Why Make This Recipe
Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches are the perfect meal for anyone looking for a comforting, hearty dish that is easy to prepare. This recipe combines tender, slow-cooked beef with rich flavors that make for delicious sandwiches. Using a crockpot means you can let the meat cook all day without constant attention, allowing you to focus on other tasks. Whether you’re having friends over for a casual gathering or feeding your family on a busy weeknight, these sandwiches are sure to please.
How to Make Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds beef chuck roast
- 1 onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 hoagie rolls
- 8 slices provolone cheese
Directions:
Place the beef chuck roast in the crockpot. Start by putting the roast at the bottom of your crockpot. This will allow it to soak up all the flavors as it cooks.
Add sliced onion and minced garlic on top of the beef. Spread the sliced onion and minced garlic evenly over the meat. The onion will add sweetness, while the garlic enhances the savory flavor.
In a small bowl, mix together the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. This mixture will become the flavorful cooking liquid.
Pour the mixture over the beef. Make sure to coat the roast evenly. The liquid will help tenderize the meat and create a rich au jus for dipping later.
Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours. The longer cooking time will yield more tender meat, but both options are delicious. Just be sure to cook until the beef is completely tender.
Once cooked, shred the beef in the au jus. Use two forks to pull the meat apart in the cooking liquid, soaking up all the flavor.
Serve the shredded beef on hoagie rolls, topping with provolone cheese. Load up each roll with the shredded beef and add slices of provolone on top.
Enjoy with additional au jus for dipping. Serve the sandwiches warm with a side of the flavorful au jus for a delicious dipping experience.
How to Serve Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches
When serving Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches, presentation matters! Arrange the sandwiches on a large platter or individual plates. You can enhance your meal experience by offering sides like a simple green salad or potato chips. Consider adding condiments, such as spicy mustard or horseradish, for those who like to kick up the flavor. For a special touch, serve the sandwiches with small bowls of the piping hot au jus for dipping, ensuring that every bite is packed with flavor.
How to Store Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches
To store leftovers, first allow any remaining sandwiches to cool. You can keep the shredded beef and any leftover au jus in airtight containers in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. If you have hoagie rolls left, it’s best to store them separately to avoid sogginess. To reheat, simply place the desired amount of shredded beef and au jus in a saucepan over low heat or use a microwave, ensuring the beef is heated thoroughly before serving again on fresh rolls.
If you want to keep the sandwich elements for a longer time, consider freezing them. The shredded beef and au jus can be frozen for up to 3 months. Remember to use freezer-safe containers and label them with the date for your convenience.
Tips to Make Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches
Choose the Right Cut of Meat: Beef chuck roast is ideal for this recipe due to its marbling, which keeps the meat juicy as it cooks.
Searing the Meat: For an extra layer of flavor, you can sear the beef in a hot skillet before placing it in the crockpot. This will create a flavorful crust.
Adjust Seasonings: Feel free to adjust the seasonings to suit your taste. You can add more Worcestershire sauce or a splash of soy sauce for a different flavor profile.
Add Vegetables: You can throw in additional vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms into the crockpot for a more robust filling.
Cheese Options: While provolone is traditional, you can experiment with other cheeses like Swiss or cheddar for a unique twist.
Variation
While the classic Crockpot French Dip Sandwich is fantastic on its own, here are a few variations to try:
BBQ French Dip: Replace the beef broth with your favorite BBQ sauce. Top with pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick.
French Onion Dip: Use onion soup mix instead of fresh garlic and onions for a different flavor base. Topped with Gruyere cheese, this variation offers a distinctive taste.
Vegetarian Option: Substitute the beef with hearty veggies like mushrooms or jackfruit for a plant-based alternative, cooking it with the same broth mixture for flavor.
Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños into the crockpot for some heat, along with pepper jack cheese for serving.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the beef ahead of time, store it in the fridge after cooking, and reheat before serving. Just make sure to keep the au jus separate until you’re ready to eat.Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! You can use brisket or even pork shoulder for a different flavor. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.What is the best way to reheat the leftovers?
The best way to reheat the shredded beef is in a saucepan on low heat with some of the au jus. This keeps the meat tender and prevents it from drying out.
By following this guide, you can easily make delicious Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches that will impress your family and friends. With its tender beef and flavorful toppings, this dish is truly satisfying and a great choice for any occasion!
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Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches
- Total Time: 495 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
Tender beef slow-cooked in a rich broth, served on hoagie rolls with provolone cheese and au jus for dipping.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef chuck roast
- 1 onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 hoagie rolls
- 8 slices provolone cheese
Instructions
- Place the beef chuck roast in the crockpot.
- Add sliced onion and minced garlic on top of the beef.
- In a small bowl, mix together the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Pour the mixture over the beef.
- Cover and cook on low for 480 minutes or high for 240 minutes.
- Shred the beef in the au jus.
- Serve the shredded beef on hoagie rolls topped with provolone cheese.
- Enjoy with additional au jus for dipping.
Notes
For extra flavor, sear the beef before cooking. Adjust seasonings and consider adding vegetables for variation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 480 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 44g
- Cholesterol: 120mg