– **Title**: Slow Cooker French Dip
– **Ingredients**:
– 3 to 4 pounds beef chuck roast
– 1 onion, sliced
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 cup water
– 1/2 cup soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
– 2 teaspoons dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 6 to 8 French rolls or hoagie buns
– Provolone cheese, sliced (optional)
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
– **Instructions**:
1. In the slow cooker, place the sliced onions at the bottom.
2. Season the beef chuck roast with salt and black pepper, then place it on top of the onions.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the beef broth, water, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, thyme, and additional pepper. Mix well and pour it over the roast in the slow cooker.
4. Cover and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours, until the beef is tender and easily shredded.
5. Once cooked, remove the beef from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker to soak in the juices.
6. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). If using, place the sliced French rolls on a baking sheet and top each with provolone cheese. Bake until the cheese is melted and the rolls are golden.
7. To serve, fill each roll with the beef mixture. Ladle some of the cooking liquid into small bowls for dipping.
8. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve hot.
Enjoy your delicious Slow Cooker French Dip!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck Roast: This cut is perfect for slow cooking because it becomes tender over time. If you can’t find chuck roast, consider using brisket or round roast as substitutes. Both will work well, but might have slightly different textures.
Onion: Medium onions add great flavor to the dish. If yellow onions aren’t available, you can use white or sweet onions instead. They will all contribute sweetness, but sweet onions might add a bit more depth.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is key for flavor! If you’re in a pinch, you can use garlic powder, but fresh garlic really gives that robust taste that elevates the dish.
Beef Broth: I like using low-sodium beef broth to control the salt level. If you prefer, vegetable broth can also work, especially for a lighter flavor. Just remember, it’ll slightly change the taste!
Red Wine: This adds a rich flavor to the dish. If you want to skip it, just use a bit more broth or water. Alternatively, grape juice can mimic some sweetness if you want a non-alcoholic option.
Hoagie Rolls: Fresh rolls make a big difference! I recommend a crusty type for texture. If hoagie rolls aren’t available, try sub bread or even baguettes. Just keep the size in mind for filling.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Sear on My Roast?
Searing the roast is a crucial step for flavor. This browning locks in juices and creates a delicious crust. Here’s how to nail it:
- Heat your skillet over medium-high heat and let it get hot before adding oil.
- Generously season the roast with salt and pepper.
- Add a tablespoon of oil to the pan. Once shimmering, place the roast in and sear for 4-5 minutes per side until nicely browned.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan! If your roast is large, cut it in halves if necessary.
After searing, don’t forget to scrape those flavorful browned bits into your broth mixture for extra depth!
How to Make Slow Cooker French Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef:
- 3-4 pounds beef chuck roast
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
- 6 hoagie rolls
- Provolone cheese or Swiss cheese, for topping (optional)
- Fresh thyme or parsley, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes for preparation, plus 8 hours of cooking time in the slow cooker. Once the beef is done, you’ll need an additional 5 minutes for toasting the rolls. So, overall, it takes about 8 hours and 20 minutes, but most of that time is hands-off while your slow cooker does the work!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Beef:
Start by seasoning the beef chuck roast generously with salt and pepper on all sides. This will add a nice flavor to your roast!
2. Sear the Roast:
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, sear the roast for about 4-5 minutes on each side until it’s browned. This step is important to lock in the flavors! Once done, transfer the roast to your slow cooker.
3. Cook the Onions and Garlic:
In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and cook them for about 3-4 minutes until they start to soften. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until you can smell that delicious garlic aroma.
4. Combine the Liquid Ingredients:
Pour the beef broth, water, red wine (if you’re using it), Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, thyme, and rosemary into the skillet. Stir everything well, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet—those bits add flavor! Bring this mixture to a simmer.
5. Slow Cook the Beef:
Now, pour the simmering mixture over the roast in your slow cooker. Cover it up and set your slow cooker to low heat for 8 hours. The beef will become tender and easy to shred!
6. Shred the Beef:
Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the roast from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. It should fall apart easily! Then mix the shredded beef back into the juices in the slow cooker.
7. Toast the Hoagie Rolls:
Preheat your oven to broil. Cut the hoagie rolls in half and place them on a baking sheet. If you’re using cheese, place a slice on top of each roll. Broil the rolls for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly—keep an eye on them so they don’t burn!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Now it’s time to dig in! Serve the shredded beef on the toasted hoagie rolls with a small bowl of the delicious cooking liquid for dipping. You can garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if you like. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use Different Cuts of Beef for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While beef chuck roast is ideal for its tenderness, you can also use brisket or round roast. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly, so check for tenderness with a fork!
What If I Don’t Have Red Wine?
No problem! You can omit the red wine and simply use an additional cup of beef broth or water instead. The dish will still be delicious without it!
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the shredded beef in the cooking liquid for up to 3 months. Just be sure to cool it completely before freezing!
Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can sear the roast and prepare the onion-garlic mixture the day before. Just store everything separately in the fridge. The next day, all you have to do is combine them in the slow cooker to continue cooking!
