Craving a melt-in-your-mouth, savory sandwich that practically makes itself? These Crock Pot French Dip Sandwiches are your answer! This recipe delivers tender, juicy beef simmered in a rich, flavorful broth, perfect for piling onto toasted rolls and dipping into the au jus. It’s a simple yet satisfying meal that’s guaranteed to become a family favorite.
What is Crock Pot French Dip Sandwiches?
Crock Pot French Dip Sandwiches are a classic comfort food reimagined for ultimate ease and convenience. This recipe involves slow-cooking a beef roast – typically chuck roast – in a flavorful broth within a crock pot or slow cooker. The long, slow cooking process results in incredibly tender and juicy beef that easily shreds and absorbs the delicious broth. The shredded beef is then piled onto toasted rolls, often Gruyere or provolone cheese tops it, and served with the remaining broth, known as au jus, for dipping.
This makes for a truly satisfying and flavorful sandwich experience. Imagine the savory aroma filling your home, a tender, flavorful sandwich in your hands, and a warm, comforting meal ready to enjoy. Try this recipe today and discover how easy and delicious a Crock Pot French Dip Sandwich can be!
Key Ingredients for Crock Pot French Dip Sandwiches:
- 3-4 lb Chuck Roast: The star of the show! Choose a well-marbled chuck roast for the most flavorful and tender results.
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil: For searing the roast, adding flavor and helping it brown.
- 1 large Onion, sliced: Adds depth of flavor to the broth.
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced: Essential for a savory, aromatic flavor.
- 1 (10.75 oz) can Condensed French Onion Soup: This is a key ingredient for that classic French Dip flavor and speeds up the process.
- 1 (12 oz) can or bottle of Beer (dark beer like stout or porter is best): Adds a rich, malty depth to the broth. You can substitute with beef broth if preferred.
- 2 cups Beef Broth: Provides the liquid base for slow cooking.
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a savory, umami flavor.
- 1 tsp Dried Thyme: Complements the beef and adds a touch of earthiness.
- 1 tsp Dried Rosemary: Adds a slightly piney and aromatic note.
- Salt and Pepper to taste: Season generously to enhance the flavors.
- 6-8 Hoagie Rolls or French Rolls: Choose sturdy rolls that can hold the juicy beef and broth.
- Optional: Gruyere or Provolone Cheese: For a melty, cheesy topping (highly recommended!).
How to Make Crock Pot French Dip Sandwiches:
This Crock Pot French Dip Sandwich recipe is delightfully simple, delivering incredible flavor with minimal effort. The slow cooker does most of the work, transforming a humble chuck roast into a tender, juicy masterpiece. Searing the roast provides a rich, flavorful crust, while the combination of French Onion soup, beer, and beef broth creates a decadent au jus perfect for dipping.
The preparation time is around 20 minutes, with a slow cooking time of 6-8 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high. Get ready to enjoy a truly satisfying and easy-to-make meal!
● Step-by-Step Instructions:
Sear the Roast: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chuck roast generously with salt and pepper. Sear the roast on all sides until nicely browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. This step is crucial for developing a rich, flavorful crust on the beef.
- Why sear? Searing creates the Maillard reaction, which adds complex flavors that you wouldn’t get from just slow cooking.
Prepare the Slow Cooker: Place the sliced onion and minced garlic in the bottom of your slow cooker. This creates a flavorful base for the roast and prevents it from sticking.
Add the Roast: Place the seared chuck roast on top of the onions and garlic in the slow cooker.
Pour in the Liquids and Seasonings: Pour the condensed French onion soup, beer (or beef broth substitute), beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce over the roast. Sprinkle with dried thyme and rosemary.
Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, or until the roast is fork-tender and easily shreds. The longer the cooking time, the more tender the beef will be.
- Don’t be tempted to lift the lid during cooking! This releases heat and moisture, which can affect the cooking time and tenderness of the beef.
Shred the Beef: Once the roast is cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the beef into bite-sized pieces.
Strain the Au Jus: Pour the remaining liquid from the slow cooker through a fine-mesh sieve into a saucepan or fat separator. This removes any solids and any excess fat to create a smoother, clearer au jus. Skim any additional fat that rises to the surface.
Simmer the Au Jus (Optional): If desired, simmer the au jus in the saucepan over medium heat for 10-15 minutes to reduce and intensify the flavor. This is optional, but it will make the au jus even more delicious!
Toast the Rolls: While the au jus simmers, preheat your oven broiler. Slice the hoagie or French rolls in half lengthwise. Place the rolls on a baking sheet and broil for 1-2 minutes per side, or until lightly toasted. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
Assemble the Sandwiches: Place a generous amount of shredded beef on the bottom half of each toasted roll. If using cheese, top the beef with slices of Gruyere or provolone cheese.
