Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches are the perfect combination of comfort, flavor, and convenience. Imagine sinking your teeth into a sandwich filled with tender, juicy beef, enveloped in rich and savory broth, all served on a warm, crusty roll. This mouth-watering meal is not only simple to make but also delivers on taste, making it an ideal dinner for busy weeknights or gatherings with friends and family. With just a few ingredients and your trusty slow cooker, you can create a dish that impresses without the fuss.
Why We Love This Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches
This recipe has so many things to love. First, the slow cooking method allows the beef to become incredibly tender, infused with the robust flavors of the onion soup mix and beef broth. The simplicity of the ingredients means you don’t have to spend hours in the kitchen. Just prep, set it, and forget it! There’s something special about a meal you can prepare ahead of time while enjoying all the delightful aromas as it cooks. These sandwiches are perfect for serving a crowd or for making ahead of time for meal prep. Plus, who doesn’t love dipping a sandwich into a warm, savory au jus?
Ingredients about Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2½ to 3 pounds beef chuck roast
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 2 (1-ounce) packets dry onion soup mix
- 2 cups water
- 2 (14.5-ounce) cans beef broth (or Better-than-Bouillon)
- 6–8 slices Swiss or provolone cheese
- 6–8 crusty rolls (ciabatta or hoagie)
How to Make Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches Directions
Making Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches is as easy as 1-2-3! Begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. While the oil warms up, take your beef chuck roast and season it generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. This seasoning adds a lovely depth of flavor to the meat.
Once the skillet is hot, sear the beef on all sides. This process adds a beautiful brown crust that enhances the overall taste. You only need to cook it for about 1-2 minutes on each side until it’s nicely browned.
After searing, carefully transfer the beef to your slow cooker, along with any delicious drippings from the skillet. Sprinkle the dry onion soup mix evenly over the beef without holding back—this is where a lot of the flavor comes from! Then, pour in the water and beef broth to ensure the meat stays moist and flavorful as it cooks.
Now, you can cover the slow cooker and choose the cooking time based on your schedule. Set it on HIGH for 4-6 hours or LOW for 8-10 hours. It’s essential to let those flavors meld and for the beef to become fork-tender.
When the cooking time is up, carefully remove the beef from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the meat, keeping it nice and juicy.
Next, prepare your rolls by slicing them open. Pile a generous amount of shredded beef onto each roll and add a slice or two of Swiss or provolone cheese on top.
Finally, to achieve that delightful melty cheese and toasted bread, place the assembled sandwiches under the broiler for a few minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the rolls are golden brown.
Don’t forget to serve each sandwich with a small bowl of the warm cooking juices, called ‘au jus,’ for dipping.
How to Serve Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches
Serving these delicious sandwiches is a simple yet satisfying affair. You can choose to serve them as a casual dinner or elevate them for a party. Here are a few ideas to make serving these sandwiches even more enjoyable.
Create a hearty meal by pairing the French dip sandwiches with a side of crispy fries or sweet potato fries. The salty crunch complements the richness of the beef beautifully. You could also opt for a refreshing salad, like a classic Caesar or a simple mixed green salad, to balance out the meal.
If you’re hosting a gathering, consider setting up a sandwich bar. Lay out the slow-cooked beef, cheese, rolls, and the au jus in separate bowls. Let guests build their sandwiches just how they like them. This setup keeps things social and fun.
To enhance the experience, include a selection of sauces on the side. Spicy mustard, horseradish, or even a creamy aioli can add different layers of flavor that your guests will appreciate. Don’t forget a spread of drinks, like iced tea or lemonade, to complement your meal.
Expert Tips: Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches
To ensure that your Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches turn out perfect every time, keep these expert tips in mind:
- Choose Quality Meat: The beef chuck roast is key to this dish. Look for one with good marbling, as the fat contributes to moisture and flavor during cooking.
- Sear the Meat Well: Don’t skip the searing step! It creates a delicious crust that enhances the overall flavor.
