This Easy Crockpot French Dip features tender, flavorful beef slow-cooked to perfection. With yummy broth and melted cheese, it’s a treat for your taste buds!
Who doesn’t love beef that practically falls apart? I like to pile high on a crusty roll with gooey cheese. Perfect for game day or a cozy night in! 🥖😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck Roast: A chuck roast is ideal because it has enough fat to stay juicy during cooking. If you prefer a leaner cut, try sirloin or round roast, but remember they might not be as juicy.
Onion: Sweet onions add a lovely flavor. If you don’t have one, yellow onions work well too. For a bit of spice, red onions are a nice substitute.
Beef Broth: Use low-sodium beef broth for better control over saltiness. If you’re vegetarian, mushroom broth adds depth. You can also use water with bouillon cubes.
French Rolls: Fresh French rolls are the go-to, but a baguette or ciabatta can give a tasty twist. Gluten-free rolls are a good option if you prefer gluten-free bread.
Cheese: Provolone is my favorite for its melting quality. If you prefer a different flavor, try mozzarella or even pepper jack for a bit of heat.
How Do I Get the Beef Extra Tender?
To achieve tender beef, the key is low, slow cooking. This allows the collagen in the meat to break down, resulting in juicy, fork-tender shreds.
- For best results, sear the beef on all sides to lock in flavor before adding it to the crockpot.
- Cooking on low heat for 8 hours is ideal for tenderness, but if you’re in a hurry, high heat for 4-5 hours also does the trick.
- Let the meat rest for a few minutes after cooking to retain its juices before shredding.
Easy Crockpot French Dip Recipe for Tender Beef
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef:
- 3 to 4 pounds beef chuck roast
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Flavor Base:
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
For the Broth:
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt to taste
For Serving:
- French rolls or baguette
- Provolone or Swiss cheese slices
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus 8 hours of cooking on low or 4-5 hours on high in the crockpot. It’s a perfect set-it-and-forget-it meal that you’ll love coming home to!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sear the Beef:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season your beef chuck roast with salt and pepper. Sear the roast on all sides until it’s nicely browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. This adds great flavor! Once seared, transfer it to the slow cooker.
2. Sauté the Onions and Garlic:
In the same skillet, add your sliced onions and sauté them until they’re soft and slightly caramelized, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, just until fragrant. Pour this mixture over the roast in the crockpot.
3. Mix the Broth:
In a bowl, combine the beef broth, water, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, rosemary, black pepper, and the bay leaf. Pour this flavorful liquid all over the roast in the crockpot.
4. Cook the Beef:
Cover your crockpot and cook on low for about 8 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours, until the beef is very tender and can easily be shredded with a fork.
5. Shred the Beef:
Once cooked, remove the beef from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. Discard the bay leaf and skim off any excess fat from the cooking liquid. Keep the broth warm for dipping.
6. Assemble the Sandwiches:
To put together your sandwiches, place a generous amount of shredded beef on the bottom half of each French roll. Top it off with a slice of provolone or Swiss cheese, then place them under the broiler for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve!
Enjoy your sandwiches hot, with a small bowl of the warm beef broth (au jus) on the side for dipping. It’s a delicious, hearty meal that’s sure to please!
Bon appétit!
FAQ for Easy Crockpot French Dip Recipe
Can I Use a Different Type of Beef?
Absolutely! While chuck roast is ideal for its marbling and tenderness, you can also use brisket or round roast. Just keep in mind that leaner cuts may require less cooking time to avoid drying out.
How Do I Store Leftover Beef?
Store any leftover beef and broth in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave. You can also freeze the shredded beef for up to 3 months; just thaw it in the fridge before reheating!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep the ingredients the night before! Simply sear the beef and sauté the onions and garlic, then store everything in the fridge overnight. In the morning, just combine everything in the crockpot and let it cook.
What Can I Serve with French Dip Sandwiches?
French dip sandwiches pair well with a variety of sides! Consider serving them with crispy fries, a fresh salad, or even a side of roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
