Set & Forget French Dip: Simple Slow Cooker Recipe

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Using your slow cooker to make French Dip makes this recipe quick and effortless. The secret to making the best dipping au jus sauce is to use beer and French onion soup. The meat turns out incredibly tender and tasty. This recipe makes restaurant-quality French Dip!

Set & Forget French Dip: Simple Slow Cooker Recipe

Ingredients For French Dip

  • Rump roast is the cut of choice for this recipe, but you can also use chuck roast, sirloin roast, try-tip roast, ball-tip roast, or eye fillet butt.
  • Beer gives the dipping sauce a robust flavor. A lager beer, which is a mild-tasting beer was used, but you can use the beef of your choice.
  • Condensed French onion soup takes the thinking out of how to flavor the dipping sauce. It has all the seasonings needed.
  • Beef broth is the base for the dipping sauce and the cooking liquid for the meat.
  • Yellow onion, sliced thinly to be used as both a flavor booster and a topping for the shredded meat.
  • Butter is used to spread the bread before toasting. It makes it toasty and delicious.
  • Ciabatta bread or your favorite crusty bread. You need a crusty bread that can hold the juicy meat without disintegrating.
  • Fresh parsley for garnish and flavor. It gives the sandwich freshness.
  • Salt and pepper to taste. Try the meat and juice before adding salt and add the amount necessary to your liking.

Set & Forget French Dip: Simple Slow Cooker Recipe

How To Make French Dip

  1. Place the roast, beer, French onion soup, beef broth, sliced onion, salt, and pepper in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 7 hours, or on high for 3 ½ hours. Remove the meat and slice or shred.
  2. Slice the bread and spread it with the softened butter on both sides. Add a healthy amount of meat, cooked onions, a slice of your favorite cheese, and freshly chopped parsley.
  3. Bake in a 350 F oven until lightly toasted and the cheese has melted.
    Serve with “cooking juice” for dipping!

Set & Forget French Dip: Simple Slow Cooker Recipe

Set & Forget French Dip: Simple Slow Cooker Recipe

Freezing and Storage Tips:

How to Store Leftovers: 

Once cooled, put the leftover meal and juices in an airtight container. You can keep ti in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Can I Make the Beef Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! Cook the beef as the recipe says, let it cool completely, and store it with the juices in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat it with the juices for extra flavor.

Recipe Variations

Don’t Want to Use Beef? No problem! Swap the beer with extra beef broth or use a dark soda like cola for a different twist.

Make It Healthier: Use whole wheat rolls and skip the cheese to cut back on calories.

Want More Flavor? Try adding caramelized onions and bell peppers to your sandwich for a Philly-style vibe.

Add Some Spice: Add jalapeños , yellow peppers, cayenne, or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.

Choose Your Cheese: Pick your favorite cheese! Some of the most popular are provolone, Swiss, or mozzarella.

Set & Forget French Dip: Simple Slow Cooker Recipe

Tips and Tricks

Bread Choices: 

  • If you can’t find ciabatta bread, go with French rolls baguettes, or hoagie rolls. All will work well!
  • Buttering the bread before toasting helps add flavor and keeps it from getting soggy.

Beef Tips:

  • Use romp roast or chuck roast for the best results. For super tender meat, cook it on low for the full 7 hours and avoid lifting the lid- it lets moisture escape.
  • Want to prep ahead? Cook the beef the day before , cool it completely, and store it with the juices. Reheat with the juices to keep the meat juicy.

Thicker Au Jus: 

  • Prefer a thicker dipping sauce? Simmer the cooking juices on the stove with a little cornstarch mixed with water until it thickens up.

Add Toppings: 

  • Provolone, Swiss, or mozzarella are great cheese options. You can also add caramelized onions and fresh parsley for extra flavor.

Set & Forget French Dip: Simple Slow Cooker Recipe

Serving Suggestions: 

Bread: 

  • Use ciabatta bread, French rolls, or hoagie rolls. Butter both sides and toast them until golden and crisp.
  • Add the shredded meat, cooked onions, and a slice of your favorite cheese (like mozzarella, Provolone, or Swiss)

Dipping: 

  • Serve the sandwiches with the flavorful “cooking juice” from the slow cooker as a dipping sauce.

