Tender shredded beef mixed back into au jus
Tender shredded beef mixed back into au jus
To serve, lightly warm or toast the hoagie rolls if you like. Use tongs to pile the shredded beef high onto each roll, letting any excess liquid drip back into the slow cooker. Spoon some of the rich, dark brown au jus into small bowls or ramekins for dipping alongside each sandwich.
For the best “caramelized edges” look like in the photo, you can quickly broil the assembled sandwiches (without the au jus) on a baking sheet for 2 to 3 minutes to crisp the edges of the meat and the rolls before serving. Watch closely so they don’t burn.
Variations & Tips
To keep this as a true 3-ingredient base, the main recipe uses only beef chuck roast, dry onion soup mix, and beef broth; the hoagie rolls are simply for serving.
If you want to dress things up, you can add sliced provolone or Swiss cheese on top of the meat and broil until melted for a cheesier French dip. Caramelized onions or sautéed mushrooms are great add-ons if you have extra time, but they’re totally optional.
French dip sandwich with melted cheese and onions
French dip sandwich with melted cheese and onions
For a slightly leaner option, you can use a bottom round roast instead of chuck, though it may be a bit less rich and juicy; just be sure not to undercook it or it will be tough. If you’re watching sodium, choose low-sodium broth and consider using only 1 1/2 packets of onion soup mix, then taste and adjust with extra broth or water as needed.
Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days; store the meat in its au jus to keep it moist, and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until steaming hot. For food safety, always cook the beef to at least 145°F internally (it will usually be much higher by the time it’s fall-apart tender) and keep the slow cooker on WARM (above 140°F) if you’re serving over several hours. Cool leftovers promptly and refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking. You can also freeze the shredded beef in its liquid for up to 3 months for an easy future dinner.
Leftover shredded beef stored for meal prep
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