Description
These Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches feature tender, slow-cooked beef chuck roast simmered in a rich broth made from beef consommé, French onion soup, beer, and aromatic spices. The beef is seared, then slow-cooked to perfection until juicy and flavorful. Served on toasted French rolls with melted provolone cheese, these sandwiches are perfect for a comforting meal paired with the savory dipping jus.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef and Sauce
- 3 lb beef chuck roast – trimmed of excess fat (or round beef roast)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 (10.5 oz) can beef consommé
- 2 (10.5 oz) cans French onion soup
- 1 (12 oz) bottle beer (non-alcoholic optional)
- 10 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon dark molasses
- ½ tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1½ tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 3 bay leaves
For the Sandwiches
- 8 French rolls or hoagie buns
- 12 slices provolone cheese
- 2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley
- French fried onions (optional)
Instructions
- Heat Olive Oil: Add olive oil to a large nonstick skillet and heat over medium heat until shimmering, preparing to sear the beef.
- Sear Beef: Place the beef chuck roast in the hot skillet and sear on all sides until lightly golden brown, about 1-2 minutes per side. This seals in flavor.
- Transfer to Slow Cooker and Add Sauce Ingredients: Using tongs, carefully transfer the seared beef to the slow cooker. Add beef consommé, French onion soups, beer, minced garlic, dark molasses, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, thyme, salt, pepper, and bay leaves. Stir gently to combine the liquids and spices around the roast.
- Cook the Beef (Round Roast Option): Cook on low heat for 8 hours, turning the beef halfway through the cooking time at 4 hours for even cooking. After 8 hours, shred the beef into the sauce and continue cooking on low for an additional hour to enrich the flavor.
- Cook the Beef (Chuck Roast Option): Cook on low for 8 hours. Once done, thinly slice or shred the beef. Return the sliced meat to the slow cooker and cook on low for 2 more hours to soak up the sauce.
- Store Leftovers: Place any leftover beef in an airtight container with remaining sauce to prevent drying. Refrigerate for 4-6 days.
- Prepare Sandwiches: When ready to serve, remove beef from slow cooker with a ladle and strain sauce through a fine mesh strainer into a large container for dipping.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Assemble Sandwiches: Split French rolls horizontally and place them open-faced on a baking tray. Pile each half with warm beef, then top with 2 slices of provolone cheese.
- Bake: Bake sandwiches in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Finish Sandwiches: Remove sandwiches from the oven, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley, and add French fried onions if desired. Close sandwiches.
- Serve: Serve immediately with the warm strained dipping jus on the side. Enjoy your delicious French Dip sandwiches!
Notes
- For the round roast, turning the beef halfway through helps even cooking and tenderness.
- Shredding the beef after cooking allows it to soak more sauce and adds to juiciness.
- French fried onions add extra crunch and flavor but are optional.
- Any leftover beef and sauce can be refrigerated and reheated gently for up to 6 days.
- You can use non-alcoholic beer if desired without impacting the flavor greatly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: French Dip Sandwiches, Slow Cooker Beef, Beef Sandwich, Comfort Food, Easy Slow Cooker Recipe
