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To make these tasty sandwiches, you'll need a few key ingredients. Here’s what you’ll want to gather: - 2 pounds beef chuck roast - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 large onion, thinly sliced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 4 cups beef broth - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon salt - ½ teaspoon black pepper - 6 French rolls or hoagie buns - 6 slices provolone cheese - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) The beef chuck roast is the star of this dish. It's juicy and gets tender in the slow cooker. You will also sauté onions and garlic for extra flavor. The beef broth and Worcestershire sauce add depth to the taste. Don’t forget the provolone cheese for that melty goodness! Seasoning is crucial for flavor. Here’s what you should use: - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon salt - ½ teaspoon black pepper These spices elevate the dish. Thyme brings a hint of earthiness. Salt enhances the beef's natural flavors. Black pepper adds a warm kick. You can always adjust these to your taste! Choosing the right roll is key. I recommend using: - French rolls - Hoagie buns Both types hold the juicy beef well and give it a nice crunch when toasted. Look for rolls that are soft but sturdy enough to soak up the au jus. This adds to the overall experience of your French dip sandwich. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, you want to sear the beef. This step adds great flavor. Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet on medium-high heat. Season the beef chuck roast with salt and black pepper. Sear the roast for about 4-5 minutes on each side. Look for a nice brown color. This browning locks in the juices and flavor. Once seared, take the beef off the heat and set it aside. Next, use the same skillet for the onions and garlic. This way, you capture all the tasty bits left from the beef. Add the thinly sliced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté them for about 5 minutes. You want the onions to turn soft and translucent. This will give your sandwich a sweet and savory taste. Now, it’s time for the slow cooker. Transfer the sautéed onions and garlic to the bottom of the slow cooker. Place the seared beef roast on top. Pour in 4 cups of beef broth and a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce. Add 1 teaspoon of dried thyme and a pinch more salt and pepper. Make sure the beef is submerged in the liquid. Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for 8 hours. If you're short on time, you can cook it on high for 4-5 hours. The beef should become tender and easy to shred with a fork. When picking beef for your French dip, go for beef chuck roast. This cut has great marbling. It cooks down well in the slow cooker. Look for a roast that feels firm and has a bright red color. If you see some fat, that's good! It adds flavor. Avoid cuts that look dry or have a lot of gristle. A nice chuck roast will give you tender, juicy meat. You can add more depth to your French dip with a few extra ingredients. Try adding some sliced mushrooms or bell peppers. They add a nice texture and taste. A splash of red wine can also boost the flavor. For a bit of heat, add some sliced jalapeños. Fresh herbs like rosemary or bay leaves can enhance the aroma. Remember, the more flavors you add, the richer your dish will be! To get that perfect cheese melt, the right cheese is key. Provolone cheese is great for this sandwich. It melts beautifully and adds a nice flavor. To melt the cheese, pop the assembled sandwiches back in the oven. Bake them for about 3-5 minutes. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn. You want the cheese to be gooey and bubbly. That’s when you know you’ve done it right! Pro Tips Use Quality Meat: Choose a well-marbled beef chuck roast for the best flavor and tenderness. Don’t Skip the Sear: Searing the roast before slow cooking enhances the overall flavor of the dish. Customize Your Broth: Feel free to add herbs like rosemary or bay leaves to the broth for extra depth of flavor. Keep the Au Jus Warm: Serve the au jus warm for dipping, enhancing the experience of the sandwich. {{image_2}} You can use different meats for French dip sandwiches. Instead of beef, try pork shoulder. It becomes very tender and juicy. You can also use turkey if you want a lighter option. Chicken thighs are another great choice for a different flavor. Searing them first adds more taste. Just remember to adjust your cooking time for each meat type. If you want a meatless dip, consider using mushrooms. Portobello mushrooms work well. They have a rich, meaty flavor. You can also use jackfruit. This fruit absorbs flavors well and shreds easily. Cook them like you would beef in the slow cooker, using vegetable broth instead of beef broth. Add some soy sauce for depth. Your vegetarian friends will love it! You can change up the flavors with different sauces. Try using barbecue sauce for a sweet twist. Hot sauce adds heat if you enjoy spice. You can also mix in some horseradish for a kick. When it comes to toppings, consider caramelized onions or roasted peppers. These add sweetness and color. Don't forget fresh herbs like basil or cilantro for brightness. A little creativity goes a long way! After enjoying your Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches, store the leftovers safely. First, let the beef cool down. Then, place it in an airtight container. Add some of the cooking liquid to keep the beef moist. You can store the sandwiches in the fridge for up to three days. Keep the rolls separate to prevent them from getting soggy. Always label your containers with the date. This way, you know when to eat them. To reheat your French dip sandwiches, there are a few good methods. The best way is to use the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the beef and rolls on a baking sheet. Cover with foil to keep them moist. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. If you like, you can add more cheese before reheating. This adds extra flavor. You can also use a microwave. Just heat the beef for 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to overheat it, or the beef may dry out. Freezing is a good option if you have extra sandwiches. First, let them cool completely. Wrap each sandwich tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible. You can freeze them for up to three months. To thaw, place them in the fridge overnight. Reheat as mentioned above. This way, you can enjoy delicious French dip sandwiches later! Yes, you can cook French dip sandwiches on high. If you choose high, cook for 4 to 5 hours. This will make the beef tender and juicy. If you have more time, low cooking for 8 hours is best. It gives more flavor and tenderness. If you need a substitute for beef broth, use vegetable broth. It adds a nice flavor and is good for vegetarians. Chicken broth also works well if you want a lighter taste. You can even make a mix of water and soy sauce for a quick fix. To make French dip sandwiches gluten-free, use gluten-free rolls. Look for brands that are soft and hold up well. Ensure the beef broth is gluten-free too. Many brands offer gluten-free options. This way, everyone can enjoy a tasty sandwich! In this post, I shared how to make slow cooker French dip sandwiches. We covered ingredients, easy steps, and useful tips. I discussed different meat options and how to store leftovers safely. These sandwiches are simple to make and packed with flavor. With these ideas, you can create your own perfect dip. Experiment with the ingredients to find what you love. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Savory Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches

Delicious beef chuck roast slow-cooked in savory broth, served on toasted rolls with melted provolone cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds beef chuck roast
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large onion, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 6 pieces French rolls or hoagie buns
  • 6 slices provolone cheese
  • to taste Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the beef roast with salt and pepper. Sear the roast on all sides until browned, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove from heat and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add sliced onions and garlic, and sauté until the onions are soft and translucent, approximately 5 minutes.
  • Transfer the sautéed onions and garlic to the bottom of the slow cooker. Place the seared beef roast on top.
  • Pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and an additional pinch of salt and pepper. Ensure the roast is submerged in the liquid.
  • Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours, until the meat is tender and easily shredded with a fork.
  • Once cooked, remove the beef from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded beef to the cooking liquid and stir to combine.
  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cut the French rolls in half and place them on a baking sheet. Toast in the oven for about 5 minutes, just until lightly golden.
  • Layer a portion of the shredded beef on the bottom half of each toasted roll. Top with a slice of provolone cheese and place the top half of the roll back on.
  • Optional - Return the sandwiches to the oven for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  • Ladle some of the cooking liquid (au jus) into small bowls for dipping. Garnish the sandwiches with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

Serve with au jus for dipping.
Keyword beef, French dip, sandwich, slow cooker