These Easy Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches are a tasty treat! With juicy beef slowly cooked in savory broth, you’ll have delicious sandwiches ready to enjoy anytime!
Honestly, who doesn’t love a hearty meal that cooks while you do other things? Just pop everything in the crockpot and let it work its magic. Perfect for game day or a cozy dinner! 🍖🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck Roast: This cut is perfect for slow cooking because it becomes tender and flavorful. If you can’t find chuck roast, you can use bottom round or sirloin, but keep in mind they might be leaner.
Beef Broth: Store-bought broth is convenient, but homemade adds extra depth. You could use vegetable broth for a lighter flavor or even chicken broth in a pinch.
Onion Soup Mix: This mix adds great flavor. If you don’t have it, you can create a homemade blend using dried onion flakes, bouillon, and spices. Just adjust to your taste preferences!
Hoagie Rolls: Any sturdy sandwich bun works! Substituting with whole-grain rolls or gluten-free options can make it healthier or accommodate dietary needs. I love using crusty baguettes or ciabatta for extra crunch!
What’s the Best Way to Sear Beef for Extra Flavor?
Searing the beef before putting it in the crockpot adds a wonderful depth of flavor. Here’s how to do it right:
- Make sure your skillet is hot before adding oil. You want a nice sear, not a steam.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan, as this can cause the meat to steam instead of brown. If you have a big roast, cut it in half for better results.
- Let it cook undisturbed for a few minutes on each side until you see a rich brown crust. This is the key to flavor!
Just remember, while searing is great, you can skip it if you’re in a rush. The crockpot will still produce delicious results!
How to Make Easy Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 lbs beef chuck roast
- 1 (10.5 oz) can beef broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 (1 oz) packet onion soup mix
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4-6 hoagie rolls or French sandwich buns
- 8-12 slices provolone or Swiss cheese
- Optional: sliced caramelized onions or sautéed mushrooms
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes of prep time, and you’ll need to let the flavors combine in the crockpot for 8-10 hours on low (or 4-5 hours on high). The cooking process does most of the work for you, leaving you free to enjoy your day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sear the Beef:
Start by heating the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully place the beef chuck roast in the skillet and sear it on all sides until it’s nicely browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. This step helps lock in flavor, but if you’re short on time, you can skip it.
2. Prepare the Crockpot:
After searing, place the roast in the crockpot. In a separate bowl, mix together the beef broth, water, onion soup mix, minced garlic, dried thyme, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well so everything is combined.
3. Cook the Beef:
Pour the broth mixture over the roast in the crockpot. Cover it with the lid and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the beef is super tender and shreds easily.
4. Shred the Beef:
Once the beef has finished cooking, carefully take it out of the crockpot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded beef back to the pot, allowing it to soak in the delicious juices for extra flavor.
5. Broil the Sandwiches:
Preheat your oven broiler. Split the hoagie rolls open and fill each with a generous portion of shredded beef. Top with slices of provolone or Swiss cheese and place them on a baking sheet.
6. Melt the Cheese:
Broil the sandwiches in the oven for about 2-3 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep a close eye on them to avoid burning!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the sandwiches hot with a small bowl of the cooking juices from the crockpot—this is your flavorful au jus for dipping! You can add optional toppings like caramelized onions or sautéed mushrooms if you desire.
Enjoy your delicious Easy Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches! They’re a hit for gatherings or a cozy night in.
FAQ for Easy Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches
Can I Use Frozen Beef for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen beef, but make sure it’s fully thawed before cooking. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Never cook frozen beef in the crockpot as it may not reach safe temperatures quickly enough.
What Can I Substitute for Onion Soup Mix?
If you don’t have onion soup mix, you can easily make a substitute using 1 tablespoon of dried onion flakes, 1 teaspoon of beef bouillon, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Adjust the amounts to suit your taste!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the beef gently in the microwave or on the stove, adding a bit of broth to keep it moist. You can also freeze leftovers for up to 3 months!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the crockpot the night before and set it to cook in the morning, or you can cook it a day in advance and reheat the beef just before serving. The flavors will only improve!
