Savory Slow-Cooked French Dip Sandwiches

$- 3 pounds beef chuck roast - 1 medium onion, sliced - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 4 cups beef broth - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried rosemary - Salt and pepper to taste - 8 crusty hoagie rolls - 8 slices provolone cheese - Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish The main star of this dish is the beef chuck roast. It’s tender and flavorful when slow-cooked. I like to use a medium onion and fresh garlic. They add a nice base flavor. For seasoning, I mix beef broth, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. This blend makes the meat juicy. I add dried thyme and rosemary for some herbal notes. Salt and pepper round out the taste. For serving, I choose crusty hoagie rolls. They hold the beef well. Provolone cheese melts nicely on top. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds color and freshness. You’ll want to make these sandwiches often! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Start by seasoning the beef chuck roast. Use salt and pepper. Be generous on all sides. 2. Heat some oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. 3. Sear the roast for 3-4 minutes on each side until it turns brown. This step adds flavor. 1. Place sliced onions and minced garlic at the bottom of the crockpot. 2. Put the seared beef roast on top of the onions and garlic. 3. In a bowl, mix beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. 4. Pour this tasty mixture over the roast in the crockpot. 1. Cover the crockpot with its lid. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours. 2. Check that the beef is tender and easy to shred. 3. Once cooked, take out the roast and shred the beef with two forks. 4. Return the shredded beef back to the crockpot. Let it soak up the tasty broth. To boost the taste of your French dip sandwiches, try adding herbs like oregano or basil. A pinch of smoked paprika can also bring depth to the dish. If you want a tangy kick, consider using a splash of balsamic vinegar in the broth. For marinades, mix soy sauce, garlic, and a bit of brown sugar. Let your meat soak in this mix for a few hours before cooking. This step adds layers of flavor that shine through in every bite. Searing the beef is key for improved flavor. It creates a nice crust that locks in juices. Heat your skillet to medium-high and add a little oil. Sear each side for about 3-4 minutes until it's brown. This small step makes a big difference. To ensure tender beef, cook on low for 8 hours. The longer cooking time allows the meat to break down and become super soft. If you’re in a hurry, the high setting cooks it in 4 hours, but low is best. How you serve your sandwiches can elevate the meal. Arrange them on a wooden board for a rustic touch. Layer the shredded beef on the hoagie rolls, then add a slice of provolone on top. If you can, pop them under the broiler for a few minutes. This melts the cheese and makes it bubbly. For a finishing touch, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the sandwiches. Serve the dipping broth in small bowls. This makes your meal look inviting and delicious. Pro Tips Season Generously: Don't be shy with the salt and pepper when seasoning your beef. A good seasoning will enhance the flavors of the meat as it cooks. Sear for Flavor: Searing the roast before placing it in the crockpot adds a depth of flavor to the dish. Make sure to get a nice brown crust on all sides. Rest the Meat: After cooking, let the meat rest for a few minutes before shredding. This helps retain the juices for a more flavorful sandwich. Cheese Melting Tip: For perfectly melted cheese, place your sandwiches under the broiler for just a couple of minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning! {{image_2}} You can switch up the protein in your French dip sandwiches. Chicken or turkey works great. They cook well and soak up the flavors nicely. Simply adjust your cooking time to ensure they are tender. For a vegetarian option, try using mushrooms or jackfruit. Both absorb flavors well and give a meaty texture. You can also use lentils for a hearty filling. Cheese can change the whole taste of your sandwich. Provolone is classic, but mozzarella or Swiss are tasty too. Each cheese adds a unique flavor. If you want something sharp, try aged cheddar. For gluten-free options, use lettuce wraps or gluten-free rolls. These alternatives keep the sandwich fun and safe for everyone. Homemade broth can elevate your French dip sandwiches. It adds depth and richness. You can make a simple broth by simmering beef bones with veggies. Herbs like thyme and bay leaves add extra flavor. You can also try adding different spices, like smoked paprika or cumin, for a twist. This gives your broth a unique taste that pairs perfectly with the savory beef. After enjoying your sandwiches, you may have some beef and broth left. To store them, follow these steps: - Beef: Place shredded beef in an airtight container. Make sure it's cool before sealing. This helps keep it fresh. - Broth: Pour leftover broth into a separate container. Again, let it cool first. For best results, keep both in the fridge. Use them within three to four days for the best taste. When reheating your shredded beef, follow these tips: - Microwave: Place beef in a bowl. Add a splash of broth to keep it moist. Heat in short bursts until warm. - Stovetop: Add beef to a pan. Pour in some broth and heat on medium until hot. This keeps the beef flavorful. For the broth, reheat it in a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally until it’s hot but not boiling. This keeps the taste fresh. If you want to save your leftovers for later, freezing is a great option. Here’s how: - Beef: Place shredded beef in a freezer-safe bag. Squeeze out as much air as you can. Label it with the date. It can stay frozen for up to three months. - Broth: Pour broth into ice cube trays or freezer-safe containers. This makes it easy to use later. When you are ready to use the frozen beef or broth, thaw them in the fridge overnight. For quick thawing, use the microwave on a low setting. This way, you keep the best flavor and texture. How long can I store leftover Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches? You can store leftover sandwiches in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to keep the beef and rolls separate. This way, the rolls stay fresh. You can reheat the beef in the microwave or on the stove. Can I use frozen beef in this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen beef. Just make sure to thaw it before cooking. It will take longer to cook from frozen. Always check that the beef is tender before serving. How do I know when the beef is done? The beef is done when it is tender and shreds easily. You can test it with a fork. If it falls apart, it’s ready to eat. Cooking times may vary based on your crockpot. What can I serve with French Dip Sandwiches? These sandwiches go great with fries or a side salad. You can also serve chips for a crunchy side. A nice pickle adds a tangy touch that complements the flavors. Can I substitute the beef broth with another liquid? Yes, you can use vegetable broth or chicken broth. These will change the flavor a bit but still work well. Just remember to adjust the seasonings to your taste. What are good cheese alternatives for French Dip Sandwiches? You can use mozzarella, cheddar, or Swiss cheese. Each will give a different taste. Choose what you like best for a yummy sandwich. In this article, we explored making delicious Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches. We covered key ingredients like beef chuck roast and seasonings. I shared simple steps for preparing, cooking, and serving. Plus, I included helpful tips for enhancing flavor and ways to customize the dish. Enjoy crafting your sandwiches, and remember, cooking is all about experimenting. Try new flavors and enjoy the process. Your friends and family will love these hearty sandwiches. Happy cooking!$

