French Dip Sandwich with Homemade Au Jus
Tender chuck roast slow-cooked to perfection, piled on toasted hoagies with melted provolone cheese, and served with a rich, savory au jus for dipping. This easy crockpot recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor at home.
Ingredients
For the Beef & Au Jus:
- ▢ 3.5 lbs chuck roast fat trimmed
- ▢ 1 tbsp olive oil
- ▢ 1 tsp salt
- ▢ 1 tsp black pepper
- ▢ 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- ▢ 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- ▢ 1 packet onion soup mix or homemade
- ▢ 3 cloves garlic minced
- ▢ 2 1/3 cups low-sodium beef broth
- ▢ 1 cup regular Coca-Cola not diet
- ▢ 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- ▢ 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
For Serving:
- ▢ 8 hoagie rolls toasted
- ▢ 16 slices provolone or Swiss cheese
Instructions
Sear the Beef:
- Pat roast dry and season with salt, pepper, oregano, and thyme.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over high heat. Sear roast for 1-2 minutes per side until browned.
Slow Cook:
- Transfer beef to crockpot. Add onion soup mix, garlic, broth, Coke, Worcestershire, and soy sauce.
- Cook on LOW for 4 hours. Remove beef, slice thinly against the grain, then return to crockpot for 1 more hour.
Prepare Au Jus:
- Strain cooking liquid through a fine mesh sieve into a bowl. Skim excess fat if desired.
Assemble Sandwiches:
- Preheat broiler. Butter hoagie rolls and toast lightly.
- Pile sliced beef on rolls, top with 2 cheese slices per sandwich.
- Broil 1-2 minutes until cheese melts. Serve with warm au jus for dipping.
Notes
-
Pro Tips:
- For extra flavor, add sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions.
- Freeze leftover au jus in ice cube trays for future use.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair with steak fries, coleslaw, or a crisp green salad.
- Variations: Try Swiss cheese or add jalapeños for spice.