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Pioneer Woman Beef Dip Sandwiches

Pioneer Woman Beef Dip Sandwiches - recipe card

Tender, slow-cooked beef is piled onto soft rolls and served with a rich au jus for dipping. This hearty sandwich is packed with savory flavor from a blend of spices and a splash of Worcestershire, making it a satisfying meal for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs beef chuck roast, trimmed of excess fat and cut into 4 large chunks
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced (about 1 1/2 cups)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (ensure no pork-derived ingredients if desired; most are safe)
  • 4 crusty hoagie rolls or French rolls, split
  • For serving: sliced provolone cheese (optional), prepared horseradish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the beef chunks dry with paper towels. Season all sides with kosher salt and black pepper, pressing the seasoning to adhere.
  2. In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Add the beef chunks in a single layer, working in batches if necessary to avoid crowding, and sear until well browned on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. This browning builds deep flavor.
  3. Transfer the seared beef to a plate and set aside. Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the sliced onion to the same pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and starts to caramelize, about 8-10 minutes. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot as the onion releases moisture.
  4. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly so it doesn’t burn.
  5. Sprinkle the thyme, paprika, and oregano over the onions, and stir to coat for about 30 seconds to toast the spices.
  6. Return the beef chunks to the pot, nestling them into the onions. Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, scraping the bottom again to release any remaining browned bits. Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer.
  7. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and reduce the heat to low. Simmer gently for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender and shreds easily. Check occasionally to ensure there is enough liquid; if it reduces too much, add a splash of water or broth.
  8. Once the beef is tender, remove it from the pot and set it on a cutting board. Using two forks, shred the meat, discarding any large pieces of fat. Keep the onions in the pot with the liquid; this will become your au jus.
  9. If you plan to add cheese, preheat your oven’s broiler. Place the split rolls on a baking sheet, cut side up, and lightly toast them under the broiler for 1-2 minutes until just golden (watch closely).
  10. To make the au jus, taste the liquid in the pot and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. If you want a smoother broth, you can strain it, but removing the onions will reduce flavor—we prefer to leave them in.
  11. Return the shredded beef to the pot and stir to coat with the au jus. Let it heat through for a few minutes.
  12. Pile the beef mixture generously onto the bottom halves of the toasted rolls. If using cheese, place a slice of provolone over the beef and broil for 1-2 minutes until melted and bubbly.
  13. Place the top halves of the rolls on each sandwich. Pour the remaining au jus into small ramekins or bowls for dipping.
  14. Serve immediately, with additional horseradish or hot sauce on the side if desired.

Notes

Storage: Store leftover beef and au jus separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The beef can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheating: Reheat the beef and au jus in a pot over medium-low heat, adding a little water or broth if needed, until heated through to 165°F / 74°C. Alternatively, microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes. Rolls should be toasted fresh.

Nutrition

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