Introduction
Indulging in a delicious, hearty meal doesn’t have to be complicated, and this chuck roast recipe is a perfect example. Combining tender meat, flavorful herbs, and a unique blend of sauces, this dish yields mouthwatering results with minimal effort. Serve it as a savory sandwich with the added delight of melted cheese, and you’ll have a dish that pleases everyone at your table.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
3.5 pounds chuck roast
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 packet dry onion soup mix
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 1/3 cups low-sodium beef broth
1 cup Coca-Cola (not diet)
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
16 slices Swiss or provolone cheese
8 hoagie or sub rolls
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 5 hours
Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
This slow cooker chuck roast is not only easy to prepare, but it’s also incredibly versatile. Serve it hot in a sub roll, dipped in a flavorful au jus sauce, for a meal that’s sure to impress. Enjoy!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Season the Chuck Roast
Season all sides of the chuck roast with salt, freshly ground black pepper, dried oregano, and dried thyme. Make sure to rub the seasoning into the meat for even coverage.
Sear the Meat
In a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Once hot, sear the meat on high heat for about 30 seconds on each side until it is lightly browned. This step helps to develop the flavor of the meat.
Prepare the Slow Cooker
Place the seared chuck roast into the slow cooker. Sprinkle the dry onion soup mix and minced garlic evenly over the top of the meat.
Add the Liquids
Pour the low-sodium beef broth, Coca-Cola, Worcestershire sauce, and low-sodium soy sauce over the meat in the slow cooker. This mixture will create a flavorful au jus.
Cook the Meat
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 4 hours.
Slice the Meat
After 4 hours of cooking, carefully remove the meat from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Thinly slice the meat against the grain and return it to the slow cooker. Continue cooking on low for an additional hour.
Preheat the Oven
When ready to serve, preheat the oven to high broil.
Prepare the Rolls
Slice the hoagie or sub rolls in half and lightly butter the top sides.
Assemble the Sandwiches
Add a few slices of the sliced meat to the bottom halves of the rolls. Top each with two slices of Swiss or provolone cheese.
Broil the Sandwiches
Place the assembled sandwiches in the oven and broil for a few minutes, just until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden brown.
Prepare the Au Jus
Ladle the au jus sauce from the slow cooker into small bowls for dipping.
Serve the Sandwiches
Serve the sandwiches warm, alongside the au jus for dipping.
Notes
Adjusting Seasoning
Feel free to adjust the salt and pepper to your taste preference.
Cheese Variations
Swiss or provolone cheese can be substituted with other melting cheeses such as mozzarella or cheddar if desired.
Slow Cooker Variations
If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can combine a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Storage and Reheating
Leftover meat can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.
Cook techniques
Seasoning the Meat
Season the chuck roast generously on all sides with salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and dried thyme to enhance flavor before cooking.
Searing the Meat
Heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chuck roast for about 30 seconds on each side until it is lightly browned, which helps develop a richer flavor.
Slow Cooking
Place the seared roast in a slow cooker and add the onion soup mix, minced garlic, beef broth, Coca-Cola, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce. Cook on low for 4 hours to ensure the meat becomes tender.
Slicing and Returning to Cooker
After the first cooking time, remove the meat from the slow cooker, slice it thinly, and return it to the cooker for an additional hour to soak up the flavors.
Broiling the Sandwiches
Preheat the oven to high broil. Butter the top side of sub rolls, add sliced meat, and top each roll with two slices of cheese. Broil for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden.
Serving with Au Jus
Ladle the flavorful sauce from the slow cooker into small bowls for dipping, serving the warm sandwiches alongside for an interactive dining experience.
FAQ
Can I use a different cut of meat besides chuck roast?
Yes, you can use other cuts like brisket or round roast, but cooking times may vary depending on the cut’s thickness and tenderness.
Is it necessary to sear the meat before slow cooking?
While it’s not mandatory, searing the meat adds a depth of flavor and improves the overall taste of the dish.
Can I prepare this recipe in a pressure cooker?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a pressure cooker. Follow the same seasoning and ingredient steps, but cook under high pressure for about 60-90 minutes.
What can I substitute for Coca-Cola?
If you prefer not to use Coca-Cola, you can substitute it with a combination of regular cola or a similar dark soda to maintain the flavor profile.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, the cooked meat can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving with the sandwiches.
Conclusion
This hearty chuck roast sandwich is elevated by the rich flavors from the mix of beef broth, Coca-Cola, and spices. The slow cooking method ensures that the meat becomes tender and flavorful, while the melted cheese adds a creamy texture. Served with a side of au jus for dipping, these sandwiches make for a delightful meal, perfect for gatherings or family dinners.
More recipes suggestions and combination
BBQ Beef Sliders
Substitute the au jus with your favorite BBQ sauce, and serve on slider buns for a fun twist that’s perfect for parties.
Vegetable and Cheese Hoagies
Layer grilled vegetables and a variety of cheeses on the hoagie rolls for a vegetarian alternative that still feels hearty.
French Dip with Roasted Peppers
Add roasted red peppers and caramelized onions to the sliced chuck roast before broiling with cheese for an extra flavor boost.
Spicy Beef and Cheese Rolls
Incorporate jalapeños or pepper jack cheese into the recipe for a spicy kick that complements the sweetness of the Coca-Cola.
Beef Stroganoff Sandwiches
Top the meat with a creamy mushroom sauce instead of cheese, served on the hoagie rolls for a unique take on beef stroganoff.
