Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches Recipe

Introduction

Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches are the ultimate comfort food, combining tender, juicy beef with a rich, flavorful au jus sauce, all served on a toasted roll. This classic sandwich is perfect for a cozy dinner or as a satisfying meal for a crowd. The best part? The slow cooker does most of the work, transforming simple ingredients into a melt-in-your-mouth meal with minimal effort.

The key to a great French Dip sandwich is the slow cooking process. As the beef simmers in the slow cooker, it becomes incredibly tender, soaking up the savory flavors of the broth and seasonings. Served with a side of warm au jus for dipping, these sandwiches are a delicious combination of textures and flavors that will leave you craving more.

Whether you’re making this for a weeknight meal, a party, or a special event, Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches are sure to be a hit. They’re easy to make, full of flavor, and guaranteed to satisfy even the heartiest appetites. This guide will walk you through every step, provide useful tips, and offer suggestions for serving and storing the sandwiches.

Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches

• Tender, Flavorful Beef: The beef is slow-cooked to perfection, resulting in tender, juicy slices that practically melt in your mouth.
• Rich, Savory Au Jus: The au jus sauce is rich and savory, made from the beef’s natural juices combined with seasonings. It’s the perfect dip to complement the beef.
• Effortless Cooking: The slow cooker does all the hard work, making this recipe easy to prepare and freeing up time for other tasks or activities.
• Perfect for Feeding a Crowd: Whether you’re hosting a party or feeding a hungry family, these sandwiches are easy to scale up and serve to a large number of people.
• Customizable: You can make the sandwiches as simple or as fancy as you like, adding extra toppings or experimenting with different types of bread to suit your preferences.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 8 hours (slow cooker)
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 7-8 hours (on low)
• Servings: Approximately 6 servings
• Calories per Serving: Around 400-500 calories per sandwich, depending on the size of the bread and toppings.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 400-500 kcal
• Fat: 12-15g
• Carbohydrates: 40-50g
• Protein: 30-35g
• Fiber: 2-3g
• Sugar: 2-4g

Ingredients

For the Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches:

• 2 to 3 pounds beef chuck roast (or brisket, or round roast)
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 cup beef broth (low sodium)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 6 French rolls or hoagie rolls
• 6 slices provolone cheese (optional, for topping)

Special Equipment

Making Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches requires only a few basic kitchen tools, but using the right equipment will help ensure the best results:

1. Slow Cooker: The star of this recipe! A 5 to 6-quart slow cooker works best for cooking the beef roast and creating the perfect au jus sauce.
2. Sharp Knife: A sharp knife is important for slicing the beef after it’s cooked, ensuring nice, even slices that will fit comfortably in your rolls.
3. Tongs: Use tongs to transfer the beef from the slow cooker to a cutting board without losing the juices that collect during cooking.
4. Measuring Spoons and Cups: For accurate seasoning and broth measurements.
5. Toaster Oven or Oven: If you want to toast your rolls or melt cheese on top of the sandwich, you may want to use a toaster oven or your regular oven.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Beef and Seasonings

Start by seasoning the beef chuck roast with salt and black pepper. This will help the flavors penetrate the meat. You can also add extra seasonings like garlic powder or onion powder if you prefer a stronger flavor profile.

2. Layer Ingredients in the Slow Cooker

Place the seasoned beef chuck roast in the bottom of your slow cooker. Add the sliced onion and minced garlic around the meat. Then, pour the beef broth over the top of the beef. Follow up with Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and a bay leaf.

These ingredients combine to create a flavorful and savory broth that will infuse the beef while it cooks. The onions and garlic will also add depth to the flavor, making the au jus sauce even richer.

3. Slow Cook the Beef

Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 7-8 hours, or until the beef is very tender and easily shreds with a fork. You don’t need to check on it constantly—the slow cooker will do most of the work. However, it’s helpful to stir the ingredients halfway through the cooking process if possible, ensuring the flavors are evenly distributed.

The slow cooking process allows the beef to absorb all the wonderful flavors of the broth, creating a tender and flavorful result. As the beef cooks, it will release its juices, which will blend with the broth, making the au jus sauce perfect for dipping.

