Who can resist the allure of a warm, tender and juicy French dip sandwich? Imagine flavorful, slow-cooked chuck roast and melted provolone, all tucked into a toasty hoagie roll. Then, the pièce de résistance, a dip into the savory juices that the meat was cooked in. This slow cooker French dip sandwiches recipe is a gastronomic experience that's sure to delight.
Most ingredients in this recipe are staples in many households. However, one item you may need to pick up from the supermarket is a chuck roast. This cut of beef is known for its rich marbling, which makes it perfect for slow cooking. Also, if you don't usually bake, you might need to get some hoagie rolls. These are a type of long roll used for sandwiches, known for their crisp exterior and soft interior. Finally, provolone cheese will add a smooth, mild flavor to the sandwich.
Essential Ingredients for Your Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches
Chuck roast: The main star of the dish, known for its rich and flavorful taste, it becomes incredibly tender when slow cooked.
Canola oil: Used for browning the meat, it has a high smoke point and neutral flavor.
Kosher salt and black pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance the flavor of the meat.
Beef broth: Adds depth and richness to the cooking liquid.
Worcestershire sauce and beer: They provide a tangy, savory note to the dish.
Yellow onion: It sweetens as it cooks, adding a layer of flavor to the meat.
Hoagie rolls: Perfect for holding the meat and cheese, and for dipping into the savory cooking liquid.
Butter: Adds a bit of richness to the toasty rolls.
Provolone cheese: It melts beautifully over the warm meat, adding a creamy, mild flavor.
One reader, Ivar Driver says:
This slow cooker French dip sandwich recipe is a game-changer! The chuck roast turns out incredibly tender and flavorful, and the au jus is simply divine. The aroma alone is mouthwatering. It's the perfect comfort food, and my family can't get enough of it. Highly recommend trying it out!
Techniques Required for Making Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches
How to brown the chuck roast: Heat canola oil in a large dutch oven or in the aluminum insert of the slow cooker on high. Add the kosher salt and pepper to the chuck roast and brown on both sides aggressively for 3 to 5 minutes on each side.
How to cook the chuck roast in the slow cooker: In a slow cooker, add the browned chuck roast, any meat juices from the pan, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, beer, and onions. Cook on low for 6 hours.
How to slice the chuck roast: After cooking, remove the chuck roast from the slow cooker and slice it thickly.
How to assemble the sandwiches: Butter the hoagie rolls and toast them. Place the thickly sliced chuck roast on the rolls and top with the provolone cheese.
How to prepare the dipping liquid: In a small bowl, add a cup of the liquid from the slow cooker to use as a dipping sauce for the sandwiches.
How To Make Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches
You no longer need to run to the nearest sandwich shop for a quality french dip! Remake this flavorful sandwich at home easy in a slow cooker.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 5lbchuck roast
- 2tbspcanola oil
- 1tspkosher salt
- ½tspblack peppercoarsely ground
- 1cupbeef broth
- 1tbspWorcestershire sauce
- beer1 can
- 1yellow oniondiced
- 6hoagie rolls
- 2tbspbutter
- 12slicesprovolone cheese
Instructions
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In a large dutch oven or in the aluminum insert of the slow cooker, add the canola oil and heat on high.
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Add the Kosher salt and pepper to the chuck roast.
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Brown on both sides aggressively for 3 to 5 minutes on each side.
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In a slow cooker, add the meat, any meat juices from the pan, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, beer and onions.
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Cook on low for 6 hours.
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Remove the meat, then slice them thickly.
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Butter the hoagie rolls and toast.
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Place the thickly sliced chuck roast on the rolls, and top with the provolone cheese.
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In a small bowl, add a cup of the liquid from the slow cooker.
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Dip the sandwich in the bowl of liquid, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 455.02kcal
- Fat: 22.72g
- Saturated Fat: 10.42g
- Trans Fat: 0.55g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 9.45g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.23g
- Carbohydrates: 13.61g
- Fiber: 1.52g
- Sugar: 0.93g
- Protein: 49.64g
- Cholesterol: 145.37mg
- Sodium: 640.51mg
- Calcium: 270.63mg
- Potassium: 924.63mg
- Iron: 6.12mg
- Vitamin A: 88.79µg
- Vitamin C: 0.96mg
Expert Tip for Perfecting Your French Dip Sandwiches
When browning the chuck roast, make sure your pan is really hot before adding the meat. This will ensure a nice, deep brown crust that adds a lot of flavor to the final dish. Also, don't overcrowd the pan. If necessary, brown the roast in batches. Overcrowding can cause the meat to steam instead of sear, and you'll miss out on that rich, caramelized flavor.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Recipe
Prep ahead: Chop vegetables, measure ingredients, and prepare whatever you can in advance to streamline the cooking process.
