Introduction
If you’re looking to indulge in a hearty, flavorful meal, this recipe for a slow-cooked chuck roast sandwich is perfect. Infused with a blend of savory spices, broth, and even a hint of Coca-Cola, this dish results in tender, juicy meat that pairs beautifully with melted cheese on a hoagie roll. It’s an ideal choice for gatherings, game days, or simply a comforting dinner at home.
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
Preparation for this delicious meal takes approximately 15 minutes. You’ll be seasoning and searing the roast, making the flavorful sauce, and preparing the slow cooker.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
The cook time for this dish is between 5 to 7 hours on low heat in a slow cooker, resulting in incredibly tender meat. The total time from prep to serving is around 5 hours and 15 minutes to 7 hours and 15 minutes. Depending on how you portion it, this recipe yields 8 generous sandwiches, perfect for a family or a small gathering.
Enjoy the delightful experience of biting into these cheesy, savory sandwiches served with flavorful au jus for dipping!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
1. Season the Chuck Roast
Start by seasoning the chuck roast generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Sprinkle the dried oregano and thyme evenly over the roast to enhance its flavor.
2. Sear the Roast
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once heated, carefully place the chuck roast in the skillet. Sear it for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until all sides develop a rich, brown crust.
3. Transfer to Slow Cooker
After searing, transfer the roast into the slow cooker. Ensure it is placed in a single layer at the bottom for even cooking.
4. Prepare the Sauce Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine the dry onion soup mix, minced garlic, low-sodium beef broth, Coca-Cola, Worcestershire sauce, and low-sodium soy sauce. Mix until well combined.
5. Pour Sauce Over Roast
Carefully pour the sauce mixture over the roast in the slow cooker, ensuring that the roast is fully covered.
6. Slow Cook the Roast
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low heat for 5-7 hours, or until the chuck roast becomes tender and can be easily shredded with a fork.
7. Shred the Meat
Once the cooking time is complete, remove the roast from the slow cooker. Using two forks, shred the meat into bite-sized pieces, ensuring to separate any fatty sections.
8. Keep the Shredded Beef Warm
Place the shredded beef back into the slow cooker and keep it on the warm setting to retain heat until you are ready to serve.
9. Preheat the Oven
While the beef is warming, preheat your oven to the broil setting.
10. Prepare the Hoagie Rolls
Slice the hoagie or sub rolls in half lengthwise and place them on a baking sheet, ready to be filled.
11. Assemble the Sandwiches
Generously pile the shredded beef onto the opened rolls. Top each sandwich with two slices of either Swiss or provolone cheese.
12. Broil the Sandwiches
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Broil the sandwiches for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
13. Serve with Au Jus
Serve the sandwiches hot, accompanied by the cooking juices from the slow cooker as a dipping sauce (au jus).
Notes
Storage Recommendations
Leftover shredded beef can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Instructions
If you want to freeze leftovers, place the shredded beef in a freezer-safe container and store for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Customization Options
Feel free to customize your sandwiches by adding toppings such as sautéed onions, peppers, or even spicy mustard for an extra kick.
Serving Suggestions
These sandwiches pair well with a side of potato chips, a simple salad, or even French fries for a heartier meal.
Cook techniques
Seasoning
Properly seasoning your chuck roast with salt, pepper, oregano, and thyme enhances the flavor of the meat and ensures a delicious final dish.
Searing
Searing the roast in olive oil over medium-high heat creates a flavorful crust, which locks in juices and adds depth to the overall taste.
Slow Cooking
Using a slow cooker allows the chuck roast to cook evenly over a long period, resulting in tender and easily shreddable meat. Cooking on low heat for 5-7 hours also develops complex flavors.
Shredding
After cooking, use two forks to shred the meat. This method helps to achieve a texture that is perfect for piling onto hoagie rolls.
Broiling
Broiling the assembled sandwiches melts the cheese beautifully and gives the top a bubbly, golden finish. This technique adds an appealing texture and visual element to the dish.
Cooking Juices
Using the cooking juices from the slow cooker as au jus adds moisture and flavor to the sandwiches, enhancing the overall eating experience.
FAQ
What type of beef works best for this recipe?
Chuck roast is ideal for this recipe as it becomes tender during the slow cooking process, making it perfect for shredding.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can use other types of cheese such as cheddar or Monterey Jack if you prefer a different flavor.
Is it necessary to sear the meat before slow cooking?
While not mandatory, searing the meat before slow cooking enhances the flavor and texture of the roast.
Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe to a Dutch oven or pressure cooker, adjusting cooking times accordingly.
How should I store leftovers?
Store the leftover shredded beef and rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze the cooked beef?
Yes, shredded beef can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Just thaw and reheat before serving.
Conclusion
This slow-cooked chuck roast sandwich is a perfect blend of flavors, combining the savory essence of beef with the sweetness of Coca-Cola and the rich depth of soy and Worcestershire sauces. The end result is a tender, juicy filling topped with melted cheese, all nestled in a soft hoagie roll. It’s an ideal comfort food that’s easy to prepare and sure to satisfy.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Beef Stroganoff
Use the shredded beef in a creamy sauce with mushrooms and serve over egg noodles for a classic beef stroganoff.
Casserole Bake
Combine shredded beef with cooked pasta, marinara sauce, and plenty of cheese, then bake until bubbly for a hearty casserole.
Beef Tacos
Transform the shredded beef into flavorful tacos by serving in corn tortillas with your favorite toppings like avocado, cilantro, and salsa.
Vegetable Stir-Fry
For a lighter meal, serve the shredded beef alongside a medley of stir-fried vegetables and steamed rice for a balanced dish.
French Dip Sandwiches
Serve the shredded beef on crusty rolls with a side of au jus for dipping, enhancing the flavors of the beef with each bite.
Beef and Cheese Quesadillas
Stuff tortillas with shredded beef and cheese, then grill until crispy for a delicious twist on traditional quesadillas.
