Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with these Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches! Tender, slow-cooked beef infused with rich, savory flavors is served on crusty rolls, topped with melty cheese, and paired with a flavorful au jus for dipping. Perfect for casual dinners, game day feasts, or special occasions, this recipe delivers a restaurant-quality experience in the comfort of your home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Cooking: The slow cooker does all the work, freeing up your time.
- Melt-in-Your-Mouth Beef: The beef turns out perfectly tender and flavorful.
- Customizable: Choose your favorite bread, cheese, and toppings to suit your taste.
- Versatile: Ideal for family dinners, meal prepping, or entertaining guests.
Prep Time & Yield
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6–8 hours (slow cooker)
- Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 sandwiches
Ingredients
For the Beef:
- 3–4 lbs chuck roast
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- ½ cup dry red wine (or extra beef broth)
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Sandwiches:
- 6 hoagie rolls or baguettes
- 6 slices provolone, Swiss, or mozzarella cheese
- Butter for toasting (optional)
Optional Toppings:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Horseradish sauce
- Sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers
Instructions
1. Sear the Beef
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season the chuck roast with salt and pepper. Sear on all sides until browned (3–4 minutes per side).
- Transfer the beef to a slow cooker.
2. Prepare the Aromatics
- In the same skillet, sauté onion and garlic until fragrant (2–3 minutes).
- Deglaze the skillet with red wine, scraping up any browned bits. Cook for 1–2 minutes, then pour over the beef.
3. Assemble the Broth
- Add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, thyme, rosemary, and a bay leaf to the slow cooker. Stir gently.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 6 hours, until the beef is fork-tender.
4. Shred the Beef
- Remove the beef from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks.
- Discard excess fat, then return the beef to the slow cooker to soak in the juices for 20–30 minutes.
5. Prepare the Rolls
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice rolls in half and butter lightly if desired.
- Toast rolls in the oven for 5–7 minutes until golden.
6. Assemble the Sandwiches
- Layer shredded beef onto the toasted rolls. Add a slice of cheese.
- Broil sandwiches for 2–3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve hot with au jus on the side for dipping.
Customization Ideas
- Spicy: Add sliced jalapeños or red pepper flakes.
- Italian-Inspired: Use Italian seasoning, roasted red peppers, and banana peppers.
- Low-Carb: Swap rolls for lettuce wraps.
- Rustic Bowl: Serve the beef and au jus with crusty bread for dipping.
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: Store leftover beef and au jus in separate airtight containers for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze beef and au jus in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm the beef and au jus on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding broth if needed.
Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches are easy, satisfying, and endlessly versatile. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a quiet family dinner, this recipe guarantees smiles and full stomachs!
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