Savory Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches

$- 2 pounds beef chuck roast - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 large onion, sliced - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 4 cups beef broth - 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried rosemary - Salt and pepper to taste - 4 large hoagie rolls - 8 slices provolone cheese - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Slow cooker - Large skillet - Mixing bowl - Forks for shredding The beef chuck roast is the star of this dish. It has rich flavor and tenderness when cooked. The olive oil adds a nice crust when you sear the meat. I use a large onion and garlic to build a solid base flavor. Beef broth provides moisture and depth. The Worcestershire sauce gives a tangy kick. Thyme and rosemary add earthy notes, making each bite delicious. For serving, I choose hoagie rolls and provolone cheese. The rolls hold the beef well. The cheese melts beautifully, adding creaminess. Finally, I sprinkle chopped parsley on top for color and freshness. Each ingredient plays a role in making this sandwich juicy and flavorful. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Sear the beef chuck roast in a large skillet. - Transfer the roast to the slow cooker. - Add onions and garlic. Start by heating one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the beef chuck roast in the skillet. Sear the meat until it turns a deep brown on all sides. This step locks in the flavor. After searing, move the roast into your slow cooker. Top it with sliced onion and minced garlic. This adds aroma and taste. - Mix beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and seasoning. - Pour over beef and onions. In a mixing bowl, combine four cups of beef broth, two tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce, one teaspoon of dried thyme, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to blend the flavors. Once mixed, pour this mixture over the beef and onions in the slow cooker. - Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours. - Shred beef once cooked and mix with sauce. Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook on low for eight hours or on high for four hours. The beef will become tender and juicy. When the cooking time is up, take the roast out. Use two forks to shred it into pieces. Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker and mix it well with the broth and onions. - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). - Toast hoagie rolls with provolone cheese. While the beef cooks, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Split the hoagie rolls open. Layer in slices of provolone cheese. Place the rolls in the oven for about five to seven minutes. This melts the cheese and crisps up the bread. - Fill rolls with shredded beef. - Serve with broth for dipping. Now, it’s time to build your sandwiches. Take each toasted hoagie roll and fill it with a generous amount of shredded beef. Don’t forget to serve the rich, flavorful broth from the slow cooker on the side for dipping! Searing the beef is key. It locks in juices and adds a nice crust. I use olive oil in my skillet. It helps create that rich, savory taste. For seasonings, I love using Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and rosemary. These add layers of flavor that make the dish pop. Don’t skimp on salt and pepper; they bring balance. Cooking time depends on your meat size. For a 2-pound roast, 8 hours on low works great. If you’re short on time, cooking on high for 4 hours also does the trick. Instant Pots can speed things up too. They can cook a similar roast in about an hour. Just adjust the liquid and timing accordingly. French dip sandwiches pair well with crispy fries or a fresh salad. I also love serving them with a side of pickles. For presentation, use a wooden cutting board. Place small bowls of broth for dipping next to each sandwich. A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top adds a nice touch too. This makes the dish look inviting and delicious! Pro Tips Use Quality Meat: Opt for a good-quality beef chuck roast for the best flavor and tenderness. Grass-fed or organic options can enhance the taste. Enhance the Broth: Add a splash of red wine to the broth mixture for added depth and richness in flavor. Toast the Rolls: Make sure to toast the hoagie rolls just right for a crispy exterior that holds up well against the juicy filling. Serving Suggestions: Serve with a side of pickles or a simple salad for a complete meal experience. {{image_2}} You can switch the beef chuck roast for other meats. Pork shoulder works well. It gives a different taste but still stays juicy. Chicken is another option. It cooks faster and is lighter. For a fun twist, try using mushrooms. They make a great vegetarian choice. Just sauté them first to boost their flavor. While provolone is a classic choice, you can mix it up. Swiss cheese melts nicely and adds a nutty taste. Cheddar gives a sharp flavor that many enjoy. If you want a dairy-free option, look for plant-based cheeses. They can melt just like regular cheese and taste great too. Toppings can take your sandwiches to the next level. Sautéed peppers add sweetness and color. Onions, grilled or raw, give a nice crunch. Don't forget about fresh herbs like basil or cilantro for a pop of flavor. For sauces, think about horseradish or spicy mustard. These can add a nice kick to your dip. To properly store the beef and rolls, let them cool first. Place the shredded beef in an airtight container. Use another container for the rolls. This keeps the beef juicy and the rolls fresh. I recommend glass or BPA-free plastic containers. They help keep flavors locked in. When reheating, aim to keep it moist. You can warm the beef in a pot with a splash of broth. Stir gently over low heat. For the hoagie rolls, wrap them in foil and place them in a warm oven. This method prevents them from becoming tough. Yes, you can freeze this meal! To freeze, let the beef cool completely. Place it in a freezer-safe container. Wrap the rolls separately in plastic wrap. When you want to eat, thaw the beef in the fridge overnight. Reheat gently as mentioned above, and enjoy your meal later! Cooking slow cooker French dip sandwiches takes about 8 hours on low or 4 hours on high. The longer cook time helps the beef become very tender. I always prefer low heat for better flavor. Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. Cook the beef and store it in the fridge for up to three days. To save time, shred the beef and keep it in its broth. You can also freeze it for up to three months. Just remember to thaw it before reheating. Serve French dip sandwiches with crispy fries or a fresh salad. You could also add a side of coleslaw for crunch. For drinks, iced tea or soda pairs well. A light beer complements the meal nicely, too. In this blog post, I covered how to make tasty Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches. We discussed key ingredients, cooking steps, and helpful tips. I shared how to enhance flavor and suggested variations to try. Remember, using the right meat and seasonings is key for a great taste. Whether you choose to store leftovers or serve them fresh, this recipe is sure to impress. Enjoy creating these sandwiches, and don’t forget to experiment with your own twist!$

Savory Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches

Delicious beef chuck roast slow-cooked to perfection, served in toasted hoagie rolls with melted provolone cheese.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 8

Total Time 8 15

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

2 pounds beef chuck roast
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large onion, sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups beef broth
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
to taste salt and pepper
4 large hoagie rolls
8 slices provolone cheese
to garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Start by searing the beef chuck roast in a large skillet over medium-high heat with the olive oil until browned on all sides. This enhances the flavor.
Transfer the seared roast to the slow cooker. Add the sliced onion and minced garlic over the top of the beef.
In a mixing bowl, combine the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture over the beef and onions in the slow cooker.
Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours, until the beef is tender and easily shredded with a fork.
Once cooked, remove the roast from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded beef back to the slow cooker, mixing it well with the broth and onions.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to toast the hoagie rolls. Split open each hoagie roll and layer in slices of provolone cheese.
Place the rolls in the oven for about 5-7 minutes until the cheese is melted and the bread is slightly crispy.
To serve, fill each toasted hoagie roll with a generous amount of the shredded beef mixture. Offer the flavorful broth from the slow cooker on the side for dipping.

Notes

Serve the sandwiches on a wooden cutting board with small bowls of the beef broth for dipping. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color!

Keyword beef, French dip, sandwich, slow cooker