Description
These Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches feature tender, flavorful shredded chuck roast simmered in a savory broth and served on toasted hoagie rolls with melted provolone or Swiss cheese. Perfectly rich and easy to prepare, this classic American comfort food is an ideal meal for gatherings or a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef and Seasoning
- 3–4 lb chuck roast
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Slow Cooker Liquid and Flavorings
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- 4 cups beef broth (low sodium)
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed
For Serving
- 6 hoagie rolls or French sandwich buns
- 6 slices provolone or Swiss cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter (optional, for toasting buns)
Instructions
- Season and Sear the Chuck Roast: Season the chuck roast evenly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the roast on all sides until browned to develop a rich crust and deepen the flavor.
- Transfer to Slow Cooker and Add Flavorings: Place the seared roast into the slow cooker. Add Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, dried thyme, dried rosemary, bay leaf, beef broth, sliced onion, and smashed garlic around the roast to create a flavorful cooking liquid.
- Slow Cook the Roast: Cover and cook on low heat for 8 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours, until the meat is very tender and easily shreds with a fork.
- Shred the Meat and Prepare Au Jus: Remove the roast from the slow cooker and shred the beef using two forks. Strain the cooking liquid to remove solids and reserve it as the hot au jus for dipping the sandwiches.
- Toast Buns and Assemble Sandwiches: Optionally, butter the hoagie rolls and toast them in a skillet or under the broiler until golden and crisp. Pile the shredded beef onto the toasted buns, top each with a slice of provolone or Swiss cheese, and place under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes, just until the cheese melts.
- Serve: Serve the assembled sandwiches hot with a small bowl of warm au jus on the side for dipping. Enjoy immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For enhanced flavor, add a splash of red wine to the broth before slow cooking.
- Optional toppings like sautéed mushrooms or peppers complement the sandwiches well.
- Leftover shredded beef is excellent for making quesadillas or nachos.
- To keep the recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free buns and ensure Worcestershire and soy sauces are gluten-free varieties.
