Why Make This Recipe

Crock Pot French Dip Sandwiches are a fantastic dish for several reasons. First, they are incredibly easy to prepare. With just a bit of preparation and a few ingredients, you can set your slow cooker to work, and it will do all the heavy lifting for you. This makes it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you want a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Second, these sandwiches are packed with flavor. The slow cooking process allows the beef to soak up all the delicious seasonings and broth, creating a tender and juicy filling. The addition of provolone cheese on top melts beautifully, adding richness to every bite. Plus, the broth you make during cooking serves as a savory dipping sauce, which elevates the entire sandwich experience.

Finally, this recipe is perfect for serving a crowd. Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering, a family dinner, or simply cooking for your loved ones, Crock Pot French Dip Sandwiches can satisfy everyone. They are fun to eat, easy to assemble, and they leave everyone wanting more!

How to Make Crock Pot French Dip Sandwiches

Making Crock Pot French Dip Sandwiches is a straightforward process anyone can follow. Let’s break it down step-by-step, from gathering your ingredients to serving them hot and delicious.

Ingredients

To prepare these savory sandwiches, you will need the following ingredients:

3-4 lbs beef chuck roast
1 onion, thinly sliced
3 cups beef broth
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
4-6 hoagie rolls
6 slices provolone cheese

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

Start by seasoning your beef chuck roast. Take the roast and sprinkle it with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme. This step is essential as it gives every bite of your sandwich plenty of flavor. If you have a few extra minutes, consider searing the beef in a hot skillet first. This will provide a beautiful crust and deepen the flavors, making your roast even more delicious.

Step 2: Assemble Ingredients in the Slow Cooker

Now, it’s time to get everything into the slow cooker. Begin by placing the sliced onions at the bottom. This layer not only adds flavor but also prevents the beef from sticking to the cooker. Lay the seasoned beef chuck roast on top of the onions. Finally, pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce. These ingredients will combine to create a rich, savory broth that will also serve as a delicious dipping sauce for your sandwiches.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook. If you are using low heat, let it cook for 7-8 hours, or for high heat, cook for 4-5 hours. You’re looking for the beef to be tender and easily shredded with a fork. The longer cooking time allows the flavors to meld perfectly, resulting in a tasty sandwich filling.

Step 4: Shred the Beef

Once the beef is cooked, it’s time to shred it. Carefully remove the beef from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Using two forks, shred the beef into bite-sized pieces. After shredding, return the beef to the slow cooker. This allows the shredded meat to soak up even more of the tasty juices.

Step 5: Toast the Hoagie Rolls

Toast your hoagie rolls for the best texture. You can do this by placing them under the broiler for a minute or two, but keep an eye on them to avoid burning. Alternatively, you can toast them in a dry skillet until they are golden brown. A toasted roll holds up better against the fillings and adds a delightful crunch.

Step 6: Assemble the Sandwiches

Now comes the fun part—assembling the sandwiches! Using tongs, pile the shredded beef onto each hoagie roll. Top each one with a slice of provolone cheese. Place the assembled sandwiches under the broiler for about 1-2 minutes. Watch closely until the cheese is melted and bubbly, adding that melty goodness to your sandwiches.

Step 7: Serve with Au Jus

Finally, it’s time to serve your delicious sandwiches. Strain the cooking liquid to remove the onions and pour the remaining broth into small bowls for dipping. Serve each sandwich with a side of this flavorful au jus. Enjoy your meal!

How to Serve Crock Pot French Dip Sandwiches

Crock Pot French Dip Sandwiches are best served hot. You can set them up buffet-style so guests can help themselves or serve them one by one. Include bowls of au jus for dipping on the side to enhance the meal further.

To make the meal more complete, consider adding a side of crispy fries or a fresh salad. The contrast of textures and flavors will complement your sandwiches beautifully. Don’t forget to provide napkins—this dish can get a little messy, which is part of its charm!

How to Store Crock Pot French Dip Sandwiches

If you have leftovers (which is not likely because they are so tasty!), you can store them easily. First, let the shredded beef cool completely. Then, transfer it to an airtight container, along with any leftover au jus. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

When ready to eat again, you can reheat the beef in a skillet or microwave. If going for the skillet, add a bit of broth to keep the beef moist. For the best taste, reassemble the sandwiches with fresh hoagie rolls, but if the rolls are not available, you can enjoy the beef on its own with the au jus.

Tips to Make Crock Pot French Dip Sandwiches

Searing the Beef: Don’t skip the searing step if you can. While it’s optional, it does make a noticeable difference in flavor and texture.
Using Quality Beef: Choose a good quality beef chuck roast. The better the meat, the better your sandwiches will taste.
Experiment with Seasonings: You can play with the seasonings according to your taste. Adding a little cayenne pepper can give it a slight kick, or you could include fresh herbs for an aromatic experience.
Keep the Broth: Don’t throw away the extra broth. It’s perfect for making soups or stews later.
Choose the Right Cheese: Provolone is classic, but feel free to try other cheeses like mozzarella or even Swiss for different flavors.

Variation

For a different twist, try adding sautéed bell peppers and mushrooms to your sandwiches. These extra toppings enhance the taste and add more color to your dish. Additionally, you could switch the beef for pork or chicken to create a different sandwich version, keeping the garlic and thyme flavors.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different cut of meat?
Yes, while the chuck roast is the best choice for this recipe due to its flavor and tenderness, you can also use brisket or a similar cut of beef.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the beef a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it when you are ready to serve it.

3. What can I do with leftover au jus?
Leftover au jus is perfect to use in various ways. You can use it as a base for soups or stews, or even drizzle it over rice or roasted vegetables for added flavor.

Enjoy your delicious Crock Pot French Dip Sandwiches, and savor the rich flavors and warmth they bring to your table!

Crock Pot French Dip Sandwiches

Why Make This Recipe