These Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches are pure comfort food! You’ll love the tender beef simmering in rich broth, served on crusty rolls that soak up all the flavor.
They’re super easy to make, just throw everything in the slow cooker and let it do its thing! I can’t resist dipping my sandwich in that tasty juice—talk about yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck Roast: This cut is perfect for slow cooking and becomes tender and flavorful. If you can’t find it, brisket or round roast can work too, though they may be slightly leaner.
Beef Broth: This adds depth to the flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter option, vegetable broth or homemade bone broth can be used. Just keep in mind they may alter the taste a bit.
Soy Sauce: It brings a nice umami flavor. Low-sodium soy sauce is a great choice if you’re watching your salt intake. For a gluten-free option, tamari works just as well!
Provolone Cheese: I love using provolone for its meltiness and flavor. However, mozzarella or even cheddar can be used if provolone isn’t available.
Herbs: Fresh thyme elevates the dish, but dried thyme is a great substitute if fresh isn’t on hand. I often keep dried herbs for convenience!
How Do I Get the Beef to Shred Perfectly?
Shredding the beef to perfection is key for a great French dip sandwich. After slow cooking, the beef should be tender enough to pull apart easily with forks. Here’s how to do it right:
- Remove the roast from the cooker and let it cool briefly.
- Use two forks — one to hold the meat and the other to pull it apart.
- Get rid of any tough pieces and excess fat as you shred. Aim for bite-sized pieces for easy assembling!
- Don’t forget to let the shredded beef soak in the broth after shredding to ensure it’s full of flavor before serving.
Trust me, it makes a huge difference when the beef is juicy and flavorful on the hoagie rolls!
How to Make Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef:
- 2 to 3 pounds beef chuck roast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
For the Cooking Liquid:
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
For the Sandwiches:
- 6 hoagie rolls
- 6 slices provolone cheese
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious meal will take around 15 minutes to prepare, and then you’ll let it cook slowly in the crockpot for about 7 to 8 hours. It’s perfect for when you want a comforting meal with minimal effort!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Beef:
Start by rubbing the beef chuck roast all over with the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. This will give the beef a deliciously seasoned crust.
2. Place in Slow Cooker:
Carefully transfer the seasoned roast into the slow cooker. It’s the star of the dish, so make sure you get it all in there!
3. Add Liquids:
Next, pour in the beef broth, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Toss in the bay leaf and thyme to add some yummy flavors. Give it a little stir to combine everything.
4. Cook:
Cover your slow cooker and set it to low. Let the roast cook for about 7 to 8 hours. It’s done when the beef is super tender and falls apart easily when poked with a fork.
5. Shred the Beef:
When the beef is cooked, use tongs to carefully remove it from the slow cooker. Place it on a cutting board and shred it into bite-sized pieces using two forks. Don’t forget to discard any big bits of fat!
6. Serve:
Put the shredded beef back into the broth in the slow cooker. This makes it extra juicy and flavorful!
7. Assemble Sandwiches:
Grab your hoagie rolls and split them open. Fill each roll generously with the shredded beef, making sure to soak up some of that delicious broth.
8. Melt the Cheese:
If you love melted cheese, pop the sandwiches under the broiler for 2-3 minutes. Watch them carefully so they don’t burn—just until the cheese is gooey and delicious!
9. Garnish and Serve:
If you’d like, sprinkle some chopped parsley on top for a pop of color. Serve your sandwiches with a small bowl of the warm broth on the side for dipping. Enjoy your scrumptious Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef?
Absolutely! You can use other cuts like brisket or round roast if you prefer. Just keep in mind that cook times may vary slightly. Brisket generally takes about the same time, while round roast might need a bit more time to become tender.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make these sandwiches gluten-free, swap soy sauce for a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Additionally, ensure that the hoagie rolls are gluten-free. There are great options available at most grocery stores!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For maximum freshness, keep the broth separate from the shredded beef until you’re ready to reheat. You can reheat the beef in the microwave or on the stove, adding a bit of broth to keep it moist.
Can I Make These Sandwiches Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep everything ahead! Cook the beef and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before assembling the sandwiches. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the beef and combine with the rolls and cheese!