Savory Slow-Cooked French Dip Sandwiches

Delicious beef chuck roast slow-cooked to perfection, served in crusty hoagie rolls with provolone cheese.

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Prep Time 20

Cook Time 8

Total Time 8 20

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 8

Ingredients

3 pounds beef chuck roast
1 medium onion, sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups beef broth
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (non-alcoholic version)
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
to taste salt and pepper
8 crusty hoagie rolls
8 slices provolone cheese
for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Start by seasoning the beef chuck roast generously with salt and pepper on all sides.
In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of oil over medium-high heat. Sear the roast for about 3-4 minutes on each side until browned.
In the crockpot, place the sliced onions and minced garlic at the bottom.
Place the seared beef roast on top of the onions and garlic.
In a bowl, mix together the beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Pour this mixture over the roast in the crockpot.
Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours, or until the beef is tender and easily shredded.
Once cooked, remove the roast from the crockpot and shred the beef with two forks.
Return the shredded beef back to the crockpot to soak up more of the flavorful juice.
To serve, slice the hoagie rolls in half and layer the shredded beef on the bottom half. Top each sandwich with a slice of provolone cheese.
Optional: Place the sandwiches under the broiler for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Serve each sandwich with a small bowl of broth from the crockpot for dipping.

Notes

Arrange the sandwiches on a wooden cutting board and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve the dipping broth in attractive ramekins for an appealing spread.

Keyword beef, French dip, sandwich, slow-cooked