Melt the Cheese (Optional): Return the assembled sandwiches to the broiler for 30-60 seconds, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Be careful not to burn the rolls.
Serve and Dip: Serve the Crock Pot French Dip Sandwiches immediately with small bowls of the au jus for dipping. Enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot French Dip Sandwiches:
This Crock Pot French Dip Sandwich recipe offers a delicious and effortless way to enjoy a classic comfort food. The highlight of this dish is undoubtedly the incredibly tender and flavorful beef, achieved through the slow cooking process in a rich and savory broth. Making these sandwiches at home is also a huge cost-saver compared to ordering them at a restaurant, allowing you to enjoy a premium meal without breaking the bank.
The flavorful toppings, like melted Gruyere or provolone cheese (optional but highly recommended!) and the savory au jus, elevate the sandwich to a truly gourmet experience. It’s similar to a Philly Cheesesteak in its hearty goodness, but the French Dip offers a more refined flavor profile due to the herbs and aromatic broth. Why not ditch the takeout menu tonight and try making these Crock Pot French Dip Sandwiches at home?
What to Serve Crock Pot French Dip Sandwiches With:
To complete your Crock Pot French Dip Sandwich meal, consider these complementary dishes:
- French Fried: A classic pairing, crispy French fries are perfect for scooping up any extra au jus.
- Onion Rings: Another crunchy and satisfying option that complements the savory flavors of the sandwich.
- Coleslaw: A creamy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the beef and cheese.
- Side Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing adds a lighter element to the meal.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts are healthy and flavorful sides.
Top Tips for Perfecting Crock Pot French Dip Sandwiches:
- Use Good Quality Beef: A well-marbled chuck roast is essential for tender and flavorful results.
- Don’t Skip the Sear: Searing the roast adds a significant boost of flavor to the final dish.
- Adjust Cooking Time: Cooking times may vary depending on your slow cooker. Check the beef for tenderness after 6 hours on low or 4 hours on high.
- Substitute Beer with Beef Broth: If you don’t want to use beer, you can substitute it with an equal amount of beef broth. Add a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar for a deeper flavor.
- Use Different Cheeses: Gruyere and provolone are classic choices, but you can also use Swiss, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack for a spicy kick.
- Add a Bay Leaf: Adding a bay leaf to the slow cooker will enhance the flavor of the broth. Be sure to remove it before serving.
5 Facts about Crock Pot French Dip Sandwiches:
- The French Dip Sandwich’s origin is debated, with claimants including Philippe the Original and Cole’s Pacific Electric Buffet, both in Los Angeles, California
- Traditionally, a French Dip is made with thinly sliced roast beef on a French roll or baguette.
- Au jus is French for “with juice” and refers to the natural juices produced during cooking.
- Slow cookers are perfect for making French Dips because they tenderize tougher cuts of meat with low and slow cooking.
- Some variations of the French Dip include adding horseradish sauce or caramelized onions for extra flavor.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
- Storing: Leftover shredded beef and au jus should be stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The beef will stay fresh for 3-4 days, and the au jus for up to 5 days.
- Reheating: To reheat the beef, you can either microwave it briefly until heated through or warm it in a saucepan over low heat with a little bit of the au jus to prevent it from drying out. Reheat the au jus separately in a saucepan or microwave.
- Freezing: Fully cooled beef and the au jus can be frozen separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Final Thoughts:
Crock Pot French Dip Sandwiches are a foolproof way to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal from the comfort of your own home. The slow cooker does almost all of the work, resulting in incredibly tender beef bathed in a rich and flavorful au jus. Whether you’re serving a crowd or simply looking for an easy and delicious weeknight dinner, this recipe is guaranteed to please. Don’t wait any longer – try this recipe today and experience the magic of slow cooker French Dip Sandwiches!
try also : Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe and find more in pinterest
Crock Pot French Dip Sandwiches Faqs :
Q: Can I use a different cut of beef?
A: While chuck roast is highly recommended for its marbling and flavor, you can also use a brisket or a round roast. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Q: Can I use a different type of bread?
A: Hoagie rolls or French rolls are the classic choices, but you can also use ciabatta rolls, sourdough rolls, or even croissants for a unique twist.
Q: Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?
A: Yes! Carrots, celery, and potatoes can be added to the slow cooker for extra flavor and nutrition. Add them at the beginning of the cooking process.
Q: How do I make the au jus thicker?
A: If you prefer a thicker au jus, you can whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the simmering au jus. Cook for a few minutes, or until thickened.
Q: Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?
A: Yes, you can. Sear the roast using the saute function. Then, add the remaining ingredients and cook on high pressure for 60-75 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release.