Why Make This Recipe
Savory Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches are a delicious meal that brings comfort and joy to your dining table. With tender beef and rich flavors simmering in your slow cooker, this recipe is not only easy but also perfect for busy days. You can prep it in the morning and come home to a delightful dinner that everyone will love. Plus, who doesn’t enjoy a warm sandwich dipped in flavorful broth?
How to Make Savory Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches
Ingredients
- 3 pounds Beef Chuck Roast (Look for good marbling.)
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (Can substitute with high smoke-point oils.)
- 1 large Onion (Shallots can be a substitute.)
- 4 cloves Garlic (Minced; garlic powder can be a quick alternative.)
- 4 cups Beef Broth (Opt for low-sodium.)
- 1 cup Dry Red Wine (Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot.)
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce (Soy sauce can substitute.)
- 2 tablespoons Soy Sauce (Tamari is a gluten-free alternative.)
- 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme (Use fresh thyme if available.)
- 1 teaspoon Dried Rosemary (Fresh rosemary elevates the flavor.)
- to taste Salt (Adjust to taste.)
- to taste Pepper (Adjust to taste.)
- 4 Hoagie Rolls or French Baguette (Choose sturdy rolls.)
- 8 ounces Provolone or Swiss Cheese (Optional, or any meltable cheese.)
- to taste Fresh Basil or Parsley (Optional garnish.)
Directions
-
Sear the Meat: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the beef chuck roast with salt and pepper, then sear it on all sides until browned. This step adds a great flavor.
-
Prepare the Onion and Garlic: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until they are soft and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
-
Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Transfer the seared beef to a slow cooker. Add the cooked onion and garlic on top. Then pour in the beef broth, red wine, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, thyme, and rosemary.
-
Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for about 4 hours, or until the beef is very tender.
-
Shred the Beef: Once cooked, remove the roast from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker to soak up the juices.
-
Prepare the Rolls: If you want cheese, slice the hoagie rolls and add shredded beef into each roll. Top with cheese if desired, and place under a broiler for a minute or two until the cheese is melted.
-
Serve with Broth: Serve the sandwiches with a side of the savory broth for dipping.
How to Serve Savory Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches
Serve these sandwiches hot right out of the slow cooker. Offer the flavorful broth in small bowls for dipping. You can also garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Pair these sandwiches with side dishes like chips or a fresh salad.
How to Store Savory Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches
Store any leftover beef and broth in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a bit more broth if needed to keep it moist. You can store the rolls separately to keep them from getting soggy.
Tips to Make Savory Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches
- Sear the Meat Well: Searing the meat intensifies the flavor, so don’t skip this step.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste the broth before serving and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs can enhance the flavor even more than dried ones.
- Keep it Simple: If you’re in a hurry, skip the cheese; the beef is delicious on its own!
Variation
You can easily customize this recipe. Try adding sliced bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor. For a spicy kick, add some crushed red pepper flakes.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different cut of meat?
A: Yes, you can use brisket or round roast as alternatives, but chuck roast is the most tender.
Q: Is it necessary to use wine?
A: No, you can skip the wine or substitute it with additional beef broth for a non-alcoholic version.
Q: Can I freeze these sandwiches?
A: Yes, you can freeze the cooked beef and broth in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Just thaw and reheat before serving.
Savory Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches
- Total Time: 255 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: None
Description
Delicious and comforting slow cooker French dip sandwiches with tender beef and rich flavors, perfect for busy days.
Ingredients
- 3 pounds Beef Chuck Roast
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1 large Onion
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced
- 4 cups Beef Broth
- 1 cup Dry Red Wine
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce
- 2 tablespoons Soy Sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme
- 1 teaspoon Dried Rosemary
- to taste Salt
- to taste Pepper
- 4 Hoagie Rolls or French Baguette
- 8 ounces Provolone or Swiss Cheese (optional)
- to taste Fresh Basil or Parsley (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season beef chuck roast with salt and pepper, then sear it on all sides until browned.
- In the same skillet, add chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until soft and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
- Transfer seared beef to a slow cooker. Add the cooked onion and garlic, followed by beef broth, red wine, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, thyme, and rosemary.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for about 4 hours, until the beef is very tender.
- Remove roast from slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Return shredded beef to the slow cooker to soak up juices.
- If using cheese, slice hoagie rolls and fill with shredded beef. Top with cheese and broil for 1-2 minutes until melted.
- Serve sandwiches hot with a side of savory broth for dipping.
Notes
Store any leftover beef and broth in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or microwave, adding more broth if needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 240 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American