Description
Savory Crockpot French Dip sandwiches slow-cook tender beef with rich, aromatic herbs and spices. Juicy meat nestled in crusty rolls and served alongside a deep, flavorful au jus will satisfy hungry diners seeking comfort and classic American cuisine.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3.4 lbs (1.5 kg) beef chuck roast
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional, for searing)
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 3 cups (710 ml) beef broth (low sodium)
- ¼ cup (60 ml) soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 6–8 hoagie rolls or French rolls
- 8 slices provolone or Swiss cheese
Instructions
- Flavor Enhancement: Sear the beef roast in olive oil over medium-high heat until golden brown on all sides, creating a rich caramelized exterior that intensifies the meat’s depth.
- Crockpot Foundation: Layer sliced onions as a flavorful base in the slow cooker, then position the seared beef roast atop the aromatic vegetables.
- Liquid Infusion: Craft a robust broth by blending beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, and black pepper, then cascade this liquid mixture over the meat and onions.
- Slow Transformation: Allow the beef to tenderize and develop complex flavors by cooking on LOW for 8-10 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours until the meat effortlessly pulls apart.
- Meat Preparation: Extract the beef, shred using two forks, and return the tender meat to the cooking liquid to maintain warmth and moisture.
- Sandwich Assembly: Elevate hoagie rolls in a 375F oven, stuff with succulent shredded beef, crown with cheese, and toast until the cheese melts and bread edges crisp.
- Serving Finale: Strain the cooking liquid into small serving bowls for a rich au jus dipping sauce, presenting the sandwiches alongside these flavor-packed juices.
Notes
- Opt for a well-marbled chuck roast to ensure maximum flavor and softness when slow-cooked.
- Searing the beef before slow cooking creates a rich, caramelized exterior that intensifies the overall taste profile of the dish.
- Keep shredded beef moist by returning it to the cooking liquid immediately after shredding, allowing it to absorb more flavor and prevent potential dryness.
- Swap regular rolls for gluten-free options and use dairy-free cheese alternatives to accommodate various dietary restrictions without compromising the recipe’s delicious essence.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg