Game Day French Dip Sandwiches or Comforting Beef Tips: One Crock Pot, Two Delicious Paths

Sometimes the simplest recipes are the ones that stick. This one has been in my rotation for years, and every time I make it I think, “really, that’s all it takes?” But one bite in, I remember why it works: deep flavor, hardly any fuss, and enough versatility to carry you from game night to a weeknight dinner.

Usually, I make this with an eye round roast for hot French dip beef sandwiches, piled high on crusty rolls with plenty of au jus for dipping. But this week my local meat market was out of eye round, so I pivoted. Instead of sandwiches, I tried to convert our game day favorite into beef tips with gravy over mashed potatoes, and let’s just say it was a very happy pivot.

Let’s Cook!

• Begin by seasoning the meat with salt and pepper.
• Place whatever beef you’re using in the crock pot
• Top with the French onion soup, consomme and broth. Add the wine (if you prefer not to use wine, just add another half can of stock
• Cook on low for 5 hours or until the beef reaches 155 degrees.

For the sandwiches

• Toast some crusty rolls for about 5-10 minutes
• Remove the beef from the crock pot and slice into thin slices
• Pile on the rolls and serve with a side of the au jus from the stock pot
• (A little Swiss cheese is always a welcome add!)

For the beef tips

• Prepare 4 cups of mashed potatoes by boiling 4-5 russet potatoes till fork tender (I leave the skins on), drain and mash with salt, pepper and 2-4 tbsp butter. Add milk slowly to the pot, stirring after each add until it’s the consistency you like (tips from my kitchen: I always add a dash of nutmeg and use buttermilk for some extra taste)
• To thicken the sauce, whisk 4 tbsp cornstarch with 4 tbsp beef stock, stir into the crock pot, and switch to high for 20 minutes.
• Spoon the beef and gravy over potatoes, and serve with simple green beans dressed in citrus vinaigrette.

Either way you enjoy it, the simplicity shines through! Let me know what version you try!

Eat well friends!

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