Tender Slow Cooker Beef Dip Sandwich Recipe

Craving the rich and savory flavors of a classic French dip sandwich but looking for a more budget-friendly and hassle-free alternative? Look no further than these mouthwatering Slow Cooker Ground Beef French Dip Sandwiches! This recipe takes the traditional French dip to a whole new level by using lean ground beef, creating a deliciously flavorful meat mixture that’s perfect for stuffing into buns and dunking into that irresistible au jus.

I stumbled upon this genius idea when I wanted to enjoy the taste of French dip sandwiches without the fuss of expensive roast beef. The ground beef in these sandwiches ensures that every bite is packed with that beefy goodness, making them even better than many restaurant versions. Trust me; even the skeptics will be won over by the incredible flavors and textures of these sandwiches.

The secret ingredient? Quick-cooking oats, which are essential for achieving the perfect texture and ensuring that the meat mixture stays together beautifully. These Slow Cooker Ground Beef French Dip Sandwiches are not only a hit on their own but also pair wonderfully with sides like crispy fries or onion rings. With customizable options like different cheeses or added veggies, this recipe is versatile and sure to become a go-to comfort food that pleases everyone.

Quick Benefits

• Budget-friendly alternative to traditional French dip sandwiches
• Rich, savory flavors in every bite due to ground beef seasoning
• Quick-cooking oats crucial for perfect texture and sandwich stability
• Customizable with different cheeses, vegetables, and seasonings to suit preferences

Why You’ll Love This Tender Slow Cooker Beef Dip Sandwich Recipe Recipe

• Budget-friendly alternative to traditional French dip sandwiches using ground beef
• Rich and savory flavors reminiscent of restaurant-style French dip sandwiches
• Easy preparation in the slow cooker – minimal effort required
• Quick-cooking oats crucial for perfect texture and consistency
• Beefy flavor in every bite due to using ground beef instead of roast beef
• Customizable with different cheeses, vegetables, and spices to suit personal preferences
• Great for meal prep – keeps well in the fridge and freezer
• Perfect for pairing with crispy fries, onion rings, or a side salad
• Family-approved recipe that satisfies everyone without compromising on taste
• Comforting, indulgent meal that feels like it came from a deli without the expensive ingredients

Ingredients for Tender Slow Cooker Beef Dip Sandwich Recipe

Beef Mixture

• 2 pounds lean ground beef
• 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
• ½ cup quick-cooking oats

Seasonings & Liquid

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 envelope (1 oz) beefy onion soup mix
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1⅓ cups beef broth

Assembly

• 6 brioche burger buns or slider rolls
• 6 slices provolone cheese

How to Make Tender Slow Cooker Beef Dip Sandwich Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onions

Cook ground beef and sliced onions in a large skillet over medium heat until beef is no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks.

Step 2: Drain the Fat

Remove any excess grease from the cooked beef and onion mixture to avoid greasy sandwiches.

Step 3: Transfer to Slow Cooker

Spread the drained beef mixture evenly in the slow cooker.

Step 4: Add All the Seasonings

Combine quick oats, beef broth, onion soup mix, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper, stirring until well mixed.

Step 5: Cook Low and Slow

Cover and simmer on low for 3-4 hours until flavors combine and mixture thickens.

Step 6: Add the Cheese

Place provolone cheese slices over the beef mixture and cover for 15-20 minutes to allow it to melt before serving.

Step 7: Prepare for Serving

If desired, lightly toast the brioche buns while the cheese is melting to prevent sogginess.

Step 8: Assemble and Serve

Top the bottom halves of the buns generously with the cheesy beef mixture, then cover with the top half of the buns. Serve with small bowls of the cooking liquid for dipping.

Storage Tips

After preparing the slow cooker ground beef French dip sandwiches, store any leftover meat mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The meat mixture keeps well for several days and reheats perfectly in the microwave or on the stovetop. When ready to enjoy the sandwiches again, simply heat the meat mixture until warmed through and assemble your sandwiches with fresh buns and cheese for a quick and delicious meal.

For longer storage, you can freeze portions of the meat mixture in freezer-safe containers or bags. Thaw the frozen meat mixture in the refrigerator overnight and reheat when ready to enjoy. This makes for a convenient option to have French dip sandwiches on hand for quick meals later in the week or month. By storing the finished dish properly, you can continue to savor the rich and savory flavors of the ground beef French dip sandwiches without any hassle.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you’re looking to make a vegetarian version of these French dip sandwiches, you can substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat alternatives like Beyond Meat or Impossible Foods. These alternatives mimic the texture and flavor of ground beef, providing a savory and meaty base for your sandwich filling. You can also consider adding in some diced mushrooms or lentils for extra texture and depth of flavor.

For a gluten-free option, you can replace the quick-cooking oats with gluten-free oats or a gluten-free breadcrumb alternative. This substitution will help bind the meat mixture together while ensuring it remains gluten-free. Additionally, opt for gluten-free burger buns or slider rolls to serve your sandwiches on. Remember to always check labels and ingredients to ensure they are suitable for your dietary preferences or restrictions.

Serving Suggestions

For a fun twist on these slow cooker ground beef French dip sandwiches, try serving them as sliders at your next party or gathering. Simply use smaller slider buns and create cute, bite-sized versions of this delicious dish. Guests will love being able to grab a few sliders and dip them into the rich au jus for a satisfying and flavorful snack.

Another creative serving suggestion is to turn these French dip sandwiches into a French dip grilled cheese. Spread some softened butter on the outside of the brioche bun, then fill it with the ground beef mixture and a slice of provolone cheese. Grill the sandwich on a hot skillet until the bread is crispy and the cheese is melted. Cut the sandwich into halves or quarters and serve with a side of au jus for dipping. The combination of gooey cheese, savory beef, and crispy bread will take this dish to a whole new level of comfort food perfection.

FAQs for Tender Slow Cooker Beef Dip Sandwich Recipe

What can I substitute for quick-cooking oats if I don’t have any?

You can substitute breadcrumbs for quick-cooking oats in this recipe. Breadcrumbs will help absorb excess liquid and bind the meat mixture together similarly to oats.

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of provolone?

Yes, you can definitely use a different type of cheese to suit your preference. Swiss or sharp cheddar cheese would be great alternatives to provolone in these French dip sandwiches.

How can I make these French dip sandwiches spicier?

If you prefer a spicier flavor, you can add a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture before slow cooking. Adjust the amount according to your spice tolerance to give the sandwiches a kick of heat.

Can I make these sandwiches vegetarian?

While this recipe is focused on ground beef, you can try substituting with plant-based ground “meat” alternatives for a vegetarian version. Ensure the meat substitute has a similar texture to ground beef for best results.

Conclusion

I hope you give these Slow Cooker Ground Beef French Dip Sandwiches a try and discover for yourself how delicious and easy they are to make. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and affordability, without compromising on flavor. Whether you’re looking for a satisfying weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing dish for gatherings, these sandwiches are sure to impress.

Don’t hesitate to get creative with the recipe and make it your own by adding your favorite twists. The versatility of these sandwiches allows you to experiment with different cheeses, vegetables, or spices to suit your preferences. Remember, cooking should be enjoyable and flexible, so feel free to tailor this recipe to your liking. Embrace the convenience of your slow cooker and indulge in the comforting goodness of these Slow Cooker Ground Beef French Dip Sandwiches. Enjoy every flavorful bite!