Description
Tender beef slow-cooked in savory broth, then thinly sliced and piled onto crusty rolls. Served with a side of flavorful au jus for dipping, these French dip sandwiches are a delicious, no-fuss meal.
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)
Instructions
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7-8 hours (on low)
Nutrition
- Calories: 400-500 kcal
- Fat: 12-15g
- Carbohydrates: 40-45g
- Protein: 30-35g