French dip sandwiches are a classic comfort food that never goes out of style. The tender beef, flavorful broth, and crispy bread all come together to create a dish that’s both satisfying and delicious. While traditional French dip recipes can be time-consuming and labor-intensive, making it in a slow cooker is a game-changer. In this article, we’ll explore the world of slow cooker French dip and provide you with a simple, mouth-watering recipe to try at home.
The Origins of French Dip
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s take a brief look at the origins of French dip. This beloved sandwich has its roots in 19th-century France, where it was known as “dip au jus.” The dish consisted of thinly sliced beef served in a rich, flavorful broth, which was typically made with beef stock, onions, and herbs. Over time, the recipe made its way to the United States, where it evolved into the French dip sandwiches we know and love today.
The Benefits of Slow Cooker French Dip
So, why make French dip in a slow cooker? There are several benefits to this approach:
- Convenience: Slow cookers are perfect for busy home cooks who want to prepare a delicious meal with minimal effort. Simply add your ingredients to the slow cooker in the morning, and come home to a tender, flavorful French dip.
- Tender Beef: Slow cooking is ideal for tougher cuts of beef, which become tender and fall-apart with long, slow cooking.
- Rich, Flavorful Broth: The slow cooker allows the flavors to meld together and intensify, resulting in a rich, savory broth that’s perfect for dipping.
Slow Cooker French Dip Recipe
Now that we’ve explored the benefits of slow cooker French dip, it’s time to get started with the recipe. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 pounds beef roast (such as chuck or round)
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup red wine (optional)
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 hoagie rolls
- Provolone cheese, sliced (optional)
Instructions
- Season the beef roast with salt and pepper.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef roast until browned on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.
- Add the sliced onion to the skillet and cook until it’s softened and lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Add the beef broth, red wine (if using), thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf to the skillet. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Transfer the skillet contents to the slow cooker. Add the browned beef roast and make sure it’s covered with the broth.
- Cook the French dip on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours.
- About 30 minutes before serving, slice the hoagie rolls in half and place them on a baking sheet. Toast the rolls in the oven until they’re lightly browned.
- Slice the cooked beef roast thinly against the grain. Serve the beef on the toasted hoagie rolls with the rich, flavorful broth on the side. Top with sliced provolone cheese, if desired.
Tips and Variations
While this recipe is delicious on its own, there are several ways to customize it to your taste. Here are a few ideas:
- Add Some Spice: If you like a little heat in your French dip, add some diced jalapenos or red pepper flakes to the slow cooker.
- Use Different Herbs: While thyme and rosemary are classic herbs for French dip, you can also try using oregano, basil, or parsley for a different flavor profile.
- Add Some Mushrooms: Sliced mushrooms are a great addition to French dip, adding an earthy flavor and meaty texture. Simply add them to the slow cooker with the onion and garlic.
Serving Suggestions
French dip is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are a few ideas:
- Serve with a Side Salad: A simple green salad or a more substantial grain salad can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich, savory French dip.
- Offer a Variety of Cheeses: While provolone is a classic choice for French dip, you can also offer other cheeses like cheddar, Swiss, or gouda.
- Add Some Crispy Fries: Crispy French fries can add a satisfying crunch to your French dip. Simply slice some potatoes, toss them with oil and your favorite seasonings, and bake them in the oven until crispy.
Conclusion
Slow cooker French dip is a deliciously easy recipe that’s perfect for busy home cooks. With its tender beef, rich, flavorful broth, and crispy bread, it’s a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or just a weeknight dinner, slow cooker French dip is a recipe that’s sure to impress.
What is a French Dip sandwich?
A French Dip sandwich is a type of sandwich that typically consists of thinly sliced roast beef, served on a crusty baguette or hoagie roll, and topped with melted cheese. The sandwich is usually served with a side of au jus, which is the juices from the roast beef that have been cooked down to create a rich and flavorful sauce.
The French Dip sandwich is believed to have originated in the United States in the early 20th century, and it is often associated with French cuisine due to the use of a French-style baguette and the au jus sauce. However, the exact origin of the sandwich is unclear, and it is possible that it was created by American chefs who were inspired by French cuisine.
What type of roast beef is best for a French Dip sandwich?
The best type of roast beef for a French Dip sandwich is a thinly sliced cut of beef that is tender and flavorful. Some popular options include top round, rump roast, and prime rib. It’s also important to choose a cut of beef that is lean, as this will help to prevent the sandwich from becoming too greasy.
When selecting a roast beef for a French Dip sandwich, look for a cut that is labeled as “thinly sliced” or “deli-style.” This will ensure that the beef is sliced to the right thickness and is easy to cook in a slow cooker. You can also ask your butcher to slice the beef to your specifications if you prefer.
Can I use a different type of bread for a French Dip sandwich?
While a crusty baguette or hoagie roll is traditional for a French Dip sandwich, you can use other types of bread if you prefer. Some options might include a Ciabatta roll, a sub roll, or even a pretzel bun. The key is to choose a bread that is sturdy enough to hold up to the juices from the roast beef and the cheese.
When selecting a bread for a French Dip sandwich, look for something that is crusty on the outside and soft on the inside. This will provide a nice texture contrast to the sandwich and help to keep everything together. You can also toast the bread before assembling the sandwich to give it a crispy texture.
How do I make the au jus sauce for a French Dip sandwich?
The au jus sauce for a French Dip sandwich is made by cooking the roast beef in a slow cooker with some beef broth and seasonings. As the beef cooks, the juices will accumulate in the bottom of the slow cooker and can be strained and served as the au jus sauce.
To make the au jus sauce, simply cook the roast beef in the slow cooker according to the recipe instructions. Then, strain the juices from the slow cooker and discard any excess fat. You can serve the au jus sauce on the side of the sandwich, or use it to dip the sandwich as you eat.
Can I make a French Dip sandwich in advance?
Yes, you can make a French Dip sandwich in advance, but it’s best to assemble the sandwich just before serving. The roast beef can be cooked in the slow cooker ahead of time and refrigerated or frozen until you’re ready to assemble the sandwich.
To make a French Dip sandwich in advance, cook the roast beef in the slow cooker according to the recipe instructions. Then, slice the beef and refrigerate or freeze it until you’re ready to assemble the sandwich. You can also toast the bread and prepare the cheese and au jus sauce ahead of time, but it’s best to assemble the sandwich just before serving to ensure that everything is fresh and hot.
How do I store leftover French Dip sandwiches?
Leftover French Dip sandwiches can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To store the sandwiches, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate or freeze.
When you’re ready to eat the leftover sandwiches, simply thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or reheat them in the microwave or oven. You can also reheat the au jus sauce in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.
Can I make a French Dip sandwich in a different type of cooker?
Yes, you can make a French Dip sandwich in a different type of cooker, such as a pressure cooker or Instant Pot. However, the cooking time and method may vary depending on the type of cooker you use.
To make a French Dip sandwich in a pressure cooker or Instant Pot, cook the roast beef according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Then, slice the beef and assemble the sandwich as desired. You can also use the pressure cooker or Instant Pot to make the au jus sauce, but be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cooking times and methods.