Tender Shredded Beef French Dip Sandwiches
Indulge in these Tender Shredded Beef French Dip Sandwiches, a classic comfort food made effortlessly in your crock pot! This recipe combines a succulent 4-pound rump roast simmered in a savory blend of beef broth and French onion soup until perfectly tender. Each sandwich features a generous portion of juicy shredded beef, served on warm French rolls and paired with a rich dipping broth for an unforgettable meal. Perfect for a cozy lunch or an easy dinner, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Serve it up for game day gatherings or casual get-togethers; your guests will be asking for seconds!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Rump roast
4 lbs (Trimmed of excess fat)
Condensed beef broth
2 (10 1/2 ounce) cans (None)
Condensed French onion soup
1 (10 1/2 ounce) can (None)
French rolls
8 (Split and buttered)
Butter
1/4 cup (Softened for spreading)
Instructions
1
Start by trimming excess fat from the rump roast and placing it in the crockpot.
2
Pour in the two cans of condensed beef broth followed by the can of condensed French onion soup, ensuring that the meat is well-coated.
3
Cover the crockpot and cook the mixture on high for 4-5 hours or on low for 8-10 hours, until the meat is fork-tender.
4
Once cooked, carefully remove the meat from the crockpot and use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces.
5
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). As the oven heats, split the French rolls in half and spread butter generously on each cut side.
6
Toast the buttered rolls in the oven for 5 minutes until golden and slightly crispy.
7
To serve, pile a generous amount of shredded beef onto the bottom half of each toasted roll.
8
Pour some of the flavorful broth from the crockpot into small ramekins for dipping.
9
Enjoy the sandwich by dipping each bite into the broth for an extra burst of flavor!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Tender Shredded Beef French Dip Sandwich?
It is a classic comfort food sandwich consisting of slow-cooked, shredded rump roast served on toasted French rolls with a side of savory beef broth for dipping.
What cut of beef is best for this recipe?
This recipe uses a 4-pound rump roast, which becomes tender and easy to shred after slow cooking.
Can I use a chuck roast instead of a rump roast?
Yes, a chuck roast is an excellent substitute for a rump roast as it is also ideal for slow cooking and shredding.
How long does it take to cook the beef in a crockpot?
The beef should be cooked on high for 4 to 5 hours or on low for 8 to 10 hours until it is fork-tender.
Do I need to add water to the condensed soups?
No, do not add water. Use the condensed beef broth and condensed French onion soup as they are to ensure a rich and concentrated flavor.
How do I shred the beef?
Once the meat is cooked and tender, remove it from the crockpot and use two forks to pull it apart into bite-sized pieces.
What type of rolls should I use for French Dips?
French rolls are traditional, but you can also use hoagie rolls, sub rolls, or ciabatta.
How do I prepare the rolls?
Split the rolls in half, spread butter generously on the cut sides, and toast them in a 350 degree Fahrenheit oven for 5 minutes.
What is the dipping sauce made of?
The dipping broth, or au jus, is the flavorful liquid left in the crockpot after simmering the beef with beef broth and French onion soup.
Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can adapt this for a pressure cooker, though the cooking time will be significantly shorter than in a crockpot.
Is it necessary to trim the fat from the roast?
Yes, trimming excess fat before cooking prevents the broth from becoming too greasy and improves the texture of the shredded meat.
Can I add cheese to these sandwiches?
While the basic recipe does not include cheese, provolone, Swiss, or Monterey Jack are popular additions that melt well on these sandwiches.
What side dishes go well with French Dip sandwiches?
Common side dishes include potato chips, a crisp green salad, coleslaw, or French fries.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook and shred the beef in advance and store it in the broth until you are ready to serve.
How should I store leftover shredded beef?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can I freeze the cooked beef and broth?
Yes, the shredded beef and its broth freeze very well for up to 3 months when stored in freezer-safe containers.
How do I reheat the beef?
Reheat the beef in a saucepan over medium heat with some of the leftover broth to keep it moist.
What can I use if I do not have French onion soup?
You can substitute with additional beef broth and a teaspoon of onion powder or some sautéed fresh onions.
Can I use homemade beef broth?
Absolutely, high-quality homemade beef stock or broth will enhance the flavor of the sandwiches significantly.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The base beef recipe can be gluten-free if the soups are certified GF; however, you must use gluten-free rolls to make the sandwich safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
How many people does a 4-pound roast serve?
A 4-pound roast typically serves about 8 people when prepared as sandwiches.
Can I add fresh onions to the crockpot?
Yes, adding sliced fresh onions to the crockpot along with the roast provides additional texture and flavor to the beef.
How do I prevent the rolls from getting soggy?
Toasting the rolls with butter creates a slight barrier, and it is best to dip the sandwich into the broth right before eating rather than pouring broth over it.
What temperature should the oven be for toasting the rolls?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
Can I use butter alternatives?
Yes, you can use margarine or a light brushing of olive oil to toast the rolls if you prefer.
What if the broth is too salty?
If the broth is too salty, you can use low-sodium beef broth or dilute the final liquid with a small amount of water.
Can I add garlic to the recipe?
Yes, adding minced garlic or garlic powder to the crockpot is a great way to customize the flavor.
Why is the rump roast used instead of steak?
Slow cooking a tough cut like rump roast allows the connective tissue to break down, resulting in a much more tender and flavorful meat than quick-cooking steak.
Is this recipe suitable for game day?
Yes, it is perfect for gatherings because the beef can stay warm in the crockpot while guests serve themselves.
Why is it called a French Dip?
It is named for the French-style bread used and the practice of dipping the sandwich into beef juices.