Crockpot French Dip Sandwich Recipe 🥪
Try this classic Crockpot French Dip Sandwich recipe for busy nights or lazy weekends. Slow-cooked beef roast with au jus and Italian dressing mix, served on hoagie buns with melted Provolone cheese. Leftover broth makes a tasty dipping sauce.
Ingredients:
5 pounds top or bottom round beef roast (boneless chuck roast)
2 ounces au jus mix (2 packages)
1.4 ounces Italian dressing mix (2 packages)
32 ounces beef broth (1 Tetra Pak)
8 hoagie buns
8 slices Provolone cheese
Recommended Equipment:
Crockpot
Directions:
Prep the Crockpot: Start by spraying the crockpot with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
Layer the Beef Roast: Place the beef roast into the crockpot, ensuring it sits evenly.
Season with Flavor: Sprinkle the au jus mix and Italian dressing mix evenly over the beef roast, covering it with irresistible flavor.
Add the Beef Broth: Pour the beef broth over the seasoned roast, allowing it to seep into every nook and cranny.
Slow-Cook to Perfection: Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender and infused with mouthwatering goodness.
Prepare the Dipping Sauce: Once cooked, carefully remove the roast from the crockpot and strain the broth into a bowl. This flavorful broth will serve as the perfect dipping sauce for your sandwiches.
Slice and Assemble: Using a sharp knife, slice the roast beef into thin, succulent slices. Layer the slices onto hoagie buns and top each sandwich with a slice of Provolone cheese for that perfect melty finish.
Warm and Serve: Wrap the assembled sandwiches and place them in the oven at 400°F for 10 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Unwrap and Enjoy: Remove the sandwiches from the oven, unwrap them, and get ready to indulge in pure culinary delight. Serve alongside the reserved broth for dipping, and savor each savory bite!
Serving and Storage Tips:
Serve with Style: Present your Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches with a touch of elegance by pairing them with a side of crispy fries, a fresh green salad, or pickled vegetables. The contrast of textures and flavors will elevate your meal to new heights.
Garnish with Freshness: For an extra burst of flavor and visual appeal, consider garnishing your sandwiches with sliced tomatoes, crisp lettuce, or tangy pickles. These fresh additions not only enhance the presentation but also add a refreshing element to each bite.
Dip with Delight: Don’t forget to serve the leftover broth alongside your sandwiches for dipping. The rich, savory flavors of the au jus make for an irresistible accompaniment that takes your dining experience to the next level.
Customize to Taste: Feel free to customize your sandwiches to suit your preferences. Add a kick of heat with sliced jalapeños, a smear of horseradish sauce, or a dollop of tangy mustard. Let your creativity shine and make each sandwich uniquely yours.
Storage Solutions: If you happen to have leftovers (although they might be rare with such a delicious dish!), store any remaining roast beef and broth separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The beef can be reheated gently in the microwave or oven, while the broth can be gently heated on the stovetop for future dipping.
Freeze for Later: To prolong the enjoyment of your Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches, consider freezing individual portions for later consumption. Wrap each sandwich tightly in plastic wrap and foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be thawed in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for a quick and satisfying meal on busy days.
With these serving and storage tips, you can make the most of your Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches, ensuring they’re enjoyed to the fullest extent possible, whether you’re savoring them fresh or saving them for later indulgence. Bon appétit!
Variations:
Cheesy Upgrade: Take your sandwiches to the next level by experimenting with different types of cheese. Swap out the Provolone for creamy Swiss, sharp cheddar, or smoky Gouda for a deliciously cheesy twist that adds depth of flavor to every bite.
Herbaceous Infusion: Infuse your roast beef with aromatic herbs and spices to elevate its flavor profile. Add fresh rosemary, thyme, or garlic cloves to the crockpot before cooking to impart a fragrant and savory essence to the meat.
Bold and Spicy: For those who crave a bit of heat, kick up the heat by incorporating spicy elements into your sandwiches. Mix crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce into the au jus mixture for a fiery kick, or layer on sliced pickled jalapeños or banana peppers for an extra punch of flavor.
Vegetarian Twist: Embrace a meatless option by substituting the beef roast with tender portobello mushrooms or thinly sliced seitan. Marinate the mushrooms or seitan in a blend of soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, and herbs before slow-cooking to ensure maximum flavor and tenderness.
Asian Fusion: Put a creative spin on the classic French Dip Sandwich by infusing it with Asian-inspired flavors. Substitute the au jus mix with a combination of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, and serve the sandwiches on crusty baguettes with a drizzle of hoisin sauce and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a delicious fusion of cuisines.
Tex-Mex Twist: Give your sandwiches a Tex-Mex flair by incorporating bold flavors and vibrant ingredients. Season the beef roast with taco seasoning mix before slow-cooking, and serve the sandwiches on toasted bolillo rolls with sliced avocado, pickled red onions, and a dollop of spicy chipotle mayo for a deliciously satisfying meal with a Southwestern twist.
By exploring these variations, you can customize your Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches to suit your taste preferences and culinary creativity, ensuring each bite is a delightful and unique experience. Enjoy experimenting and discovering new flavor combinations that will tantalize your taste buds!