Description
A hearty and juicy French dip sandwich featuring tender slow-cooked beef chuck roast served on toasted rolls with a rich, flavorful au jus for dipping. Easy to prepare with simple ingredients and perfect for casual dinners.
Ingredients
- 3–4 lbs beef chuck roast
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, sliced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups beef broth (low-sodium recommended)
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- 6–8 French rolls or hoagie buns
- Butter (optional, for toasting buns)
Instructions
- Pat beef chuck roast dry and season all sides generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Sear the roast on all sides until a deep brown crust forms, about 4-5 minutes per side.
- Slice the onion and mince the garlic; place them at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Place the seared roast on top of the onions and garlic in the slow cooker.
- Pour in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and add the bay leaf.
- Ensure the broth comes about halfway up the sides of the roast; add more broth or water if needed.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until beef is fork-tender.
- Remove beef to a cutting board and tent with foil; skim fat from cooking liquid if desired.
- Pour broth into a saucepan and simmer over medium heat for 10-15 minutes to concentrate flavors; season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Slice beef thinly against the grain.
- Butter and toast the French rolls until golden and crispy.
- Assemble sandwiches by piling sliced beef on toasted buns and serve immediately with warm au jus for dipping.
Notes
Searing the beef is essential for flavor and juiciness. Use tongs to handle the meat to avoid piercing and losing juices. Skim fat from the au jus for a cleaner broth. Toast buns with butter to prevent sogginess. For gluten-free, use gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps and ensure Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free. The au jus can be made ahead and reheated. Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich with au j
- Calories: 0.45
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 700
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 35
Keywords: French dip, au jus, slow cooker, beef sandwich, savory, easy dinner, comfort food