Elevate Your Sandwich Game: Easy Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches

When it comes to satisfying comfort food, few dishes can rival the hearty goodness of a classic French dip sandwich. Tender, juicy beef, nestled between crusty bread and dipped in savory au jus – it’s a flavor-packed meal that’s sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. But what if you could enjoy all the deliciousness of a French dip sandwich with minimal effort? Enter Easy Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches – a foolproof recipe that delivers mouthwatering results with the convenience of your trusty slow cooker. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the simple steps to create this crowd-pleasing favorite, along with variations to suit different dietary preferences. Get ready to elevate your sandwich game and impress your family and friends with this delectable dish!

Ingredients:

• 4 lbs beef chuck roast
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 6-8 hoagie rolls
• 8-12 slices provolone cheese

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Beef:

1. Season the Chuck Roast: Rub the beef chuck roast with salt and pepper on all sides, ensuring it is evenly coated.
2. Sear the Meat: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the seasoned roast until golden brown on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer the roast to the slow cooker.

2. Add Aromatics and Liquid:

1. Saute Onions and Garlic: In the same skillet used to sear the meat, add thinly sliced onions and minced garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Deglaze the Pan: Pour beef broth into the skillet to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaf, and dried thyme. Stir to combine.
3. Transfer to Slow Cooker: Pour the onion and garlic mixture over the seared beef in the slow cooker.

3. Slow Cook:

1. Set and Forget: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 7-8 hours, or until the beef is tender and falls apart easily with a fork.

4. Assemble the Sandwiches:

1. Shred the Beef: Once the beef is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Discard the bay leaf.
2. Toast the Rolls: Preheat the oven to broil. Slice the hoagie rolls in half lengthwise and place them on a baking sheet. Toast the rolls under the broiler until lightly golden, about 1-2 minutes.
3. Layer the Sandwiches: Pile the shredded beef onto the bottom half of each hoagie roll. Top with slices of provolone cheese.
4. Broil to Melt Cheese: Return the assembled sandwiches to the oven and broil until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 1-2 minutes.
5. Serve with Au Jus: Serve the French dip sandwiches with a side of the flavorful au jus for dipping.

Cook Notes and Variations:

• Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the beef and onion mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator overnight. Simply transfer it to the slow cooker and continue with the cooking process the next day for a hassle-free meal.
• Extra Flavor: For an extra boost of flavor, add a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar to the onion and garlic mixture before transferring it to the slow cooker.
• Customize the Bread: If you prefer a different type of bread, such as crusty French bread or ciabatta rolls, feel free to use it as a substitute for the hoagie rolls.

Keto and Low-Carb Versions:

Keto Version:

• Lettuce Wraps: For a keto-friendly option, skip the bread entirely and serve the shredded beef and melted cheese in crisp lettuce wraps instead.
• Low-Carb Bread: If you’re craving the texture of bread without the carbs, look for low-carb or keto-friendly bread options at your local grocery store.

Low-Carb Version:

• Portobello Mushroom Caps: Swap the hoagie rolls for large portobello mushroom caps as a low-carb alternative. Simply remove the stems and gills, then broil or grill the mushroom caps until tender.
• Cheese Crisps: Instead of traditional bread, serve the shredded beef and melted cheese on top of homemade cheese crisps made from shredded cheese baked until crispy.

With its rich, savory flavor and melt-in-your-mouth tender beef, Easy Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches are sure to become a new family favorite. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner party or craving a satisfying meal on a busy weeknight, this fuss-free recipe delivers delicious results every time. Plus, with the option to customize the ingredients to suit your dietary preferences, including keto and low-carb variations, everyone can enjoy this classic comfort food. So dust off your slow cooker, gather your ingredients, and get ready to savor the irresistible taste of homemade French dip sandwiches – your taste buds will thank you!