Savory Slow-Cooked French Dip Roast Beef
Indulge in the rich flavors of tender, slow-cooked beef roast with this delectable French Dip recipe. Perfect for effortlessly impressing guests or enjoying a comforting family meal, this recipe utilizes cheaper cuts of meat that become melt-in-your-mouth delicious with minimal effort. Paired with a savory, aromatic au jus that captures the essence of the roast, this dish can be served as a hearty sandwich on fresh French rolls or as a standalone meal. For an added nutritional boost, consider tossing in potatoes and carrots for a complete one-dish meal. If you're mindful of your sodium intake, opting for lite soy sauce does not compromise the flavor, ensuring that everyone can enjoy this succulent feast.
12
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Boneless chuck roast
3.5-4 lbs (trimmed of excess fat)
Soy sauce
1/2 cup (low sodium if desired)
Beef bouillon cube
1 (crumbled)
Bay leaf
1 (whole)
Peppercorns
3-4 (whole)
Dried rosemary
1 teaspoon (crushed)
Dried thyme
1 teaspoon (crushed)
Garlic powder
1 teaspoon (none)
French rolls
12 (split in half for serving)
Instructions
1
Place the trimmed boneless chuck roast in a 5-quart slow cooker.
2
In a mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, crumbled beef bouillon cube, bay leaf, whole peppercorns, crushed rosemary, crushed thyme, and garlic powder.
3
Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the roast, ensuring it is well coated.
4
Add enough water to the slow cooker to cover the roast, almost fully.
5
Set the slow cooker to LOW heat and cover. Allow the roast to cook undisturbed for 7 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender and easily shreds.
6
Once cooked, carefully remove the roast from the slow cooker and set aside, reserving the flavorful broth.
7
Shred the beef using two forks and serve it piled high on split French rolls. Present the reserved broth in a bowl on the side for dipping, enhancing each bite with rich, savory flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Slow-Cooked French Dip Roast Beef?
It is a tender, slow-cooked beef dish served on French rolls with a savory au jus for dipping.
What cut of meat is best for this recipe?
A boneless chuck roast weighing between 3.5 to 4 pounds is recommended for the best results.
How long does the beef need to cook?
The roast should be cooked on LOW heat for approximately 7 hours until it is fork-tender.
What size slow cooker is needed?
A 5-quart slow cooker is the ideal size for this specific recipe.
How do I prepare the beef before cooking?
You should trim the boneless chuck roast of any excess fat before placing it in the slow cooker.
What seasonings are used in the sauce?
The sauce includes soy sauce, a crumbled beef bouillon cube, a bay leaf, whole peppercorns, crushed rosemary, crushed thyme, and garlic powder.
Can I use low sodium soy sauce?
Yes, opting for lite or low sodium soy sauce is recommended if you are mindful of sodium intake without compromising flavor.
How much water should I add to the slow cooker?
Add enough water to the slow cooker to cover the roast almost fully.
How do I shred the beef?
Once the meat is cooked and removed from the slow cooker, use two forks to easily shred the beef.
What kind of rolls should I use?
Fresh French rolls, split in half, are the traditional choice for serving French Dip sandwiches.
How is the broth served?
The reserved cooking liquid, or au jus, is served in a small bowl on the side for dipping the sandwich.
Can I add vegetables to make it a one-dish meal?
Yes, you can toss in potatoes and carrots for an added nutritional boost and a complete meal.
Is this recipe suitable for large groups?
Yes, this recipe yields approximately 12 servings, making it perfect for guests or large families.
Do I need to sear the meat first?
No, this recipe is designed for minimal effort and does not require searing the beef before slow cooking.
Should I cook the beef on high or low heat?
The instructions specify setting the slow cooker to LOW heat for the best melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
While the recipe calls for dried rosemary and thyme, you can use fresh herbs, though you may need to adjust the quantities.
What do I do with the whole peppercorns and bay leaf?
These are used to flavor the broth during cooking and should be discarded before serving.
Is this recipe considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as a comfort food and a hearty family dinner option.
How difficult is this recipe to prepare?
It is considered an easy recipe that requires minimal effort since the slow cooker does most of the work.
Can I serve the beef without the bread?
Absolutely, the shredded beef can be served as a standalone main dish alongside potatoes or vegetables.
How do I ensure the meat is tender?
Cooking the beef undisturbed on low heat for the full 7 hours ensures it becomes fork-tender.
Is there a specific way to coat the roast?
You should pour the prepared sauce mixture evenly over the roast to ensure it is well coated before adding water.
How many bouillon cubes are needed?
The recipe calls for one beef bouillon cube, which should be crumbled into the sauce mixture.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook and shred the beef in advance, then reheat it in the reserved broth when ready to serve.
What if I don't have a 5-quart slow cooker?
You can use a larger slow cooker, but ensure there is enough liquid to keep the roast almost fully covered.
Is the garlic powder necessary?
The garlic powder adds an essential savory depth to the au jus and the meat itself.
Does this recipe include any fiber or protein data?
The raw recipe data does not provide specific nutritional values like fiber or protein at this time.
Can I use other cuts of beef?
While chuck roast is best for shredding, other cheaper cuts of beef suitable for slow cooking can be used.
How many peppercorns should be used?
The recipe recommends using 3 to 4 whole peppercorns.
What makes the au jus flavorful?
The combination of meat drippings, soy sauce, bouillon, and herbs creates a rich, aromatic dipping broth.