4. Shred or Slice the Beef

Once the beef is done, remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Using two forks, shred the beef into bite-sized pieces, or slice it thinly, depending on your preference. If the beef is tender enough, it should shred easily. Be sure to set aside the juices from the slow cooker, as they will be used as the au jus sauce for dipping.

5. Prepare the Rolls

While the beef is cooking, you can prepare the rolls. Slice each roll in half and, if desired, toast the rolls lightly in the oven or toaster oven. Toasting adds a nice crunch to the bread and helps it hold up better when dipping into the au jus sauce. If you plan to melt cheese on your sandwiches, place a slice of provolone cheese on each roll and toast for a few minutes until the cheese melts.

6. Assemble the French Dip Sandwiches

Once the rolls are toasted and the beef is shredded or sliced, it’s time to assemble the sandwiches. Pile the beef onto the bottom half of each roll, making sure to distribute the meat evenly. If you’ve opted for cheese, the melted provolone will add a creamy, gooey texture that pairs perfectly with the tender beef.

Top the beef with the other half of the roll, and your French Dip sandwiches are ready to serve!

7. Serve with Au Jus Sauce

Transfer the au jus sauce from the slow cooker into small bowls for dipping. To serve, dip the assembled sandwich into the au jus for a burst of flavor. The beef will soak up the juices, adding moisture and richness to each bite.

Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches

• Choose the Right Cut of Beef: For best results, use a beef chuck roast, which is ideal for slow cooking. It’s marbled with fat, making it tender and flavorful. You can also use brisket or round roast, but chuck roast tends to be the most tender when slow-cooked.
• Customize the Bread: While French rolls are traditional for French Dip sandwiches, you can use other types of rolls or hoagie bread if preferred. Just be sure to pick a sturdy bread that can handle the au jus without falling apart.
• Adjust the Seasonings: Taste the au jus sauce before serving and adjust the seasonings to your liking. If you want a more intense flavor, add a bit more Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, or garlic.
• Add Extra Toppings: Customize your sandwiches with additional toppings like sautéed mushrooms, onions, or pickles. You can also add a spicy kick with horseradish or hot sauce.
• Make It Ahead: French Dip sandwiches are perfect for making ahead. After cooking the beef, store it in the refrigerator with the au jus sauce, and then reheat it when you’re ready to assemble the sandwiches.

Variations of Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches

• Cheese Options: While provolone is a classic cheese for French Dip sandwiches, you can also use Swiss, mozzarella, or even cheddar for a different flavor.
• Spicy French Dip: Add a kick to your sandwich by including some spicy jalapeños or hot sauce in the beef mixture, or serve with a side of spicy dipping sauce.
• Vegetarian French Dip: Use sautéed mushrooms, onions, and a vegetable broth for a vegetarian take on this sandwich. The mushrooms absorb the savory flavors and provide a hearty, satisfying texture.
• BBQ French Dip: For a twist, use BBQ sauce instead of Worcestershire sauce for a smoky, tangy flavor. Serve the sandwiches with a side of coleslaw for a delicious combo.

Storage and Shelf Life

Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches can be stored for later enjoyment. Once assembled, the sandwiches are best eaten fresh, but the beef and au jus sauce can be stored separately for later use.

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover beef and au jus sauce in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat the beef in the sauce on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
• Freezing: To freeze, store the cooked beef and au jus sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw the beef overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches

• French Fries: Crispy, golden French fries are the perfect side dish to pair with these sandwiches. The fries can be dipped in the au jus or enjoyed on their own.
• Coleslaw: A tangy, creamy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the rich and savory flavors of the French Dip sandwich.
• Pickles: Add a tangy crunch with a side of pickles, which complement the beef’s richness and the salty au jus.
• Grilled Vegetables: Grilled vegetables such as zucchini, peppers, and onions can add a light and healthy touch to the meal.

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Conclusion

Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches are a delicious and easy-to-make comfort food that will quickly become a family favorite. With minimal preparation and the help of your slow cooker, you can create tender, flavorful beef with a savory au jus sauce that’s perfect for dipping. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy meal at home, these sandwiches are sure to impress. With endless variations and customizable options, Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches are versatile and always satisfying. Enjoy the perfect balance of flavors and textures in every bite!