You know those days when you crave a meal that feels like a warm hug? That’s how I feel about Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches. This dish isn’t just food; it’s nostalgia wrapped in a hoagie roll and dipped in luscious au jus. Ever since I first tasted it at a local diner as a kid, it has held a special place in my heart. Whether you’re entertaining friends or keeping it intimate with family, this recipe is effortless yet delivers a punch of flavor that’ll have folks clamoring for seconds.
What makes this recipe special
If you’re wondering why you should dive into this recipe tonight, let’s talk comfort. Imagine the aroma of slow-cooked beef wafting through your kitchen, the hearty flavors melding together to create something that not only fills your belly but also warms your soul. The magic happens as the beef chuck roast simmers gently in the crockpot, absorbing every bit of beefy goodness from the broth and herbs. It’s a dish that feels like it should be complicated, but in reality, it’s as easy as tossing ingredients into a pot and letting time work its magic.
Plus, the satisfaction of biting into a tender sandwich flooded with flavorful au jus? That’s where the real joy lies. It’s a fantastic option for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, and the best part is, you won’t have to spend your precious time slaving over a hot stove. Just set your slow cooker, and let it do all the heavy lifting. You’ll have a hearty dinner ready to go, without lifting a finger!
Gather these ingredients
Let’s round up what you’ll need to make these incredible sandwiches:
- 3-4 pounds beef chuck roast: This cut is marbled with fat, ensuring tenderness and flavor. Don’t be tempted to pick a leaner cut; you want that richness!
- 1 onion, sliced: Sweet caramelized slices add depth. Yellow or sweet onions work best for that mild, rich sweetness.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Because we can’t resist that aromatic kick garlic provides! Feel free to adjust based on how much you adore garlic.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: This herb brings an earthy flavor that supports the beef beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary: Adds a subtle pine-like flavor that freshens up the dish.
- 4 cups beef broth: Go for low-sodium options if you want to control the salt levels. Or, better yet, homemade broth if you have it!
- 8 slices provolone cheese: Creamy, melty cheese that’s essential for a French dip; you can substitute with mozzarella if you prefer.
- 4-6 hoagie rolls: Get some crusty rolls that’ll soak up that au jus without falling apart! French bread or baguettes also work nicely.
- Salt and pepper to taste: These basic seasonings can elevate your dish to incredible heights.
- Olive oil (optional): For searing the beef if you’re into adding that extra flavor dimension. But it’s not a deal breaker!
Preparing Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches
Now that we’ve got everything prepped, let’s work our way through the cooking process. Just follow these steps, and I promise you, it’ll feel like a breeze:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the beef roast generously with salt and pepper and sear on all sides until it’s perfectly browned. This step may seem small, but trust me, it adds so much depth to the final flavor!
Transfer that glorious roast to your slow cooker. Let it hang out there while we build the rest of the flavors.
Now, toss in the sliced onion, minced garlic, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and beef broth. This is where your kitchen will start to smell like heaven!
Cover the slow cooker and let it work its magic on low heat for about 8 hours. The longer it cooks, the more tender and flavorful the beef will become. Seriously, patience is the name of the game here!
When it’s done, remove the beef from the cooker and shred it with two forks. It should fall apart like a dream!
Strain the liquid from the slow cooker to remove solids, and keep that liquid as au jus. You can even give it a little taste and adjust the seasoning if needed; sometimes a touch more salt makes all the difference!
Load the shredded beef onto hoagie rolls, top with provolone cheese, and serve with the warm au jus for dipping. Oh, and don’t forget to grab a napkin!
Best way to enjoy it
How to serve this mouth-watering creation? That’s the easy part. I love to present each sandwich with a small bowl of au jus on the side—it’s like a dip for your delicious meal! You might consider serving it alongside crunchy French fries or a crisp side salad to cut through the richness. If you’re feeling fancy, a little horseradish on the side can add a delightful kick!
Keeping leftovers fresh
Leftovers? Yes, please! This dish tastes even better the next day, so here’s how to store it well. If you’ve got any leftover beef and au jus, transfer them into airtight containers and pop them in the fridge. They can stay fresh for up to three days. You can also freeze any extras for up to a month—just make sure everything cools down before you seal it away. For reheating, I recommend gently warming it up in a pot over low heat on the stove or popping it in the microwave. Add a splash of broth to keep things moist.
Helpful cooking tips
- Don’t skip the searing step; it locks in those wonderful juices and adds a beautiful crust.
- If you’re short on time, skip the sear and throw everything in the slow cooker. Remember, it’ll still be delicious, just not quite as rich in flavor.
- Consider swapping out the provolone for your favorite cheese—think Swiss or even cheddar for a twist!
Creative Twists
Variety is the spice of life, right? Here are a few tasty variations you can try:
- Chili French Dip: Add a can of diced green chilies to the beef mix for a spicy kick.
- Mushroom Lover’s Dip: Toss in some sautéed mushrooms along with the onions for an earthy flavor boost.
- Herb Infusion: Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or oregano if you have them on hand—fresh brings a whole new dimension!
Ingredients
- 3-4 pounds beef chuck roast
- 1 onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 4 cups beef broth
- 8 slices provolone cheese
- 4-6 hoagie rolls
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil (optional)
Directions to follow
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season beef roast with salt and pepper. Sear on all sides until browned.
- Transfer roast to the slow cooker.
- Add sliced onion, minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, and beef broth to the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, until beef is tender.
- Remove beef from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks.
- Strain the liquid to remove solids; serve as au jus.
- Load shredded beef onto hoagie rolls, top with provolone cheese, and serve with au jus for dipping.
Your questions answered
- Can I make this in a regular pot? Sure! Just simmer it on low heat for several hours instead of using the slow cooker.
- How do I make this dish gluten-free? Use gluten-free hoagie rolls and make sure your broth doesn’t contain gluten.
- Can I use chicken or pork instead of beef? Absolutely! Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
- How spicy can I make it? If you love heat, add some jalapeño slices to your hoagie or spice up the broth with hot sauce.
- What can I serve on the side? Steamed veggies, a garden salad, or crispy fries are always stellar accompaniments!
In the grand scheme of cozy meals, Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches take the crown. They’re not just a meal; they’re an experience—one filled with flavor, comfort, and warmth. So dust off that slow cooker, assemble your ingredients, and let it lead you to a culinary masterpiece. I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out, so don’t hesitate to share your twists and thoughts in the comments!
Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches
Description
Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches are hearty sandwiches featuring tender beef chuck roast slow-cooked in a flavorful broth, served with melty provolone cheese and dipping sauce.
Ingredients for Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches
Main Ingredients
Directions
Cooking Instructions
Sear the Beef
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season beef roast with salt and pepper. Sear on all sides until browned.Transfer to Slow Cooker
Transfer roast to the slow cooker.Add Ingredients
Add sliced onion, minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, and beef broth to the slow cooker.Cook
Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, until beef is tender.Shred Beef
Remove beef from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks.Make Au Jus
Strain the liquid to remove solids; serve as au jus.Assemble Sandwiches
Load shredded beef onto hoagie rolls, top with provolone cheese, and serve with au jus for dipping.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 500kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 22g34%
- Saturated Fat 10g50%
- Trans Fat 0g
- Cholesterol 90mg30%
- Sodium 800mg34%
- Potassium 650mg19%
- Total Carbohydrate 40g14%
- Dietary Fiber 2g8%
- Sugars 2g
- Protein 35g70%
- Calcium 200 mg
- Iron 3 mg
- Zinc 5 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
