking for a deep brown crust, not a full cook. That browning adds rich flavor to the final sandwich. If you are short on time, you can skip this step and still make good Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches, but the sear gives the beef a noticeably better taste.

3-Third Step: Move everything to the slow cooker Transfer the roast and all the pan juices into the slow cooker. Sprinkle the meat with 2 1-ounce packages dry onion soup mix, then pour in 2 cups water and 2 14.5-ounce cans beef broth. The liquids will become a rich cooking bath that turns into the au jus later. This is where the magic starts, and the kitchen already begins to smell wonderful.

4-Fourth Step: Slow cook until tender Cover and cook on high for 4 to 6 hours or on low for 8 to 10 hours. The beef is ready when it is tender and shreds easily with a fork. If you are using a frozen roast, plan on adding at least 2 extra hours. If your schedule is flexible, the low setting usually gives the softest, most fall-apart texture.

5-Fifth Step: Shred the beef Remove the cooked roast from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board or large plate. Use two forks to shred the beef into bite-sized pieces. If there is extra fat in the cooking liquid, a fat separator makes it easy to skim it off before serving. This keeps the au jus cleaner and more balanced.

6-Sixth Step: Build the sandwiches Slice the 6 to 8 crusty rolls such as ciabatta and fill each one with shredded beef. Top each sandwich with a slice of Swiss or provolone cheese. Both cheeses melt nicely, but provolone gives a slightly milder taste while Swiss brings a gentle nutty note. Soft hoagie rolls also work if you prefer a lighter bite.

7-Final Step: Broil and serve with au jus Place the assembled sandwiches under the broiler for a short time until the cheese melts and the rolls toast. Watch them closely because broilers can brown bread fast. Serve the sandwiches hot with the slow cooker juices on the side for dipping. That savory au jus is a huge part of what makes Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches so comforting and fun to eat.