- Customize Your Broth: If you’re looking for an extra punch of flavor, try using homemade beef broth or adding a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce for additional depth.
- Control Your Cooking Time: Remember that cooking times may vary based on the size of the roast and the efficiency of your slow cooker. Always check that the beef is tender before shredding.
- Reheat Leftovers: If you have any leftovers, gently reheat the shredded beef in the au jus on the stove for the best flavor and texture.
How to Store Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches
When it comes to storing your delicious sandwiches, proper handling ensures you can enjoy them later while maintaining their amazing taste. Here’s how to do it:
- Cool the Meat: Allow the shredded beef to cool down completely before storing.
- Use Airtight Containers: Place the shredded beef and cooking juices in an airtight container. You can store rolls separately to maintain their texture.
- Refrigeration: Store in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing Ideas: If you want to store it longer, freeze the shredded beef with its juices in a freezer-safe bag. This allows you to enjoy them for up to three months. Just thaw in the refrigerator the night before you plan to serve.
Variation of Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches
While the classic version of Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches is undeniably scrumptious, there are numerous variations you can try to shake things up. Here are a few ideas:
- Spicy Chipotle Variation: Add chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to the broth mix for a smoky and spicy kick.
- BBQ Twist: Instead of using onion soup mix, add your favorite BBQ sauce for a sweet and tangy flavor profile.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the beef with a large portobello mushroom cap and use vegetable broth. Sear it similarly and top with your favorite cheese for a delicious meat-free alternative.
- Cheesy French Onion Dip: Mix in some caramelized onions with the beef for an even richer flavor, and try topping with Gruyere or a cheese blend.
- Au Jus Variations: Play around with the spices in your au jus. Adding some garlic powder, thyme, or even a pinch of cayenne can give it a unique flair.
FAQ
What is the best type of meat for Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches?
The best type of meat for Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches is a beef chuck roast. It has enough fat to keep the meat moist and tender during slow cooking, assuring a flavorful bite every time.
Can I use a different type of bread for these sandwiches?
Absolutely! While crusty rolls like ciabatta or hoagie bread are traditional, you can use any bread you enjoy. Sub rolls, baguettes, or even sandwich loaves work well.
How do I know when my beef is properly cooked?
You’ll know your beef is properly cooked when it is fork-tender and easily shreds apart. This usually occurs after cooking on high for 4-6 hours or low for 8-10 hours.
Can I make these sandwiches ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the beef a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it on the stove and serve it on fresh rolls when ready.
What can I serve with Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches?
You can serve these sandwiches with a variety of sides. Popular options include fries, onion rings, or a simple green salad. Enjoying them with a bowl of extra broth for dipping is essential for an authentic experience.
Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches
Ingredients
For the beef
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2.5 to 3 pounds beef chuck roast Look for good marbling for flavor
- to taste Kosher salt Generously season the meat
- to taste Freshly ground black pepper Generously season the meat
- 2 packets (1-ounce) dry onion soup mix
- 2 cups water
- 2 cans (14.5-ounce) beef broth Or use Better-than-Bouillon
For serving
- 6-8 slices Swiss or provolone cheese For topping the sandwiches
- 6-8 rolls ciabatta or hoagie Crusty rolls preferred
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season the beef chuck roast generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Sear the beef on all sides in the hot skillet for about 1-2 minutes until nicely browned.
- Transfer the beef to your slow cooker along with any drippings from the skillet.
- Sprinkle the dry onion soup mix evenly over the beef.
- Pour in the water and beef broth to keep the meat moist during cooking.
Cooking
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for 4-6 hours or LOW for 8-10 hours until the beef is fork-tender.
Assembly
- Once done, remove the beef from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks.
- Slice the rolls open and pile a generous amount of shredded beef onto each roll.
- Top with a slice or two of Swiss or provolone cheese.
- Place the sandwiches under the broiler for a few minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the rolls are golden brown.
- Serve each sandwich with a small bowl of the warm cooking juices (au jus) for dipping.
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