Slow cooker French dip sandwiches are the perfect easy weeknight dinner, or for serving on any given game day. Tender roast beef and onions served on a hearty bun with a side of au jus for dipping. What could be better?
If you're a regular here at Pass the Sushi you already know that I have been in full swing Fall mode since early September - which means apples, pumpkins, scarves, sweaters, boots (lots and lots of boots), soup, strews, casseroles, and the return of my favorite kitchen must-have equipment - my ever faithful slow-cooker.
If it wasn't weird, I'd hug it.
This year I have tons of new soups, stews and slow cooked goodness to scratch off the list this year - and the best part is - I can do these on the nights I work late! (Cheer with me!) I love that. Coming home to a house filled with amazing smells and a boyfriend curled in the fetal position trying to hard not to sneak bites is the best thing in the world. Kick off the shoes, grab a bowl and call it a night.
One to start with is this slow cooker French dip sandwich.
I wanted to see if it were possible to create a French dip as good as my previous attempt this year with half of the work.
It wasn't as good by any stretch of the imagination. All the work that went into that last one was amazingly worth it. But these little sandwiches are still good - especially for the work you won't put into them.
Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches
from Southern Cooking Slow-Cooker Cookbook
Ingredients:
1 (3 to 4 pound) boneless chuck roast, trimmed and cut in half (I used a venison roast I had on hand- ½ cup soy sauce
- 1 beef bouillon cube
- 1 bay leaf
- 3 to 4 peppercorns, crushed
- ¾ teas dried rosemary, crushed
- 1 teas dried thyme
- 1 teas garlic powder
- 12 French sandwich rolls
Preparation:
Place roast in a 5-quart slow cooker. Combine soy sauce and next 6 ingredients; pour over roast. Add water to slow cookeruntil roast is almost covered.
Cover and cook on Low for 7 hours or until very tender. Remove roast, reserving broth; shred with 2 forks. Place shredded meat evenly in rolls and serve with reserved broth for dipping.
** I toasted our rolls to make them hold up a bit better against the dipping. I topped our sandwiches with sliced provolone cheese and picked onions.
Jess says
I LOVE my slow cooker. I work early (today I started at 5, but usually I don't start until 6:30), so I love being able to throw everything together before I go to work and have it warm and waiting for me when I get home. My husband LOVES french dip sandwiches, so I can't wait to try this!
nicole says
i need to dust off my slow cooker. can't wait for all your slower cooker recipes.
Blog is the New Black says
Love french dips! First tried them last year... must make again!
amanda @ fake ginger says
Yummy yummy! I made my first French dip (in the crock) this past summer and I'm dying for it to get cold so I can start making them again! I need to try a non-crockpot version though.
Yuri - Chef Pandita says
I really need to get a slow cooker! Been on my wishlist for a while now. This post is making me hungry... Great photos, Kita!
Parsley Sage says
Crock pots are the savior of working foodies everywhere. This sammich looks sinfully delicious. However, seeing this did make my eye twitch a little. On Monday, we came home to a destroyed crock pot after the dogs had pulled it off...the...counter. *tear*
Tina@flourtrader says
Slow cooked meats are awesome in the crockpot-roast beef is one of my favorites. It does make for a wonderful sandwich-yum!
Kelly says
Ok I just pulled this up and my boyfriend is literally salivating at this recipe, guess I'm making this soon!! Looks delicious Kita!! 🙂
RavieNomNoms says
Kita looks great! I love crock-pot recipes! With how busy I am in my life I am always so happy to have something that I can just let it do its "own thing" and then come home to a house smelling like I cooked all day. These sandwiches look SO yummy!
Cassie l Bake Your Day says
My slowcooker stays stocked away during the summer but it has regained it's spot on the counter since the first of September too. I will try these, I love french dips!
Dionne Baldwin says
Slow cookers are like magical cauldrons that tempt and tease me with their aromas! I love it. I have never made a sandwich out of the slow cooker before, but I think I should start!
Kimmi says
winner winner slow cooker dinner!
ping says
Phew. What a relief to know I'm not the only one who feels like hugging her slow cooker. I've recently been mourning ... found a teeny crack at the base. Gotta find another and replace ol faithful. So sad.
This looks wonderful! Comfort food ... funny how slow cookers always produce comfort food.
Erin @ Dinners, Dishes and Desserts says
Love the slow cooker! Wish I had more recipes that were really good in it. Looking forward to other recipes you come up with!
Eliot says
I need to dust off the old slow cooker and try this!
Stephanie @ Eat. Drink. Love. says
We love french dip sandwiches, but I've never tried cooking the meat in the slow cooker! I bet it's so tender and perfect!
Ann says
I am right along with you, Kita! I don't think it's weird to hug your slow cooker...they are AMAZING...like this sandwich!
Lindsey@Lindselicious says
Oh I love my slow cooker too, but I also love french dip sandwiches. This would totally be a great thing to make and have people over to eat!
Nami | Just One Cookbook says
My first summer after starting blogging I bought an ice cream maker. Now this first winter... I want to buy slow cooker!!!! So many great recipes including THIS one! I have no space to store (leave it on the counter all the time?) and I'm a stay at home mom (who stay home pretty long time so no need of excuse to let it cook).... still I want one! lol. I'll think about it... Kita, I enjoy your autumn posts!
Emily @ Life on Food says
I have never seen a slow cooker recipe like this but I am so glad I found one now. This looks great. My husband will love the beef. I love the one pot dinner with lots of leftovers.
JulieD says
Oooh, these sound and look so good! I absolutely love slow cooker recipes!
Lindsey @ Gingerbread Bagels says
I LOVE french dips and haven't had one in so long. Yours look amazing.
And I say go ahead and hug your slow cooker! I love mine! 🙂
Susie says
These look good.... I use my crock pot quite a bit but I swear I make the same things all the time which usually includes pork. 🙂 The flavors in these sound fantastic I will have to give them a try.
Kristen says
I am all about slow cookers during the busy school year. I know just how you feel about hugging it ;-). Great looking sandwiches!!
Tori @ The Shiksa in the Kitchen says
I haven't had a French dip in years! Yummy!
Eating Deliciously says
Love the sandwich basket! I am a big fan of using the slow cooker and this recipe sounds great. Thanks for sharing.
Rachel says
Your blog is so cute! Thanks for your sweet comment on mine 🙂 I'm glad I could help you with your Christmas list! I'm a bif fan of slow cooker cooking in the fall, too, and these sandwiches look great. I'll have to give them a try!
Eileen Spiegel says
I made these last night. I toasted some crusty rolls, melted provolone on the rolls and served with the dipping sauce. The meat was so tender and juicy! We loved it. In the summer I plug my slow cooker in on the back porch and leave it on while I'm at work. The house stays cool and I'm sure my nieghbors appreciate the delicious aromas. You must try this recipe!