Ingredients
Beef and Cooking Base
- 3 lb beef chuck roast (trimmed of excess fat)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/3 cup reduced sodium soy sauce
- 1 cup Coke (NOT diet)
- 2 (10.5 oz) cans beef consommé
- 1/4 cup dried minced onions
- 1 tablespoon beef bouillon
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
Assembly
- 6 French rolls or hoagie buns
- 12 slices provolone cheese
Instructions
- Sear the Roast: Heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat in a cast iron skillet. Using two forks or tongs to hold the roast, sear on all sides until lightly browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. This step seals in flavor and adds a rich crust to the meat.
- Prepare for Slow Cooking: Transfer the seared roast to the slow cooker. Add soy sauce, Coke, beef consommé, dried minced onions, beef bouillon, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, pepper, thyme, and bay leaf to the slow cooker, spreading evenly over the roast.
- Slow Cook the Roast: Cook on LOW for 4 hours. After this initial cooking, remove the roast to a cutting board and thinly slice it against the grain. Place the sliced meat back into the slow cooker and continue cooking on LOW for an additional 1-2 hours to allow flavors to fully develop and the meat to become incredibly tender.
- Prepare the Au Jus: When ready to serve, remove the roast from the slow cooker. Strain the cooking liquid to remove excess fat and solids, reserving the flavorful broth for dipping the sandwiches.
- Assemble and Bake Sandwiches: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Split the French rolls or hoagie buns and place the bottoms on a baking tray. Top each with a generous portion of sliced beef, then layer with two slices of provolone cheese. Bake in the oven until the cheese is fully melted and the sandwiches are hot, about 8-10 minutes.
- Serve: Serve the sandwiches hot with the reserved au jus on the side for dipping, enhancing each bite with savory, flavorful broth.
Notes
- For best flavor, sear the roast before slow cooking to develop a rich crust.
- If preferred, you can use beef broth instead of beef consommé, but consommé provides a more concentrated flavor.
- Use regular Coca-Cola, not diet, to get the right sweetness and caramelization.
- Make sure to slice the roast thinly against the grain to maximize tenderness.
- Au jus can be reheated and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Optionally, add sautéed onions or peppers in the sandwich for extra flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Sandwiches
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American