This Easy Crockpot French Dip is all about tender beef that cooks slowly with tasty seasonings. It’s perfect for a warm sandwich with melted cheese and yummy dipping sauce!
Best part? You can set it and forget it! I love coming home to a delicious smell and a meal ready to go. Just grab your favorite bread, and you’re all set for a comforting feast!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck Roast: This is the star of the dish! It becomes super tender when cooked low and slow. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you can use a brisket or round roast, but keep in mind that they might not be as juicy.
Onion: The sliced onion adds sweetness and depth. I find yellow onions work best, but red onions can be a colorful and tasty substitute if you prefer a milder flavor.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic fills the air with wonderful aroma. If you don’t have fresh garlic, garlic powder can work too. Just use about 1 teaspoon in the broth mix instead.
Beef Broth: It’s essential for flavor. If you’re low on beef broth, you can replace it with vegetable broth or even water, but you might want to add a bit more soy sauce for seasoning.
Hoagie Rolls: I like to use fresh French rolls. However, if you can’t find them, any crusty bread or even burger buns could work well!
How Do I Achieve Tender Shredded Beef?
The secret to tender shredded beef lies in the slow cooking process. By cooking on low heat for 8-10 hours, the collagen in the meat breaks down, making it fork-tender. Here’s how to do it:
- Make sure to season the meat well with salt and pepper before cooking.
- Layer onions and garlic at the bottom of the pot to prevent direct contact with the heat.
- Keep the crockpot covered throughout cooking to retain moisture and flavor.
- After cooking, let the beef rest for a few minutes before shredding to maintain juiciness.
Trust me, the patience will pay off with deliciously tender beef ready for your French Dip!
Easy Crockpot French Dip with Tender Beef
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef:
- 3 to 4 lb beef chuck roast
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
For the Cooking Liquid:
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 bay leaf
For Serving:
- 6-8 hoagie rolls or French rolls
- 8 slices provolone or Swiss cheese
- Butter, for toasting rolls
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare, with a cooking time of 8-10 hours on low in the crockpot. After cooking, you’ll spend another 5-10 minutes assembling the sandwiches. So, you’re looking at around 8-10 hours for cooking, plus prep time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Base:
Start by placing the sliced onions and minced garlic right at the bottom of your crockpot. This forms a flavorful bed for the beef to sit on and prevents it from burning.
2. Season and Place the Beef:
Next, take your beef chuck roast and generously sprinkle it with salt and pepper. Place it on top of the onions and garlic. This seasoning adds tons of flavor to the meat!
3. Mix the Cooking Liquid:
In a separate bowl, mix together the beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, black pepper, salt, and the bay leaf. Pour this flavorful mixture over the roast. This will keep your beef moist and packed with flavor while it cooks!
4. Cook It!
Now, cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 8-10 hours. The longer it cooks, the more tender it will get. You know it’s ready when the beef easily shreds with a fork!
5. Shred and Mix:
Once the cooking time is done, carefully take the beef out of the crockpot. Use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded beef to the crockpot and mix it into the yummy juices. It’s going to smell amazing!
6. Prepare the Rolls:
Preheat your oven’s broiler. Take your hoagie rolls and split them in half. Lightly butter the insides and lay them open on a baking sheet. This will make them crispy when broiled!
7. Assemble the Sandwiches:
Now, layer the shredded beef generously onto each roll and top with slices of provolone or Swiss cheese. Be as cheesy as you like!
8. Broil the Sandwiches:
Broil the sandwiches for about 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye on them until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This is the best part!
9. Serve and Dip:
Using a slotted spoon, pile some juicy beef and onions onto each toasted sandwich. Serve with small bowls of the warm broth (jus) from the crockpot for dipping. It’s messy, but so worth it!
10. Enjoy!
Dig into your deliciously tender and flavorful French Dip sandwiches. Each bite with the warm jus is pure comfort food bliss!
This slow-cooked method makes the beef melt-in-your-mouth tender and perfectly infused with savory flavors, ideal for a classic French Dip experience. Enjoy every bite!
FAQ for Easy Crockpot French Dip Recipe
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef?
Absolutely! While beef chuck roast is ideal for its tenderness, you can also use brisket or round roast. Just keep in mind that these cuts may not be quite as juicy as chuck roast but will still be delicious!
Can I Add Vegetables to the Recipe?
Yes! Feel free to add carrots, celery, or bell peppers to the crockpot for added flavor and nutrients. Make sure to chop them into larger pieces so they don’t overcook and become mushy.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftover beef can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the beef gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of broth to keep it moist.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! Prepare the beef and broth mixture the night before, then store it in the fridge. In the morning, just add it to the crockpot and set it to cook! The flavors will be even better!