Use pre-cut ingredients: Save time by using pre-cut vegetables or pre-sliced meat to cut down on prep work.
Slow cooker magic: Utilize a slow cooker to let the flavors meld together while you focus on other tasks.
Multi-task: While the dish is cooking, use the time to clean up or prepare other components of the meal.
Invest in kitchen gadgets: Consider using tools like a food processor or mandoline to speed up the prep work.
One-pot wonders: Opt for recipes that require minimal cleanup by cooking everything in one pot or pan.
Substitute Ingredients For Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches Recipe
Chuck roast - Substitute with brisket: Brisket is a flavorful cut of beef that can be used as a substitute for chuck roast in slow-cooked dishes. It has a rich, beefy flavor and tender texture when cooked low and slow.
Canola oil - Substitute with vegetable oil: Vegetable oil can be used as a substitute for canola oil in this recipe. It has a neutral flavor and high smoke point, making it suitable for cooking at higher temperatures.
Kosher salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a substitute for kosher salt. It provides a similar level of saltiness and can be used in the same quantity as kosher salt.
Black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper can be used as a substitute for black pepper in this recipe. It has a slightly different flavor profile but can provide a similar level of heat and spiciness.
Beef broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can be used as a substitute for beef broth in this recipe. It adds depth of flavor and richness to the dish.
Worcestershire sauce - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can be used as a substitute for Worcestershire sauce. It adds a savory, umami flavor to the dish.
Beer - Substitute with beef stock: Beef stock can be used as a substitute for beer in this recipe. It adds richness and depth of flavor to the dish.
Yellow onion - Substitute with white onion: White onion can be used as a substitute for yellow onion. It provides a similar flavor and texture when cooked.
Hoagie rolls - Substitute with ciabatta bread: Ciabatta bread can be used as a substitute for hoagie rolls. It has a chewy texture and works well for holding the filling of the sandwiches.
Butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can be used as a substitute for butter in this recipe. It adds a rich, fruity flavor to the dish.
Provolone cheese - Substitute with Swiss cheese: Swiss cheese can be used as a substitute for provolone cheese. It has a similar mild, nutty flavor and melts well when used in sandwiches.
Presenting Your French Dip Sandwiches
Elevate the plating: Arrange the French dip sandwiches on a large, elegant platter, ensuring each sandwich is neatly presented with the cheese perfectly melted and the bread lightly toasted.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle the platter with freshly chopped parsley or chives to add a pop of color and a touch of freshness to the dish.
Add a side of au jus: Serve the sandwiches with a small side of the flavorful au jus in individual ramekins for dipping, enhancing the visual appeal and providing an extra layer of flavor.
Use high-quality serving ware: Present the sandwiches on fine china or elegant serving platters to convey a sense of sophistication and attention to detail.
Incorporate edible flowers: Consider adding a few delicate edible flowers as a subtle yet visually stunning garnish, enhancing the overall presentation with a touch of elegance.
Create a symmetrical arrangement: Arrange the sandwiches in a visually appealing, symmetrical pattern on the platter, creating a sense of balance and harmony in the presentation.
Essential Tools for Making Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches
- Dutch oven: A heavy-duty pot with a tight-fitting lid, perfect for slow cooking and braising.
- Aluminum insert of the slow cooker: A removable insert that can be used on the stovetop for browning meat before slow cooking.
- Large skillet: Ideal for browning the chuck roast before transferring it to the slow cooker.
- Slow cooker: A convenient appliance for slow cooking the chuck roast to tender perfection.
- Sharp knife: Essential for slicing the cooked chuck roast into thick portions for the sandwiches.
- Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for slicing and preparing ingredients.
- Baking sheet: Used for toasting the hoagie rolls in the oven.
- Small bowl: For holding the liquid from the slow cooker used for dipping the sandwiches.
Storing and Freezing Your Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches
Here are the storing and freezing guidelines for slow cooker French dip sandwiches:
- Refrigerate leftover chuck roast in an airtight container for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the meat in a covered dish with a splash of beef broth and warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
- Store the leftover au jus (dipping liquid) separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat the au jus in a saucepan over medium heat until simmering before serving.
