Slow Cooker French Dip sandwiches are a delightful culinary creation that brings together tender, flavorful beef and a rich, savory broth, making them a favorite for many. Originating from the streets of Los Angeles in the early 20th century, this iconic dish has become a staple in American cuisine, celebrated for its simplicity and heartwarming flavors. The beauty of the Slow Cooker French Dip lies not only in its taste but also in its convenience; with minimal prep time, you can set it and forget it, allowing the slow cooker to work its magic while you go about your day.
People adore this dish for its melt-in-your-mouth texture and the way the juicy beef pairs perfectly with a crusty roll, creating a satisfying meal thats perfect for any occasion. Whether youre hosting a gathering or simply looking for a comforting weeknight dinner, the Slow Cooker French Dip is sure to impress your family and friends with its rich flavors and ease of preparation.
Ingredients:
- 3-4 pounds beef chuck roast
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 6-8 hoagie rolls or French baguettes
- Provolone or Swiss cheese, for topping (optional)
Preparing the Beef
- Start by trimming any excess fat from the beef chuck roast. This will help reduce the greasiness of the final dish.
- Season the roast generously with salt and pepper on all sides. This will enhance the flavor of the meat.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned roast to the skillet.
- Sear the roast for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until it develops a nice brown crust. This step is crucial as it adds depth of flavor to the dish.
- Once seared, remove the roast from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
Preparing the Slow Cooker
- In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they start to soften.
- Add the minced garlic to the onions and sauté for an additional minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Transfer the sautéed onions and garlic to the slow cooker, spreading them evenly across the bottom.
- Pour in the beef broth and water, followed by the Worcestershire sauce and soy sauce. Stir to combine.
- Add the dried thyme, dried rosemary, and bay leaf to the liquid mixture in the slow cooker.
Cooking the Roast
- Place the seared beef chuck roast on top of the onion and broth mixture in the slow cooker.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to low heat. Cook for 8-10 hours, or until the beef is tender and easily shreds with a fork. If youre short on time, you can set it to high heat and cook for 4-5 hours, but low and slow is recommended for the best flavor and texture.
- About 30 minutes before the cooking time is up, check the seasoning of the broth. Add more salt and pepper if needed, and adjust according to your taste preferences.
Shredding the Beef
- Once the cooking time is complete, carefully remove the roast from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board.
- Using two forks, shred the beef into bite-sized pieces. It should fall apart easily if cooked properly.
- Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker, stirring it into the broth to soak up the flavors.
- Remove the bay leaf and discard it.
Preparing the Sandwiches
- While the beef is soaking in the broth, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) if you plan to toast the hoagie rolls.
- Slice the hoagie rolls or French baguettes in half lengthwise, being careful not to cut all the way through. You want them to be hinged.
- If desired, place the rolls on a baking sheet and toast them in the preheated oven for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are lightly golden and crispy.
- Once toasted, remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool slightly.
Assembling the French Dip Sandwiches
- Using tongs or a slotted spoon, fill each hoagie roll with a generous portion of the shredded beef.
- For an extra touch, you can add a slice of prov
Conclusion:
In summary, this Slow Cooker French Dip recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to indulge in a hearty, flavorful meal with minimal effort. The combination of tender, slow-cooked beef, rich au jus, and perfectly toasted rolls creates a sandwich experience that is both satisfying and comforting. Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering, preparing a family dinner, or simply craving a delicious meal, this recipe is sure to impress. For serving suggestions, consider pairing your French Dip with a side of crispy fries, a fresh garden salad, or even some homemade coleslaw for a delightful crunch. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding some sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions to your sandwich for an extra layer of flavor. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as provolone or Swiss, to customize your French Dip to your liking. We encourage you to try this Slow Cooker French Dip recipe and share your experience with friends and family. Whether you stick to the classic version or make your own variations, we would love to hear how it turns out for you. Dont forget to take a moment to snap a photo of your creation and share it on social media, tagging us so we can celebrate your culinary success together! Enjoy the deliciousness that this recipe brings to your table, and happy cooking! PrintSlow Cooker French Dip: A Delicious and Easy Recipe for Perfect Sandwiches
- Total Time: 600 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Description
This Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwich features tender, shredded beef chuck roast served on toasted hoagie rolls, perfect for dipping in savory broth. It’s a simple, comforting meal ideal for busy days, with customizable seasonings and optional cheese toppings.
Ingredients
Scale“`html
- 3–4 pounds beef chuck roast
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 6–8 hoagie rolls or French baguettes
- Provolone or Swiss cheese, for topping (optional)
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Instructions
- Start by trimming any excess fat from the beef chuck roast. This will help reduce the greasiness of the final dish.
- Season the roast generously with salt and pepper on all sides. This will enhance the flavor of the meat.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned roast to the skillet.
- Sear the roast for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until it develops a nice brown crust. This step is crucial as it adds depth of flavor to the dish.
- Once seared, remove the roast from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
- In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they start to soften.
- Add the minced garlic to the onions and sauté for an additional minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Transfer the sautéed onions and garlic to the slow cooker, spreading them evenly across the bottom.
- Pour in the beef broth and water, followed by the Worcestershire sauce and soy sauce. Stir to combine.
- Add the dried thyme, dried rosemary, and bay leaf to the liquid mixture in the slow cooker.
- Place the seared beef chuck roast on top of the onion and broth mixture in the slow cooker.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to low heat. Cook for 8-10 hours, or until the beef is tender and easily shreds with a fork. If youre short on time, you can set it to high heat and cook for 4-5 hours, but low and slow is recommended for the best flavor and texture.
- About 30 minutes before the cooking time is up, check the seasoning of the broth. Add more salt and pepper if needed, and adjust according to your taste preferences.
- Once the cooking time is complete, carefully remove the roast from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board.
- Using two forks, shred the beef into bite-sized pieces. It should fall apart easily if cooked properly.
- Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker, stirring it into the broth to soak up the flavors.
- Remove the bay leaf and discard it.
- While the beef is soaking in the broth, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) if you plan to toast the hoagie rolls.
- Slice the hoagie rolls or French baguettes in half lengthwise, being careful not to cut all the way through. You want them to be hinged.
Notes
- Feel free to customize the seasonings to your taste. Adding a splash of hot sauce can give it a nice kick!
- This recipe can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the beef in the broth before serving.
- For a heartier sandwich, consider adding sautéed mushrooms or peppers.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 480 minutes