Savory Slow-Cooked French Dip Sandwiches
Indulge in a comforting and aromatic French Dip sandwich, perfect for gatherings around the fireplace with friends and family. This slow-cooked recipe features tender, flavorful beef served on warm, crusty hoagie buns, accompanied by a rich and beefy Au Jus for dipping. Each bite delivers a robust taste, enhanced by aromatic spices and savory onion soup mix. Tailor the heat level to your preference, and don’t forget to taste the Au Jus before serving—just in case it needs an extra touch of deliciousness. This hearty dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser on chilly nights!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Rump roast
2 lbs (whole, seasoned with flour and garlic salt)
Garlic
1 tablespoon (finely chopped or minced)
Black pepper
1 tablespoon (or start with 1 tsp if heat bothers you)
Onion soup mix
4 tablespoons (dry)
Beef bouillon
2 tablespoons (granulated or cubes)
Beef broth
28 ounces (two 14 oz cans)
Onions
1 1/2 (diced)
Hoagie buns
4-6 (to serve with the meat)
Instructions
1
Start by seasoning the rump roast with flour and garlic salt. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and braise the roast in the pan until it's browned on all sides, creating a flavorful crust.
2
In a crock pot, combine the diced onions, onion soup mix, beef bouillon, black pepper, and both cans of beef broth. Stir well to combine.
3
Carefully place the braised roast into the crock pot, ensuring it's submerged in the broth mixture.
4
Cover and cook on High for 5-6 hours or Low for 8-10 hours, until the meat is fork-tender.
5
Once cooked, remove the roast from the crock pot and place it on a deep plate to collect the juices. Allow it to rest for a few minutes before slicing it thinly.
6
Strain the broth using a fine-mesh sieve to remove spices and onion chunks, ensuring a clear Au Jus. If desired, add a few cups of water to the strained broth to adjust the flavor.
7
Transfer the Au Jus to a saucepan and keep warm over low heat. If you prefer a thicker Au Jus, mix a small amount of cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the broth, allowing it to thicken slightly.
8
Heat the hoagie buns in the oven until warm. Slice the rested meat thinly and generously fill each bun with the juicy beef.
9
Serve the sandwiches with individual ramekins of Au Jus for dipping, allowing everyone to enjoy the ultimate French Dip experience!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What cut of beef is best for Savory Slow-Cooked French Dip Sandwiches?
The recipe calls for a 2 lb rump roast, which becomes tender and easy to slice after slow cooking.
How long should I cook the French Dip roast in a crock pot?
Cook the roast on High for 5-6 hours or on Low for 8-10 hours until the meat is fork-tender.
Why do I need to braise the meat before slow cooking?
Braising the roast in a skillet with flour and garlic salt creates a flavorful crust that enhances the overall taste.
What is Au Jus?
Au Jus is the light, savory beef broth served alongside the sandwich for dipping, made from the cooking juices.
How do I ensure the Au Jus is clear and smooth?
Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve after cooking to remove spices, onion chunks, and sediment.
Can I adjust the spiciness of this recipe?
Yes, you can start with 1 teaspoon of black pepper instead of 1 tablespoon if you prefer less heat.
What should I do if the Au Jus is too salty?
If the broth is too salty, you can add a few cups of water to the strained broth to dilute the flavor to your liking.
How can I thicken the dipping sauce?
To thicken the Au Jus, mix a small amount of cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the warmed broth.
What kind of bread is best for French Dip sandwiches?
Crusty hoagie buns are recommended as they hold up well when dipped into the hot Au Jus.
Should I toast the buns?
Yes, heating the hoagie buns in the oven until warm and slightly crisp is recommended before filling them.
How do I slice the beef for the sandwiches?
Allow the meat to rest for a few minutes after cooking, then slice it thinly against the grain for the best texture.
Can I use fresh onions in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe specifically uses 1 1/2 diced onions added directly into the crock pot broth.
Is beef bouillon necessary?
The 2 tablespoons of beef bouillon (granulated or cubes) add depth and a robust beefy flavor to the dipping sauce.
How much beef broth do I need?
You will need 28 ounces of beef broth, which is typically two 14-ounce cans.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook the meat and broth ahead of time. Store them together in the fridge to keep the meat moist.
How many sandwiches does this recipe yield?
This recipe typically makes 4 to 6 generous sandwiches depending on the size of the buns and amount of meat used.
Is there a specific way to season the roast?
The rump roast should be coated with a mixture of flour and garlic salt before braising.
What is the purpose of the onion soup mix?
The dry onion soup mix provides a concentrated savory flavor and essential seasoning to the slow-cooking liquid.
Can I add cheese to my sandwich?
While the traditional recipe focuses on beef and Au Jus, many people enjoy adding melted provolone or Swiss cheese.
Do I need to submerge the roast in the broth?
Yes, ensure the braised roast is submerged in the mixture of broth, onions, and spices for even cooking.
What tools do I need for the Au Jus?
You will need a fine-mesh sieve for straining and a saucepan to keep the liquid warm before serving.
Is fresh garlic better than bottled for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of finely chopped or minced garlic for the most aromatic results.
Can I use a chuck roast instead of a rump roast?
Yes, chuck roast is a great substitute as it also shreds and slices well after slow cooking.
How do I serve the Au Jus?
Serve the Au Jus in individual ramekins or small bowls alongside each sandwich for easy dipping.
What makes this 'Savory'?
The combination of beef bouillon, onion soup mix, garlic, and slow-cooked onions creates a deep, savory umami profile.
Is this a good recipe for a crowd?
Yes, it is perfect for gatherings or dinner parties because it is easy to scale and stays warm in the slow cooker.
Should I slice or shred the meat?
A traditional French Dip uses thinly sliced meat, but you can shred it if you prefer a different texture.
How do I save the juices from the rested meat?
Place the cooked roast on a deep plate so any juices released while resting can be poured back into the Au Jus.
What sides go well with French Dip sandwiches?
Popular sides include potato chips, a green salad, coleslaw, or French fries.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, both the cooked meat and the Au Jus freeze very well for up to 3 months in airtight containers.