Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches Recipe

The Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwich is a classic comfort food that combines tender, flavorful beef with melty cheese and a crispy hoagie roll, all dipped into rich au jus. This hearty sandwich is ideal for gatherings, game days, or a satisfying dinner. Using a slow cooker makes the process almost effortless, as the beef slow-cooks to perfection, soaking up all the aromatic flavors of the broth and spices.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Minimal Effort: The slow cooker does most of the work, freeing you up for other activities.
2. Versatile: Perfect for casual dinners or serving a crowd.
3. Flavorful: Packed with rich, savory flavors from the beef, onions, garlic, and herbs.
4. Customizable: You can add your favorite cheeses or toppings.

Step 1: Prepare the Chuck Roast

1. Trim the Roast: Remove any excess fat from the chuck roast, but leave some for flavor.
2. Season Generously: Rub the roast with salt and black pepper on all sides.
3. Sear the Meat: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the roast for 3-4 minutes on each side until it develops a deep, golden-brown crust. This step locks in flavor.

Step 2: Assemble the Slow Cooker

1. Layer Ingredients: Place the sliced onions and minced garlic in the bottom of the slow cooker. These aromatics add depth to the broth.
2. Add the Roast: Place the seared chuck roast on top of the onions.
3. Pour the Liquid: Combine the beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves in a bowl. Pour the mixture over the roast, ensuring it’s mostly submerged.

Step 3: Cook the Beef

1. Set the Timer: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 5-6 hours. Low and slow cooking is ideal for breaking down the connective tissues, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth beef.
2. Check for Doneness: The beef is ready when it’s fork-tender and easy to shred.

Step 4: Prepare the Au Jus

1. Strain the Broth: Once the beef is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and strain the cooking liquid into a saucepan. Discard the onions and bay leaves.
2. Simmer: Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer on the stovetop to concentrate the flavors. Adjust seasoning with salt or pepper as needed. This will serve as the au jus for dipping.

Step 5: Shred the Beef

1. Cool Slightly: Let the beef rest for a few minutes before handling.
2. Shred with Forks: Use two forks to shred the beef into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker to keep it warm and moist in the remaining juices.

Step 6: Assemble the Sandwiches

1. Toast the Rolls: For extra flavor and texture, spread butter on the inside of the hoagie rolls and toast them on a skillet or under the broiler until golden brown.
2. Add Cheese: Place a slice of provolone cheese on each roll. The heat from the beef will melt the cheese, or you can broil the sandwiches for a few seconds to achieve a bubbly, melted effect.
3. Load the Beef: Pile the shredded beef onto the rolls.

Step 7: Serve with Au Jus

1. Portion the Au Jus: Pour the warm au jus into small bowls or ramekins for dipping.
2. Plate the Sandwiches: Serve the sandwiches hot with a side of au jus.

Tips for the Best French Dip Sandwiches

1. Use a Marbled Cut: Chuck roast is ideal for its marbling, which renders into tender, juicy meat.
2. Don’t Skip Searing: While optional, searing enhances the flavor of the roast and adds richness to the broth.
3. Adjust the Seasoning: Taste the broth before serving and tweak the saltiness or herb balance to your preference.
4. Serve Immediately: French dip sandwiches are best enjoyed fresh, while the beef is hot and the bread is crispy.

Side Dish Pairings

1. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw balances the richness of the beef.
2. Potato Wedges: Crispy oven-baked or fried potato wedges are a perfect accompaniment.
3. Pickles: Serve with dill pickles or pickled vegetables for a touch of acidity.
4. Side Salad: A fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette complements the hearty sandwich.

Variations

1. Cheesy French Dip: Use Swiss, Gruyère, or mozzarella cheese for a twist.
2. Spicy Kick: Add a dollop of horseradish or a few slices of pickled jalapeños to the sandwich.
3. Vegetable Additions: Include sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or roasted red peppers for extra flavor.
4. Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free rolls or serve the beef over a bed of mashed potatoes.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches are a comforting and flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare yet impressive to serve. The combination of tender shredded beef, melty cheese, and a rich dipping sauce makes this sandwich irresistible. Whether you’re hosting friends or treating your family, this recipe will surely be a hit. Customize it with your favorite toppings or sides, and enjoy the simplicity and satisfaction of a slow-cooked classic!

Yield: 6

Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches Recipe

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The Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwich is a classic comfort food that combines tender, flavorful beef with melty cheese and a crispy hoagie roll, all dipped into rich au jus. This hearty sandwich is ideal for gatherings, game days, or a satisfying dinner. Using a slow cooker makes the process almost effortless, as the beef slow-cooks to perfection, soaking up all the aromatic flavors of the broth and spices.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 8 hours

Total Time 8 hours 15 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Beef:
• 3-4 pounds chuck roast
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1/2 cup dry red wine (optional, can substitute with more broth)
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 2 teaspoons dried rosemary
• 2 bay leaves
• For the Sandwiches:
• 6 hoagie rolls or French rolls, sliced lengthwise
• 6 slices provolone or Swiss cheese
• Butter, for toasting rolls (optional)
• For the Au Jus (Dipping Sauce):
• Strained cooking liquid from the slow cooker
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

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1. Prepare the Beef:

• Season the chuck roast generously with salt and black pepper.
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the roast on all sides until browned (about 3-4 minutes per side). Transfer the roast to the slow cooker.

2. Add the Aromatics and Liquid:

• Add the sliced onion and minced garlic to the slow cooker, spreading them around the beef.
• Pour in the beef broth, red wine (if using), soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Sprinkle the dried thyme and rosemary over the top and tuck in the bay leaves.

3. Cook the Beef:

• Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours, or until the beef is tender and easily shredded with a fork.

4. Shred the Beef:

• Remove the roast from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Discard any excess fat. Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker to keep it warm in the juices.

5. Prepare the Rolls:

• If desired, butter the insides of the rolls and toast them lightly in a skillet or under a broiler for extra crunch.
• Place a generous portion of the shredded beef onto each roll and top with a slice of provolone or Swiss cheese. Allow the cheese to melt slightly.

6. Make the Au Jus:

• Strain the cooking liquid from the slow cooker into a saucepan. Simmer over medium heat to reduce slightly, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

7. Serve:

• Serve the sandwiches warm, with small bowls of au jus on the side for dipping.

Notes

Cheese Options: Use Gruyère or mozzarella for a different cheesy twist.

Bread Choices: Opt for ciabatta or sourdough rolls if you prefer heartier bread.

Add-ons: Sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions make excellent toppings for these sandwiches.