These French Dip Sliders are a cozy treat! They feature juicy beef packed between soft rolls and a rich dipping broth that’s perfect for soaking each bite.
They’re like mini sandwiches that are ready to impress at any gathering. Trust me, they disappear fast! I love serving them with a side of crispy fries for a fun meal.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Roast: A chuck roast works best here. It’s flavorful and tender after cooking. If you’re short on time, you can also use deli roast beef; just skip the slow cooking step and heat it in the broth instead.
Onion: A medium onion adds sweetness and depth. If you’re a fan of milder flavors, you can substitute with shallots. They’ll bring a similar taste without being too strong.
Cheese: Provolone cheese adds rich flavor. If you’re not a fan, try mozzarella for a milder option. Even Swiss cheese works nicely, giving a different, but delightful twist.
Beef Broth: Homemade beef broth is great if you have it, but you can use store-bought for convenience. Look for low-sodium varieties to control the salt level in your dish.
How Do You Achieve Tender, Juicy Beef?
The key to tender, juicy beef lies in the cooking method. Whether you choose a slow cooker or stovetop, cooking the beef low and slow helps break down tough fibers. Here’s how to do it:
- Season the roast well with salt and pepper to help build flavor.
- Sear it in a hot skillet to lock in juices and add a nice color, about 3-4 minutes on each side.
- For slow cooking, cover and let it cook on low for 8 hours, or high for 4-5 hours. Check for tenderness; it should easily shred with forks.
- For stovetop simmering, keep the heat low and cover the pot for 3-4 hours. Be patient; great results take time!
French Dip Sliders
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef Filling:
- 1.5 to 2 pounds beef chuck roast or eye of round
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
For the Sliders:
- 12 slider buns or small dinner rolls
- 8 ounces provolone cheese, sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 20 minutes to prep, with cooking times depending on your method: approximately 4-5 hours on high in a slow cooker or 3-4 hours on low heat for stovetop. After that, a quick 15-20 minutes in the oven gets the sliders to melty perfection!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Seasoning and Searing the Beef:
Generously season your beef roast with salt and pepper all over. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the beef for about 3-4 minutes on each side until browned. Transfer the roast to a slow cooker or a large pot.
2. Sautéing Onions and Garlic:
In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3 minutes, until they are soft and fragrant. Transfer this mixture to the pot with the beef.
3. Adding Broth and Seasoning:
Pour the beef broth over the roast in the pot, then stir in Worcestershire sauce and dried thyme. Make sure the roast is covered well.
4. Cooking the Beef:
Now it’s time to cover and cook!
– For the slow cooker, set it to low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours until the beef is super tender and falls apart easily.
– If you’re using the stovetop, simmer gently on low heat, covered, for 3-4 hours and check for tenderness.
5. Shredding the Beef:
Once the beef is cooked, take it out from the pot and shred it using two forks. It should come apart easily! Strain the liquid to keep the broth warm; this is your tasty au jus for dipping.
6. Prepping the Sliders:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). With a knife, slice the slider buns horizontally, keeping them connected at the back like a mini loaf.
7. Assembling the Sliders:
Place the bottom halves of the buns in a baking dish. Evenly spread the shredded beef over the bottoms, followed by the slices of provolone cheese. Finally, place the top halves of the buns back on.
8. Baking and Finishing Touches:
Brush melted butter over the tops of the sliders and sprinkle with chopped parsley, if using. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and the buns are warmed through.
9. Serving:
Serve the sliders warm, with small bowls of the warm au jus for dipping. Enjoy your tasty, cheesy French Dip Sliders!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef?
Yes! While chuck roast is ideal for its flavor and tenderness, you can use other cuts like eye of round or brisket. Just make sure they’re well marbled for the best results, or they might turn out a bit dry.
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Beef Broth?
No worries! You can substitute with chicken broth or even vegetable broth if that’s what you have on hand. Just keep in mind that it will slightly change the flavor of the au jus.
Can I Make These Sliders in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the beef a day ahead and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, just assemble the sliders with the buns and cheese, then heat them in the oven like normal. For the best results, keep the au jus warm to serve fresh!
What’s the Best Way to Reheat Leftover Sliders?
If you have any leftovers, reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. You can add a splash of beef broth to the dish to keep the buns from drying out! Enjoy your tasty leftovers!