Peace, Love and French Fries

Rumor has it the French Dip was invented with someone dropped their sandwich in a big pot of beef jus.

Honestly, I don’t really care how it was invented.  It’s glorious in all forms – with good, thinly sliced roast beef from a good deli, or the cheater, at-home style.

I’ve done a crockpot version of a french dip before.  And it was good.  But this was better.  The onions add ridiculous flavor.  The beef broth adds a big more of an authentic flavor, and isn’t nearly as salty as the previous recipe I tried.  It was still so tender, juicy, cheesy, and just downright comforting.  Surely it will frequent out weekly menu as the weather turns cooler and I find myself using the crockpot more and more.

I did find that we were a little short of jus.  So next time I plan  on kicking up the liquids quite a bit.  The French Dip loses some of its allure when there’s no dunking after all.  I adapted the recipe below to reflect the changes I intend to make.

One year ago: Inside-out Shepherd’s Pie(ish) and Chicken Pot Pie

Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches
adapted from Confections of a Foodie Bride

1 medium yellow onions, sliced thick
1 1/2 cup beef broth/stock
1/2 cup soy sauce
1 cup water
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
2 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
3-4 lb boneless beef chuck roast
salt and pepper
sandwich rolls (I used ciabatta rolls)
provolone slices

Keeping the onion rounds in tact, place in bottom of crockpot.  Add all liquid ingredients to crockpot.

Salt and pepper both sides of the roast and place on top of the onions.

Cook on low for 6-8 hours, until beef is fall-apart tender.

Transfer beef to a large mixing bowl and shred with two forks.  Remove onions and set aside.

Skim fat from top of jus.  Return shredded beef and onions to the crockpot (on “keep warm” setting) until ready to serve.

Preheat broiler.  Place split rolls on baking sheet and toast for 1-2 minutes or until they begin to brown.  Remove tops from pan.  Scoop beef and onions onto the bottoms of the rolls and top with cheese.  Return to oven just until cheese is melted.  Top with bun tops and serve with jus.

Enjoy!!