Side Dish Ideas: 

  • Lighter options: Pair the sandwich with a simple green salad.
  • Heartier Option: Serve with French fries coleslaw or a classic combo.
Set & Forget French Dip: Simple Slow Cooker Recipe

Set & Forget French Dip: Simple Slow Cooker Recipe

The secret to making the best dipping au jus sauce is to use beer and French onion soup!
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Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 7 hours
Total Time: 7 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 8 SERVINGS
Author: Kathy

Equipment

  • Knife and cutting board
  • Slow cooker

Ingredients

  • 4 lb rump roast or chuck roast
  • 1- 12 oz beer
  • 1- 10.5 oz can French onion soup
  • 1 yellow onion, sliced
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 8 ciabatta breads (or French rolls)
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • Fresh mozzarella cheese (or Provolone or Swiss)
  • Freshly chopped parsley

Instructions

  • Place the roast, beer, French onion soup, beef broth, sliced onion, salt, and pepper in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 7 hours, or on high for 3 ½ hours. Remove the meat and slice or shred.
  • Slice the bread and spread it with the softened butter on both sides. Add a healthy amount of meat, cooked onions, a slice of your favorite cheese, and freshly chopped parsley. Bake in a 350 F oven until lightly toasted and the cheese has melted.
  • Serve with “cooking juice” for dipping!

Frequently Asked Questions about French Dip

Set & Forget French Dip: Simple Slow Cooker Recipe

1. What Can I Use If I Don’t Have A Slow Cooker?

You can cook the meat in an oven-safe pot in the oven for 3-4 hours, with the lid on.

2. Can I Substitute Something Else For The Beer?

You can use non-alcoholic beer if you want a similar flavor profile, or use extra beef broth or a dark soda like cola.

3. What Side Dishes Work Well With French Dip Sandwiches?

If you want to be healthy, serve them alongside a tossed green salad. If you don’t mind the calories, French fries and coleslaw are perfect as side dishes.

4. Is It Necessary To Butter The Rolls?

Spreading the bread with butter not only adds flavor but will prevent the bread from getting soggy.

5. What If I Can’t Find Ciabatta Bread?

The original recipe calls for French rolls, or you could use demi baguettes or hoagie rolls.

6. How Can I Make Sure The Meat Is Tender?

The best way to ensure the meat is tender is by letting it cook for the full 7 hours on low heat and resisting opening the lid. This lets out moisture.

7. Can I Cook The Beef The Day Before?

Yes, you can! Cook it as indicated, let it cool down completely, and store it (along with the juices) in an airtight container in the fridge. To reheat, do it with its juices.

8. Can I Make The Au Jus Sauce Thicker?

If you want a thicker au jus sauce, place the cooking juices in a saucepan, bring to a simmer, and add a cornstarch/water slurry. Let it boil until it thickens.

9. What Are Some Toppings I Can Add To My Sandwich?

Adding your favorite cheese like Provolone, Swiss, or Mozzarella, caramelized onions, and freshly chopped parsley makes the sandwiches extra tasty!

10. Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef?

Yes, chick roast or rump roast work best for this recipe because they become tender after slow cooking. However, brisket or bottom round could also work well if you adjust cooking times.

11. Do I Need to Sear the Meat Before Placing it in the Slow Cooker?

It’s optional, but searing the meat first can add more flavor to the dish. If you have time, brown the roast on all sides in a hot pan before adding it to the slow cooker. 

12. Can I Use Pre-Sliced Deli Meat Instead of Cooking a Roast?

while you can use deli roast beef in a pinch, slow cooking the roast in this recipe gives the meat more flavor and tenderness. It’s worth the extra time!

13. What’s the Best Way to Shred or Slice the Beef?

Let the cooked meat rest for about 10 minutes after taking it out of the slow cooker. This makes it easier to shred with two forks or slice thinly with a sharp knife. 

14. Can I Freeze the Leftovers?

Absolutely! Just freeze the cooked beef with some of the au jus in a freezer-safe container. It’ll keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat in the juices.

15. Should I Toast the Bread Before Assembling the Sandwiches?

Yes, toasting the bread helps it hold up better when dipped into the au jus, plus it adds a nice crunch to contrast the tender beef.

16. What Type of Beer Works Best for the Recipe?

Light beer works great but you can experiment with darker beers for a richer flavor. If you don’t like beer, feel free to use extra beef broth.

17. How Do I Know When the Beef is Done?

The beef is done when it easily falls apart or can be shredded with a fork. If it’s still tough, let it cook a little longer.

18. Can I Adjust the Seasoning to My Taste?

Of course! Taste the cooking juices before serving. If you want more flavor, add salt, pepper, or Worcestershire sauce to enhance the taste.

19. Can I Add Vegetables to the Slow Cooker?

Yes, adding vegetables like carrots or potatoes during the last 2 hours of cooking can turn this into a heartier meal. Just be sure to cut them into even pieces so they cook through.

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