Easy Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches are a savory and mouthwatering meal that's perfect for a casual dinner, game day, or any time you need a hearty and satisfying dish. This recipe involves slow cooking a beef chuck roast until it's wonderfully tender, then serving it on hoagie rolls with melted provolone cheese and a delicious dipping sauce made from the cooking juices. It's a simple yet impressive recipe that's sure to be a hit with family and friends.
Ingredients:
- 4 lbs beef chuck roast
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- ½ cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 6-8 hoagie rolls
- 8-12 slices provolone cheese
Preparation:
Step 1: Sear the Beef
Season the beef chuck roast with 1 teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the roast on all sides until it's browned. This step adds flavor to the meat and the overall dish.
Step 2: Slow Cook the Beef
Place the seared beef roast in the slow cooker. Add the thinly sliced onion and minced garlic on top of the roast. In a bowl, whisk together 1 cup of beef broth, ½ cup of soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce. Pour this mixture over the beef in the slow cooker. Add 1 bay leaf and 1 teaspoon of dried thyme. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, or until the beef is very tender.
Step 3: Shred the Beef
Once the beef is cooked and tender, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Discard any large pieces of fat and the bay leaf.
Step 4: Prepare the Sandwiches
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Open the hoagie rolls and place them on a baking sheet. Divide the shredded beef among the rolls. Top each sandwich with 1-2 slices of provolone cheese. Bake in the oven for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and the rolls are toasty.
Step 5: Serve with Au Jus
Skim any excess fat from the cooking juices in the slow cooker. Serve the sandwiches with small bowls of the cooking juices (au jus) for dipping.
Cooking Note:
- Skimming the fat from the au jus is important for a clearer, more flavorful dipping sauce.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve the French Dip Sandwiches with a side of crispy fries, potato chips, or a simple green salad. They're great for a casual lunch, dinner, or as party food.
Tips:
- Beef Cut: Chuck roast is ideal for this recipe due to its fat content and tenderness when slow-cooked.
- Au Jus Thickness: If you prefer a thicker au jus, you can reduce it in a saucepan over medium heat or thicken it with a little cornstarch slurry.
- Cheese Varieties: While provolone is traditional, feel free to use other types of cheese like Swiss or mozzarella.
Prep Time:
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 8 hours
- Total Time: 8 hours and 20 minutes
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: Approximately 600-700 per sandwich (varies based on the size of the sandwich and specific ingredients used)
- Protein: 40-50g per sandwich
- Sodium: Varies based on the beef broth and soy sauce used
Conclusion
Easy Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches are a delicious and hassle-free way to enjoy a classic comfort food. The slow cooker does most of the work, tenderizing the beef and infusing it with rich flavors. Whether for a family meal or a gathering with friends, these sandwiches are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
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