Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, juicy sandwich filled with tender, flavorful beef, all while savoring a rich au jus that takes your taste buds on a delightful journey. Welcome to the world of Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches! This irresistible recipe is not only a crowd-pleaser but also a simple way to create a gourmet meal in the comfort of your own home. With just 15 minutes of prep time and a hands-off cooking process, you can indulge in this classic American dish that's perfect for family dinners or game day gatherings. Get ready to impress your friends and family with a dish that’s as easy to make as it is delicious!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 8 hrs
Total Time: 8 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 sandwiches
Ingredients
- 3 lbs beef chuck roast
- 1 onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 6 hoagie rolls
- Provolone cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the beef chuck roast by patting it dry with paper towels and generously seasoning all sides with salt and pepper.
- Place sliced onions at the bottom of the slow cooker, creating a bed for the roast.
- Arrange the seasoned beef chuck roast on top of the onion layer.
- Sprinkle minced garlic over and around the roast.
- In a separate bowl, combine beef broth, water, and Worcestershire sauce, whisking to blend thoroughly.
- Pour the liquid mixture over the roast, ensuring it covers approximately two-thirds of the meat.
- Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat, cooking for 8 hours until the meat is extremely tender and easily shreds.
- Once cooking is complete, carefully remove the roast and shred using two forks, discarding any excess fat.
- Strain the cooking liquid and reserve for au jus dipping sauce.
- Lightly toast hoagie rolls and optionally layer with provolone cheese.
- Fill rolls with shredded beef and serve immediately with warm au jus on the side for dipping.
Tips
- Choose the Right Cut: For the best flavor and tenderness, opt for a well-marbled beef chuck roast. The fat will melt during cooking, adding richness to the dish.
- Season Generously: Don’t skimp on the salt and pepper! Seasoning the roast thoroughly enhances the overall flavor of the sandwich.
- Layering Matters: Placing the onions at the bottom of the slow cooker not only infuses flavor into the meat but also helps to prevent it from drying out.
- Let It Rest: After cooking, allow the roast to rest for a few minutes before shredding. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring every bite is juicy.
- Strain for Perfection: Straining the cooking liquid before serving as au jus removes any solids and creates a smooth, rich dipping sauce.
- Toast Your Rolls: Lightly toasting the hoagie rolls adds a satisfying crunch and helps prevent them from becoming soggy when filled with the juicy beef.
- Customize Your Cheese: For an extra touch of flavor, melt provolone cheese on the hoagie rolls before adding the shredded beef. It’s a game-changer!
- Make It Ahead: This recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can prepare it a day in advance and simply reheat the shredded beef and au jus before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 42g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
