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Tender Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches

slow cooker french dip sandwiches - featured image

These Tender Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches feature slow-simmered beef with caramelized onions and melted cheese, perfect for easy weeknight meals and casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 34 pounds beef chuck roast, well-marbled for tenderness
  • 4 cups beef broth (preferably low-sodium)
  • 1 large onion, sliced thinly
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh)
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 68 French rolls or hoagie buns, crusty and sturdy
  • 68 slices provolone or Swiss cheese
  • Butter, for toasting the buns (optional)

Instructions

  1. Trim excess fat from the beef chuck roast, leaving some for flavor. Season generously with salt and pepper on all sides.
  2. Optional: Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the roast on all sides for 3-4 minutes per side until a crust forms.
  3. Place sliced onion and minced garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker.
  4. Pour in 4 cups beef broth. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and add bay leaves. Place the roast on top of the onions.
  5. Cover and cook on low for 8-9 hours or high for 4-5 hours until beef is fork-tender.
  6. Remove beef and cover with foil to rest. Strain cooking liquid through a fine mesh sieve into a saucepan. Simmer to reduce slightly and season with salt and pepper to taste to make the au jus.
  7. Slice or shred the beef against the grain.
  8. Slice French rolls in half and lightly butter the cut sides. Toast in a skillet or oven until golden brown.
  9. Pile beef on rolls, top with cheese slices, and melt under a broiler or in a hot oven for 2-3 minutes until bubbly.
  10. Serve sandwiches hot with warm au jus for dipping.

Notes

Searing the roast before slow cooking adds flavor but is optional. Let the beef rest before slicing to keep it juicy. Toast buns to prevent sogginess. Strain the jus for a smoother dipping sauce. Adjust cooking time if using a Dutch oven instead of a slow cooker.

Nutrition

Keywords: French dip sandwiches, slow cooker, beef chuck roast, easy weeknight meals, comfort food, au jus, melted cheese