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To make delicious Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches, you need these simple ingredients: - 3 pounds beef chuck roast - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 onion, sliced - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 4 cups beef broth - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 8 hoagie rolls - Provolone cheese slices (optional) - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) These ingredients create a rich, savory flavor. The beef chuck roast is key for tenderness. Searing it adds depth to the taste. The onions and garlic bring sweetness and aroma. Beef broth keeps the meat moist during cooking. Worcestershire sauce adds a tangy kick. Thyme and black pepper enhance the overall flavor. Hoagie rolls hold the meat well, making each bite satisfying. Provolone cheese adds creaminess, but it’s optional. Fresh parsley brightens up the dish and makes it look nice. Gather these ingredients, and you’re ready to create a fantastic meal! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, sear the beef chuck roast. Brown it on all sides for about 3 to 4 minutes. This step locks in flavor, making the beef taste amazing. After searing, transfer the beef to your crockpot. This is where the magic happens. Next, layer 1 sliced onion and 4 minced garlic cloves on top of the beef. These add great taste. In a measuring cup, mix 4 cups of beef broth, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Pour this mixture over the beef and onions in the crockpot. This broth will keep the beef juicy and full of flavor. Now, cover the crockpot. You can cook on low heat for 8 to 10 hours or on high for 4 to 6 hours. The goal is fork-tender beef. This means you should be able to shred it easily with a fork. This step is key to a great sandwich. When the beef is ready, take it out and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the beef into bite-sized pieces. If you like, toast the hoagie rolls to make them crispy. Fill each roll with the shredded beef, adding sautéed onions and a slice of provolone cheese if you want. This adds creaminess and richness to your sandwich. Enjoy your delicious creation! To make your French Dip sandwiches taste amazing, try these seasonings: - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon garlic powder These spices add depth to the dish. Browning the meat is also key. It brings out rich flavors and adds a nice color. Sear the beef chuck roast for about 3-4 minutes on each side. This step makes a big difference in taste. Customizing your broth can be fun. Add a splash of soy sauce for extra umami. You can also toss in fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. If you have leftover broth, use it in soups or sauces. It adds great flavor and saves waste. For sides, serve potato chips or a fresh salad. They pair well with the rich beef. You can also add toppings like sautéed mushrooms or jalapeños for extra kick. Provolone cheese melts beautifully, making the sandwich even better! Pro Tips Perfectly Shredded Beef: Let the beef rest for a few minutes after cooking before shredding. This helps the juices redistribute, resulting in more flavorful and moist meat. Enhance the Broth: For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine to the broth mixture before pouring it over the beef. Cheese Melting Tip: If using provolone cheese, place the cheese on the hot shredded beef and cover it for a minute to melt it perfectly. Leftover Storage: Store leftover beef and broth separately in airtight containers in the fridge. This will keep the bread from getting soggy and the beef fresh. {{image_2}} You can switch things up by using chicken or pork. Chicken thighs work well when cooked low and slow. They stay juicy and absorb flavors nicely. Pork shoulder also gives a rich taste and shreds easily. Both options create tasty sandwiches. For vegetarians, consider using jackfruit or mushrooms. Jackfruit has a meat-like texture and soaks up flavors. Mushrooms add an earthy taste and are hearty too. These swaps keep the meal satisfying without meat. While hoagie rolls are classic, you can try different bread types. A fresh baguette or French bread adds a nice crunch. Sourdough rolls bring a tangy twist that many enjoy. If you need gluten-free options, look for gluten-free hoagie rolls. These can be found in most stores. You can even use lettuce wraps for a low-carb choice. Each bread type can change the meal's vibe. Provolone cheese is great, but feel free to explore other options. Cheddar gives a sharp flavor, while Swiss cheese melts beautifully. You might also try pepper jack for a spicy kick. Don't forget about extra toppings! Adding sautéed mushrooms or roasted peppers can elevate your sandwich. Fresh herbs like basil or arugula can add brightness. These small touches can make your French dip truly gourmet. To keep your leftover French dip sandwiches fresh, follow these steps: - Let the beef cool down before storage. - Use airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. - Portion the beef and broth separately to avoid soggy bread. - Store the hoagie rolls in a different bag or container. For freezing, make sure to remove as much air as possible. This helps to prevent freezer burn. Label the bags with the date for easy tracking. To reheat your sandwiches, you have a few great methods: - Microwave: Heat the beef and broth in short bursts. Stir in between to ensure even heating. - Oven: Wrap sandwiches in foil and warm at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes. This keeps the bread nice and crispy. - Stovetop: Heat a pan over low heat, add the beef, and pour some broth to keep it moist. Warm until heated through. These methods help maintain the flavor and texture of your sandwiches. Leftovers will last about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Make sure to check for signs of spoilage: - Unpleasant smell - Changes in color or texture - Presence of mold If you see these signs, it’s best to throw the leftovers away. Cooking time for these sandwiches varies. If you set your crockpot to low, it takes about 8 to 10 hours. On high, it cooks in about 4 to 6 hours. The beef needs to be fork-tender for the best flavor and texture. Check it near the end of cooking for doneness. Yes, you can prepare these sandwiches ahead of time. Cook the beef and let it cool. Place the shredded beef in the fridge. You can store it in an airtight container for about 3 days. Reheat it when you're ready to serve. This makes meal prep easy and quick for busy days. If you need an alternative to beef broth, you have options. Use chicken broth for a lighter taste. Vegetable broth also works well and keeps it plant-based. You can even use a mix of water and soy sauce to add flavor. Just ensure it complements your other ingredients. To sum up, we explored how to make delicious Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches. You learned about important ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and tips for great flavor. We also discussed tasty variations and how to store leftovers. Remember, the key to a great sandwich is the right beef and broth. Try adding your favorite seasonings for a unique twist. Enjoy making your own version of this classic dish!

Slow-Cooked Savory French Dip Sandwiches

Delicious and tender beef sandwiches served with flavorful broth for dipping.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 3 pounds beef chuck roast
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 unit onion, sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 8 unit hoagie rolls
  • to taste unit Provolone cheese slices (optional)
  • for garnish unit Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil and sear the beef chuck roast on all sides until browned (about 3-4 minutes per side). This will enhance the flavor of the beef.
  • Transfer the seared beef to a crockpot. Add the sliced onion and minced garlic on top of the roast.
  • In a measuring cup, mix the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and black pepper. Pour this mixture over the beef and onions in the crockpot.
  • Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-6 hours, until the beef is fork-tender.
  • Once cooked, remove the beef from the crockpot and place it on a cutting board. Shred the beef using two forks.
  • Toast the hoagie rolls if desired. Fill each roll with the shredded beef, and top with some sautéed onions and a slice of provolone cheese, if using.
  • Ladle some of the beef broth from the crockpot into small bowls for dipping. Serve the sandwiches hot alongside the broth.

Notes

Optional toppings include provolone cheese and fresh parsley.
Keyword beef, French dip, sandwich, slow-cooked