French Dip Sandwiches

Instructions

1. Prepare the meat
   Season the chuck roast generously with salt and pepper on all sides. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat. Sear the roast on all sides until deeply browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer the meat to a plate.
2. Sauté the aromatics
   In the same pot, add the sliced onions and cook until softened and beginning to brown, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Slow cook the beef
   Return the seared roast to the pot. Add beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and bay leaf. The liquid should come about halfway up the sides of the roast. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and cook for 3-3.5 hours, turning occasionally, until the meat is very tender and easily shreds with a fork.
4. Prepare the au jus
   Once the meat is cooked, transfer it to a cutting board and let rest for 15 minutes. Strain the cooking liquid through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl, discarding the solids. Skim off any excess fat from the surface. Return the strained liquid to the pot and keep warm over low heat. This is your au jus for dipping.
5. Shred the beef
   Using two forks, shred the beef into bite-sized pieces, discarding any remaining fat or gristle. Return the shredded beef to the pot with a small amount of the au jus to keep it moist, reserving the majority of the au jus for dipping.
6. Prepare the rolls
   Preheat the broiler. Place the split rolls on a baking sheet, cut side up. Toast under the broiler until just golden, about 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
7. Assemble the sandwiches
   Pile the shredded beef onto the bottom halves of the toasted rolls. If desired, place a slice of provolone cheese on top of the beef. Return to the broiler for 1-2 minutes, just until the cheese melts. Top with the upper halves of the rolls.
8. Serve
   Serve each sandwich with a small bowl of warm au jus on the side for dipping. To eat, dip each bite of the sandwich into the au jus before taking a bite.