This Easy Crockpot French Dip Sandwich is a warm and hearty treat! Just toss some beef, spices, and broth into the crockpot, and let it work its magic while you relax.
The best part? The delicious, juicy beef and melty cheese create a sandwich that’s hard to resist. I love dipping mine in the tasty broth—it’s like a flavor adventure in every bite! 🥪
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck Roast: This cut is perfect for slow cooking because it becomes tender while cooking. If you’re looking for a leaner option, consider eye of round or brisket. However, these may require slightly less cooking time.
Onion: I love using yellow onions for their sweetness. If you’re not a fan, try shallots for a milder taste or even red onions for a bit of color. They all add great flavor to the dish.
Beef Broth: Homemade is great, but store-bought works well too. If you need a lighter option, low-sodium broth can help control your salt intake. You could also use vegetable broth for a beefy flavor without meat.
Cheese: Provolone and Swiss are classic choices, but feel free to swap in mozzarella or cheddar if you prefer. For a bolder flavor, pepper jack adds a nice kick!
How Do I Achieve the Best Flavor with Searing?
Searing the beef adds an incredible depth of flavor to the dish. If you choose to do this step, ensure your skillet is hot enough before placing the meat in. Here’s a quick guide:
- Heat oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Add the beef and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until a brown crust forms.
- Remove the beef and proceed with the recipe as directed.
Even if you skip this step, the crockpot will still yield delicious results!
How Can I Keep the Beef Moist?
Keeping the shredded beef moist after cooking is essential for tender sandwiches. Here are a few tips:
- After shredding, stir the beef back into the juices in the crockpot.
- If it’s too dry, add a little more beef broth and mix well.
- Assemble the sandwiches and enjoy them immediately after broiling for the best experience!
Easy Crockpot French Dip Sandwich
Ingredients:
- 3 to 4 pounds beef chuck roast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 4 to 6 hoagie or French rolls
- 8 slices provolone or Swiss cheese
- Optional: 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
Time Needed:
This recipe requires about 15 minutes for preparation and then 4 to 8 hours for cooking in the crockpot, depending on your chosen temperature setting. Plan for an additional 5 minutes to broil the sandwiches before serving.
Instructions:
1. Season the Beef:
First, take the beef chuck roast and sprinkle it with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Make sure it’s evenly coated for great flavor!
2. Optional Searing:
If you want to boost the flavor, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the roast for about 3-4 minutes on each side until it gets a nice brown color. This step is optional but adds depth to the taste.
3. Prepare the Crockpot:
Place the sliced onions at the bottom of the crockpot. Then, lay the seasoned roast right on top of the onions. This will give the beef extra flavor as it cooks.
4. Add Liquids:
Next, pour the beef broth and soy sauce (or Worcestershire sauce) over the roast. These ingredients will help keep the meat moist and flavorful.
5. Cook the Roast:
Cover the crockpot and let it cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours. The beef is ready when it’s super tender and shreds easily with a fork.
6. Shred the Beef:
Once done, take the roast out of the crockpot. Use two forks to shred the beef. It’ll be steaming and delicious!
7. Mix in the Juices:
Put the shredded beef back into the crockpot and stir it into the cooking juices. This will keep it moist and packed with flavor.
8. Preheat the Broiler:
While you get ready to serve, preheat your oven’s broiler. This will make the cheese melt perfectly!
9. Assemble the Sandwiches:
Slice the hoagie rolls in half and load up the bottom half with the juicy shredded beef.
10. Add Cheese:
Top the beef generously with slices of provolone or Swiss cheese. You can add extra if you love cheese!
11. Broil the Sandwiches:
Place the assembled sandwiches on a baking sheet and put them under the broiler for about 2-3 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
12. Serve with Broth:
Enjoy your sandwiches hot with a cup of the warm beef broth from the crockpot for dipping. It makes every bite even more delicious!
Enjoy these easy, flavorful French Dip sandwiches perfect for a cozy meal!
FAQ about Easy Crockpot French Dip Sandwich
Can I Use Frozen Beef for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen beef, but it’s best to thaw it first. The easiest way is to leave it in the fridge overnight. If you’re in a hurry, you can use the cold water method: seal the beef in a plastic bag and submerge it in cold water until thawed.
What Can I Use Instead of Beef Broth?
No beef broth? No problem! Vegetable broth can be used as a substitute for a lighter flavor. If you have dark chicken broth, that works too. Just keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the shredded beef in the cooking juices for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge before reheating!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare everything in the crockpot the night before and let it cook on low during the day. Just reheat the shredded beef when you’re ready to assemble the sandwiches in the evening.