- To freeze the cooked chuck roast, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. Pour the cooled au jus over the meat to help prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Thaw the frozen chuck roast and au jus overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat the meat and au jus together in a covered dish in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or in a slow cooker on low for 2-3 hours.
- For best results, assemble the French dip sandwiches just before serving. Toasting the hoagie rolls and melting the provolone cheese on top of the reheated chuck roast will ensure a delicious, fresh-tasting sandwich.
How To Reheat Leftover French Dip Sandwiches
To reheat leftover slow cooker french dip sandwiches, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap each sandwich tightly in aluminum foil, making sure to seal the edges to prevent any juices from escaping. Place the wrapped sandwiches on a baking sheet and heat them in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are heated through and the cheese is melted.
Another option is to reheat the sandwiches in a skillet or on a griddle. Melt a small amount of butter in the skillet over medium heat. Place the sandwiches in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the bread is crispy and the filling is heated through. This method will give you a crispy exterior while keeping the inside of the sandwich moist and flavorful.
If you have leftover chuck roast and au jus separately, you can reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop. Slice the meat thinly and place it in a microwave-safe dish. Add a small amount of au jus to keep the meat moist. Cover the dish with a damp paper towel and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until the meat is heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat the meat and au jus in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
For a quick and easy lunch, you can also enjoy the leftover chuck roast cold. Slice the meat thinly and serve it on a bed of mixed greens with your favorite dressing. Add some sliced onions, tomatoes, and cheese for a delicious and satisfying salad.
If you have leftover hoagie rolls, you can refresh them by wrapping them in aluminum foil and placing them in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes. This will help to crisp up the exterior and soften the interior of the rolls, making them taste fresh again.
Interesting Trivia About French Dip Sandwiches
French dip sandwiches are believed to have originated in Los Angeles in the early 20th century. The sandwich is said to have been created by a local restaurant owner who accidentally dropped a French roll into a pan of beef drippings. This led to the creation of the French dip sandwich, which is now a popular dish enjoyed by many.
Is Making French Dip Sandwiches at Home Cost-Effective?
This slow cooker French dip sandwiches recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The chuck roast is a budget-friendly cut of meat, and the remaining ingredients are also reasonably priced. The use of a slow cooker also helps to tenderize the meat, making it a great option for a budget-friendly meal. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $25-$30. Overall Verdict: 9/10
Are Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches Healthy or Unhealthy?
This slow cooker French dip sandwich recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. The main concerns are:
- High saturated fat content from the chuck roast and provolone cheese
- Sodium levels from the salt, beef broth, and cheese
- Refined carbohydrates in the hoagie rolls
- Minimal vegetables or fiber
However, there are some ways to make this recipe healthier without sacrificing too much flavor.
Try using a leaner cut of beef, such as top round or sirloin, to reduce the saturated fat content. You can also trim any visible fat from the meat before cooking.
- Opt for low-sodium beef broth and reduce the amount of added salt to control sodium intake.
- Choose whole-grain hoagie rolls to increase fiber and nutrients.
- Add more vegetables to the slow cooker, such as sliced bell peppers or mushrooms, to boost the nutritional value and fiber content.
- Use a reduced-fat cheese or smaller amounts of regular cheese to decrease the saturated fat and sodium.
- Serve the sandwiches with a side salad or roasted vegetables to balance out the meal and add more vitamins and minerals.
Editor's Opinion on Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches
This slow cooker French dip sandwich recipe is a delightful combination of tender chuck roast, flavorful broth, and melted provolone cheese, all nestled in a toasted hoagie roll. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a succulent and savory dish. The addition of beer and Worcestershire sauce adds depth to the broth, enhancing the overall taste. The final step of dipping the sandwich in the flavorful liquid elevates the experience, making each bite a delicious adventure. It's a comforting and satisfying meal that is sure to be a hit with family and friends.
Enhance Your Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches Recipe:
This slow cooker French dip sandwich recipe is a must-try for all beef lovers. The chuck roast is seared to perfection, locking in its natural juices and flavors. The addition of beer and beef broth creates a rich and savory cooking liquid, infusing the meat with irresistible taste. The use of Worcestershire sauce adds depth and complexity to the dish. The slow cooking process ensures that the meat is tender and succulent, ready to be piled high onto toasted hoagie rolls and topped with gooey provolone cheese. This recipe promises a mouthwatering experience that will leave you craving more.
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