Description
Delicious slow cooker French dip sandwiches with tender beef and melted cheese.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil, for searing the beef
- 2 ½ to 3 pounds beef chuck roast, well-marbled
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground pepper, to taste
- 2 (1-ounce) packages dry onion soup mix
- 2 cups water, filtered for best taste
- 2 (14.5-ounce) cans beef broth, low-sodium recommended
- 6–8 slices Swiss or provolone cheese, deli slices preferred
- 6–8 crusty rolls, fresh
Instructions
- Season the Roast: Start by seasoning the roast on all sides with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper. Ensure it is nicely seasoned to avoid blandness.
- Brown the Roast: Sear the roast in a hot skillet until browned all over. Focus on achieving that deep color for added depth of flavor.
- Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker: Transfer the browned roast to the slow cooker. Add the beef broth, dry onion soup mix, and the water. Make sure not to overcrowd the slow cooker for even cooking.
- Slow Cook to Perfection: Set your slow cooker to low and cook for 8 to 10 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender. Avoid opening the lid frequently to maintain the cooking temperature.
- Shred the Beef: Once cooked, remove the roast from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks, allowing the meat to pull apart easily.
- Prep the Rolls: While the beef rests, toast your rolls lightly to provide a nice crunch and to prevent sogginess.
- Serve & Enjoy: Fill the toasted rolls with the shredded beef and serve with a side of the au jus for dipping. Broil the sandwiches with cheese for optimal meltiness if desired.
Notes
- Storage Tips: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. They may also be frozen for longer preservation.
- Expert Tips: Using a fat separator when preparing the au jus can greatly enhance its flavor. Season the au jus with Worcestershire sauce or garlic powder for additional flavor if it tastes bland. If using larger cuts of meat, consider cutting it into chunks for more even cooking.
- Reheating Instructions: Reheat in a microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. For sandwiches, reassemble and use the broiler for melting cheese a second time.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair with a side salad for a balanced meal, or serve with crispy french fries for a classic combo. Adding pickles or jalapenos gives a nice kick to the meal.
- Recipe Variations: Replace the beef with 2-3 pounds of chicken for a lighter option, or use baguettes for a different texture. You can also incorporate extra seasonings for a spicier dip.
- Ingredient Notes: Choose a good quality olive oil for searing, preferably extra virgin. The beef chuck roast should be well-marbled to ensure tenderness. Freshly cracked pepper provides a better flavor than pre-ground. For rolls, select fresh, crusty options that can hold the filling well.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 474
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 1941mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 108mg