Ingredients
Olive oil for searing the beef and sealing in flavor: choose a good quality extra virgin oil for richness
Beef chuck roast as the star protein: look for well-marbled meat for tenderness and taste
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to season and enhance the beef’s natural flavors
Dry onion soup mix adds savory depth and a touch of sweetness: check the label for no added MSG if preferred
Water to help build the cooking liquid while keeping beef moist
Beef broth for a rich base to the au jus: try Better-than-Bouillon for an extra savory punch
Swiss or provolone cheese melts wonderfully over the beef: pick slices that are thick enough to create that gooey texture
Crusty rolls such as ciabatta or hoagie bread provide the perfect sturdy vessel to hold all the goodness without getting soggy fast
Step-by-Step Instructions
Sear the Beef:
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the beef generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Place the roast in the pan and sear on all sides until a golden-brown crust forms, about 1 to 2 minutes per side. This step locks in juices and builds flavor.
Transfer to Crockpot:
Move the browned beef along with all pan drippings into the slow cooker, which will serve as your cooking pot and flavor base.
Add Seasoning and Liquids:
Sprinkle the dry onion soup mix evenly over the roast. Pour in the water and beef broth. These help keep the meat moist and create the savory au jus for dipping later.
Slow Cook the Roast:
Cover and cook on HIGH for 4 to 6 hours or LOW for 8 to 10 hours. The longer cooking time on low results in tender beef that shreds with ease, perfect for sandwiches.
Shred the Beef:
Remove the beef from the crockpot and use two forks to shred it finely. The meat should be juicy and tender enough to almost fall apart naturally.
Assemble the Sandwiches:
Pile the shredded beef onto the sliced crusty rolls. Top each with a slice of Swiss or provolone cheese.
Melt the Cheese:
Place assembled sandwiches under the broiler for just a couple of minutes until the cheese melts and the rolls toast slightly to add crunch and warmth.
Serve with Au Jus:
Ladle the slow cooker juices into small bowls for dipping. The beefy broth enhances every bite and keeps the sandwiches wonderfully moist.
A plate of sandwiches with a bowl of sauce.
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A plate of sandwiches with a bowl of sauce. | gracefulflavors.com
You Must Know
High in protein to keep you full and satisfied
The au jus doubles as a flavorful dip that enhances the sandwich experience
This recipe can easily be doubled to feed a larger crowd or save leftovers
One of my favorite moments is watching everyone gather around with their dipping bowls full while the melty cheese stretches from the bread. It truly turns dinner into a communal event full of smiles and second servings.
Storage Tips
Store leftover shredded beef and au jus separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of broth to keep it moist. For longer storage, freeze the beef and broth in separate freezer bags for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you cannot find dry onion soup mix, substitute with 1 tablespoon onion powder mixed with 1 teaspoon celery seed and a pinch of dried thyme. Ground beef broth concentrate can replace canned broth for more convenience. You can also swap the chuck roast for brisket or rump roast, but cooking times may vary slightly.
Serving Suggestions
Classic coleslaw or a crisp green salad complements the richness of the beef sandwich well. Serve with kettle chips or crispy fries to complete the meal. For a more indulgent twist, add sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions on top of the meat before melting the cheese.
Cultural Context
French dip sandwiches are believed to have originated in Los Angeles in the early 1900s, with competing restaurants both claiming to have invented the sandwich. Traditionally featuring thinly sliced roast beef and au jus, this recipe honors that classic preparation while simplifying the process through the slow cooker method to suit busy home cooks.
A plate of sandwiches with meat and cheese.
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A plate of sandwiches with meat and cheese. |
