Ree Drummond, the Pioneer Woman, is renowned for her hearty, flavor-packed recipes, especially when it comes to beef. From her famous pot roast to comforting meatloaf, Ree knows how to make meat lovers happy. So, naturally, we had to try her Pioneer Woman Drip Beef recipe and see if it lived up to the hype. And spoiler alert: it absolutely does!
What Exactly is Drip Beef?
If you’re a fan of French dip sandwiches, then drip beef will quickly become your new favorite. Think of it as French dip’s even more flavorful and tender cousin. Instead of thinly sliced beef, drip beef features slow-cooked chuck roast that’s shredded to succulent perfection. This incredibly tender beef is then piled onto buttery, toasted rolls, often with sautéed onions and melted provolone cheese. The real magic? Each sandwich is then dipped into the rich, flavorful drippings left behind from slow-cooking the beef.
Every bite of a Pioneer Woman drip beef sandwich is an explosion of flavor and juicy goodness. Be prepared – you’ll definitely need extra napkins as the delicious drippings live up to their name, dripping down your chin with every mouthful. Trust us, it’s a wonderfully messy experience!
Pioneer Woman’s Slow Cooker Drip Beef Sandwiches Recipe
Close-up of Pioneer Woman Drip Beef Sandwich with dripping juices
This recipe utilizes the ease of a slow cooker to create unbelievably tender and flavorful drip beef. Here’s how to make Pioneer Woman’s slow cooker drip beef sandwiches at home:
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 pound beef chuck roast
- 1 teaspoon minced fresh rosemary
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
- Black pepper, to taste
- 12 ounces pepperoncini peppers, whole or sliced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 6 tablespoons salted butter, softened
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 6 soft hoagie rolls, split
- 12 slices provolone cheese
Step-by-Step Directions:
Step 1: Slow Cook the Beef
Place the beef chuck roast into a 6- to 8-quart slow cooker. Sprinkle with minced rosemary, ½ teaspoon of kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper to your liking. Add the pepperoncini peppers, including their juice, and pour in the beef broth. Cover the slow cooker and cook on Low heat for 7 to 8 hours. The beef is ready when it’s incredibly tender and easily shreds apart with a fork.
Step 2: Sauté the Onions
While the beef is nearing completion, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions, the remaining ¼ teaspoon of salt, and black pepper to taste. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions become tender and beautifully golden brown, approximately 10 minutes. For an even richer flavor, consider taking the extra time to slowly caramelize the onions.
Step 3: Shred the Beef
Carefully transfer the cooked beef from the slow cooker to a large bowl. Using two forks, shred the beef into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded beef back to the slow cooker to keep it warm in the flavorful cooking liquid.
Step 4: Toast the Hoagie Rolls
Preheat your oven broiler. Generously butter the inside of each hoagie roll with the remaining 4 tablespoons of softened butter. Place the buttered rolls on a baking sheet and broil until they are perfectly golden brown and toasted. Keep a close eye on them as broilers can toast bread very quickly!
Step 5: Assemble the Sandwiches
Pile a generous amount of the shredded drip beef onto the bottom half of each toasted hoagie roll. Drizzle each serving with some of the flavorful cooking liquid from the slow cooker. Top with the sautéed onions and, if desired, a few pepperoncini peppers from the slow cooker for an extra kick. Finish each sandwich with two slices of provolone cheese. Return the assembled sandwiches to the broiler and broil for about 1 minute, or until the provolone cheese is melted and gooey.
Step 6: Serve and Dip!
Serve these incredible Pioneer Woman drip beef sandwiches warm. For a complete Pioneer Woman inspired meal, pair them with sides like Ree Drummond’s ranch chips. Don’t forget to serve each sandwich with a small bowl of the extra cooking liquid for dipping. Enjoy every delicious, drippy bite!
Two Pioneer Woman Drip Beef Sandwiches on a plate, ready to eat
Our Honest Review of Pioneer Woman Drip Beef Sandwiches
These Pioneer Woman drip beef sandwiches are truly something special. The beef is unbelievably tender and juicy, bursting with savory flavor. The pepperoncini peppers add a subtle warmth and a touch of acidity that perfectly complements the richness of the beef. The sautéed onions provide a wonderful textural contrast and deepen the overall flavor profile. And that melted provolone cheese? It’s the perfect, cheesy finish to an already outstanding sandwich.
Beyond the incredible taste, the simplicity of this recipe is a huge win. With minimal prep work and the slow cooker doing most of the heavy lifting, this is a recipe that’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough to serve to guests. We can absolutely see Pioneer Woman drip beef sandwiches becoming a regular family favorite in our rotation.
For the ultimate drip beef experience, we recommend choosing high-quality hoagie rolls with a bit of substance. A slightly crusty roll is ideal to hold up to all those delicious, flavorful drippings without getting soggy and falling apart.
While these sandwiches are absolutely divine as written, there’s always room for customization! Consider adding sautéed mushrooms, roasted red peppers, or spicy giardiniera for extra layers of flavor. A smear of homemade horseradish cream sauce or aioli would also elevate these easy drip beef sandwiches to gourmet levels. No matter how you choose to serve them, Pioneer Woman drip beef sandwiches are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
