Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches are all about tender, tasty beef cooked in flavorful broth. Just throw it all in, let the slow cooker do its magic, and get ready for some yummy sandwiches!
I love how easy this meal is—perfect for a busy day! Plus, dipping those sandwiches in the warm broth is just the best. Seriously, you’ll want to keep this recipe on repeat. 🥪
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck Roast: This cut is perfect for slow cooking because it becomes tender and juicy. If you can’t find chuck roast, brisket or round roast can also work well—just note these may require slight adjustments in cooking time.
Onions: Sliced onions add flavor and sweetness to the dish. If you prefer a milder taste, you might use sweet onions like Vidalia. Onions can also be omitted for a less pronounced flavor, but they do enhance the overall profile.
Beef Broth: This gives depth to your au jus. If you’re looking for a lighter option, vegetable broth is an acceptable substitute, but it will change the flavor slightly. Homemade broth can also be a great choice if you have extra time.
Soy Sauce: It adds umami and saltiness. Tamari is a gluten-free substitute, or you can use coconut aminos for a slightly sweeter taste without soy. If you need a low-sodium option, the reduced-sodium soy sauce works fine.
Provolone Cheese: Provolone melts beautifully and complements the beef well. If you’re not a fan, try mozzarella for creaminess or Swiss for a distinct flavor. Vegan cheese is an option too, if you’re avoiding dairy.
How Do I Ensure My Beef Is Perfectly Tender?
Getting that melt-in-your-mouth texture is crucial. The beauty of a slow cooker is in low and slow cooking! Here are some tips:
- Season your beef liberally with salt and pepper before cooking; this helps build flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; aim for an internal temperature of 190°F for shreddable beef.
- Let the beef rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps keep the juices locked in when you shred!
Also, remember to slice against the grain when shredding to make the pieces even more tender. Enjoy your meal prep!
How to Make Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef:
- 3-4 lbs beef chuck roast
- 1 onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sandwiches:
- 4-6 hoagie rolls
- 6 slices provolone cheese
- Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious meal takes about 20 minutes of prep time, plus 8-10 hours of cooking in the slow cooker. You’ll spend some time mixing up the marinade and preparing the sandwiches, but the slow cooker does all the hard work!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Beef:
Start by seasoning the beef chuck roast with salt and pepper on all sides. This helps to enhance the flavor. Once seasoned, place the roast in the slow cooker. Simple as that!
2. Mix the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, combine the beef broth, water, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Stir everything together until well mixed, and then pour this savory mixture over the roast in the slow cooker. It’s going to be so flavorful!
3. Add the Onions:
Now, take those sliced onions and place them on top of the roast. They’ll cook down and add lots of yummy flavor to your sandwiches. Cover the slow cooker with its lid, and let it work its magic on low heat for 8-10 hours until the meat is tender and easy to shred.
4. Shred the Meat:
When the cooking time is up, carefully remove the roast from the slow cooker and let it sit for a few minutes to cool slightly. Then, use two forks to shred the beef into bite-sized pieces. So easy!
5. Prepare the Dipping Sauce:
Next, strain the liquid left in the slow cooker into a bowl to make your delicious dipping sauce. Discard the solids, and keep that flavorful broth for dipping!
6. Broil the Sandwiches:
Preheat your oven broiler. Place the hoagie rolls on a baking sheet. Fill each roll with a generous amount of the shredded beef and top with a slice of provolone cheese. Broil these sandwiches for about 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese gets all melted and bubbly. Now they’re looking good!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your scrumptious sandwiches hot, alongside the reserved dipping sauce. If you like, sprinkle a bit of fresh parsley on top for a lovely finishing touch. Enjoy your hearty and mouthwatering Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Meat?
Absolutely! If you prefer, you can use brisket or round roast instead of chuck roast. Just keep in mind that cooking times might vary slightly, so ensure the meat is tender before serving. You may need to adjust seasonings too, as different cuts have different flavors.
What If I Don’t Have Beef Broth?
No worries! You can easily substitute the beef broth with chicken broth or vegetable broth for a lighter flavor. If you want to maintain the beefy taste, add a bit more soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce to compensate!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the shredded beef and dipping sauce separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the slow cooker ahead of time and set it to cook while you’re out. Alternatively, you can cook the beef one day, then assemble and broil the sandwiches the next to enjoy a fresh and delicious meal!
