Ingredients
Meat and Broth
- 2½ to 3 pounds beef chuck roast
- 2 (14.5-ounce) cans beef broth
- 2 cups water
Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground pepper, to taste
- 2 (1-ounce) packages dry onion soup mix
For Serving
- 6-8 crusty rolls (ciabatta recommended)
- 6-8 slices Swiss or provolone cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the meat: Pat the beef chuck roast dry with paper towels and season all sides generously with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to enhance flavor.
- Sear the roast: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the roast on all sides until nicely browned, about 4-5 minutes per side. This step locks in juices and develops deep flavor.
- Add to slow cooker: Transfer the seared roast to the slow cooker. Sprinkle the dry onion soup mix over the top evenly.
- Add liquids: Pour the beef broth and water into the slow cooker around the roast, ensuring the meat is partially submerged to keep it moist during cooking.
- Slow cook: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or until the beef is tender and easily shredded.
- Shred the beef: Remove the roast from the slow cooker carefully and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker to soak up more juices.
- Prepare sandwiches: Slice the crusty rolls and layer generously with shredded beef. Top each sandwich with a slice of Swiss or provolone cheese.
- Melt the cheese: Place assembled sandwiches on a baking sheet and broil in the oven for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve with au jus: Ladle some of the savory cooking liquid from the slow cooker into small bowls as a dipping sauce (au jus) for the sandwiches.
- Enjoy: Serve the hot French Dip sandwiches immediately for a delicious, comforting meal.
Notes
- Using a chuck roast is ideal because it becomes tender and flavorful when slow-cooked.
- If you prefer a thicker au jus, you can reduce some of the cooking liquid on the stove after slow cooking.
- Feel free to substitute mozzarella cheese for a milder flavor.
- For crispier rolls, toast them lightly before assembling the sandwiches.
- Leftover beef makes great tacos or salads the next day.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American