1-First Step: Season and prep the roast Start by patting the 2.5 to 3 pounds beef chuck roast dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick and gives the meat a better sear if you choose to brown it first. Sprinkle all sides with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper. If you are short on time, you can skip the sear, but if you want deeper flavor, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown the roast for 2 to 3 minutes per side.

2-Second Step: Build the slow cooker base Place the roast into the crockpot. Sprinkle the 2 packages dry onion soup mix over the top so the seasoning can work its way into the meat as it cooks. Then pour in the 2 cups water and 2 cans beef broth. The liquid should come partway up the roast, not completely cover it. That gives you a flavorful braising effect without watering everything down.

3-Third Step: Cook low and slow Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours or on high for 4 to 6 hours. Low heat gives the best texture, especially if you want the beef to shred effortlessly. Try not to lift the lid too often, because heat escapes quickly and can slow down cooking. Near the end, check the roast with two forks. When it pulls apart easily, it is ready.

4-Fourth Step: Shred the beef Carefully move the roast to a cutting board or large bowl. Use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. If you see a lot of fat in the liquid, skim some of it off the top before serving. This keeps the au jus rich but not greasy. Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker if you want it to stay warm while you finish the sandwiches.

5-Fifth Step: Toast the rolls and melt the cheese Split the 6 to 8 crusty rolls and place them open-faced on a baking sheet. Add the shredded beef, then top each sandwich with 6 to 8 slices Swiss or provolone cheese. Broil for 1 to 2 minutes, just until the cheese melts. Keep a close eye on them because broilers work fast and bread can burn quickly.

6-Final Step: Serve with the dipping juices Spoon some of the cooking liquid into small bowls for dipping. Set the sandwiches on a serving platter and place the au jus alongside them. The best part is dunking each bite into that warm, beefy broth. If you want a full dinner spread, serve these sandwiches with salad, fries, or a simple vegetable side. For more easy meal ideas, check out our slow cooker salsa verde chicken recipe.