Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches are a treat you’ll love! Tender beef cooked in rich broth makes the meat super juicy and full of flavor, perfect for piling on a soft roll.
Honestly, there’s nothing better than dipping that sandwich in warm broth. It’s like a tasty hug for your taste buds! I enjoy making these for game nights or cozy dinners—they’re always a hit!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck Roast: This cut is perfect for slow cooking because it becomes tender and flavorful. If unavailable, you can use brisket or round roast. Just remember that the cooking time might vary slightly depending on the cut you choose.
Onion: I recommend yellow onions for their sweetness when cooked. If you’re not a fan of onions, consider using shallots or even leeks for a milder flavor.
Garlic: Fresh garlic brings a great punch to this dish. For convenience, you can use jarred minced garlic, but fresh always has a better taste. If you love garlic, feel free to add more cloves!
Broth & Sauces: Beef broth is key for a rich taste. You can swap it for homemade bone broth or vegetable broth if you need a vegetarian option. For a gluten-free version, ensure your Worcestershire and soy sauce are gluten-free.
Cheese: Provolone gives a nice melty texture to the sandwiches. Mozzarella or even Swiss cheese can work well as a substitute. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, consider using vegan cheese products.
How Do I Make Sure the Beef Is Tender?
The key to tender beef is low, slow cooking. Using a slow cooker allows the meat to break down, making it easy to shred. Follow these simple steps for success:
- Season the beef well with salt and pepper before cooking. This enhances the flavor.
- Use enough liquid! A mix of beef broth and water keeps the meat moist and flavorful.
- Let it cook for the full duration. If you’re pressed for time, the high setting works, but low is best for tenderness.
- After cooking, let the meat sit for a few minutes before shredding. This helps retain moisture.
How to Make Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef:
- 2 to 3 pounds beef chuck roast
- 1 onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sandwiches:
- 6 to 8 hoagie rolls
- 8 slices provolone cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and cook time ranges from 4 to 10 hours, depending on whether you choose to cook it on high or low. Just set it up in the morning, let it cook, and you’ll have a wonderful meal waiting for you!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Roast:
Start by seasoning the beef chuck roast generously with salt and pepper. This adds lots of flavor to the meat!
2. Layer Ingredients in the Slow Cooker:
Take your slow cooker and place the sliced onion and minced garlic at the bottom. Next, put the seasoned roast right on top. This helps the flavors infuse into the meat as it cooks.
3. Make the Cooking Liquid:
In a medium bowl, mix together the beef broth, water, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. This tasty mixture will keep the meat moist and flavorful! Pour it over the roast in the slow cooker.
4. Slow Cook the Beef:
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours. You want the meat to be tender and shred easily. It’s going to smell amazing while it cooks!
5. Shred the Meat:
Once cooked, carefully remove the roast from the slow cooker and use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. Set the shredded beef aside for now.
6. Strain the Liquid:
Strain the cooking liquid to remove any solids and return the liquid back to the slow cooker or pour it into a pot on the stove. This will be your delicious au jus for dipping!
7. Prepare the Sandwiches:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Split the hoagie rolls open and lay them on a baking sheet. Fill each roll with a generous amount of shredded beef and top with a slice of provolone cheese.
8. Bake the Sandwiches:
Pop the baking sheet into the oven and let it bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Yum!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your French dip sandwiches hot, and don’t forget to add bowls of the strained au jus for dipping! Sprinkle some chopped parsley on top if you’d like for a nice touch. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! While beef chuck roast is ideal for its tenderness and flavor after slow cooking, you can also use brisket or round roast. Just be aware that different cuts may have varying cooking times, so keep an eye on tenderness as you cook.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover shredded beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the beef and au jus in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the beef in advance and keep it warm in the slow cooker until you’re ready to serve. Alternatively, you can shred the beef and store it in the fridge with the au jus, then reheat when needed. Just make sure to add a little water or broth when reheating to keep it moist!
What Can I Use Instead of Hoagie Rolls?
If you don’t have hoagie rolls, you can use baguette slices, ciabatta, or even crusty sandwich bread as substitutes. Just ensure that the bread can hold the juicy filling. You could also make a low-carb version by serving the beef over a salad!
