This Slow Cooker French Dip is a warm and tasty sandwich filled with juicy, tender beef. It cooks low and slow, making the meat super flavorful and perfect for dipping!
Honestly, there’s nothing better than dipping that soft bread in the delicious beef broth. I can never resist a second helping—who could? 😋
What I love most is how simple it is to prepare. Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do its magic. Perfect for a busy day when you want a yummy dinner!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck Roast: This cut is perfect for slow cooking since it becomes tender and flavorful. If you’re looking for a leaner option, consider using sirloin roast, though it won’t be as juicy.
Beef Broth: Homemade broth gives the richest flavor, but store-bought works just fine. For a lighter version, use chicken broth, or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option (just swap the beef for mushrooms or jackfruit).
Onion: I use yellow onions for their sweetness. If you’re not an onion fan, shallots or leeks can work too. Vegetarians can leave it out altogether.
Garlic: Minced garlic enhances the flavor! If you’re out, garlic powder can be a backup, just use about 1/4 teaspoon for each clove.
Soy Sauce and Worcestershire Sauce: These add depth to the flavor. For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
Cheese: Provolone or Swiss cheese are classic toppings, but feel free to switch it up with cheddar or leave it out for a lighter sandwich!
How Can I Make Sure My Beef Is Tender and Shreddable?
The key to achieving tender beef is cooking it low and slow. The slow cooker does this beautifully. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Start with a good quality beef chuck roast, which has the right amount of fat for flavor.
- Mix all your seasonings into the broth for even flavor distribution. Make sure every bit of the meat is coated.
- Cover the slow cooker properly—this keeps moisture in. Avoid the temptation to peek; every time you open it, you let out heat!
- Let it cook for at least 8 hours. The longer it cooks, the more tender it becomes. A fork should pierce through the meat easily when it’s ready.
After cooking, let it rest for a few minutes before shredding. This makes it easier to handle and keeps it juicier. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
How to Make Slow Cooker French Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef:
- 3 to 4 pounds beef chuck roast
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Sandwiches:
- 4 to 6 French rolls or hoagie buns
- Provolone or Swiss cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This scrumptious Slow Cooker French Dip takes about 15 minutes to prep, plus 8 to 10 hours of cooking time in the slow cooker. Plan ahead so you can enjoy a tender, flavorful beef sandwich for dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef:
First, place the beef chuck roast right into your slow cooker. It’s going to become the star of the show!
2. Mix the Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, combine the beef broth, water, sliced onion, minced garlic, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, black pepper, and salt. Stir everything together until well mixed. This will create the flavorful liquid that will soak into the beef.
3. Add Liquid to the Slow Cooker:
Pour the tasty liquid mixture over the beef in the slow cooker. Make sure the roast is nicely coated. This is where all the flavor comes from!
4. Slow Cook the Beef:
Cover the slow cooker and set it on low heat. Let it cook for 8 to 10 hours. The beef is done when it’s super tender and shreds easily with a fork. You can go about your day while it cooks!
5. Shred the Beef:
Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the beef from the slow cooker. Let it sit for a few minutes, then grab two forks and shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. It should come apart easily!
6. Optional: Strain the Broth:
If you’d like a clearer au jus for dipping, you can strain the broth to remove the onion and garlic bits. This step is optional, but it looks nice and tastes great!
7. Assemble the Sandwiches:
To put it all together, take your French rolls and fill them with the shredded beef. If you want to add cheese, lay some provolone or Swiss on top. Yum!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Place the sandwiches on a plate and serve them with a small bowl of the au jus for dipping. If you like, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a pop of color. Now, enjoy your delicious Slow Cooker French Dip!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef?
Absolutely! While beef chuck roast is ideal for slow cooking due to its marbling, you can also use cuts like brisket or round roast. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly; you may need to adjust them depending on the cut’s thickness and tenderness.
What Can I Substitute for Beef Broth?
If you don’t have beef broth on hand, chicken broth works well too! You can also use vegetable broth for a lighter flavor. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning if the broth is low-sodium, as this could affect the saltiness of your dish.
How Should I Store Leftover French Dip?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To ensure the beef stays moist, keep it submerged in the broth. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, and add a bit of broth if the mixture seems dry.
Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?
You can definitely prep the ingredients the night before! Chop the onions and mince the garlic, and store them in the fridge. You can also season and place the beef in the slow cooker insert to pop in the fridge overnight, then add the liquids in the morning before you start cooking. Just allow it to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before starting the slow cooker to help it cook evenly.
