What Makes French Dip Sandwiches So Special?
Have you ever taken a bite of a sandwich so juicy and flavorful that it melts in your mouth? French Dip Sandwiches are just that! With tender slices of beef, melty cheese, and a savory au jus for dipping, this sandwich is an all-time favorite for comfort food lovers.
In this guide, we’ll take you through every step of making the best French Dip Sandwich at home—from selecting the right beef cut to the perfect bread for soaking up that delicious au jus.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy: Ready in just 30 minutes if using pre-cooked beef.
- Rich and savory: The au jus is packed with deep, beefy flavor.
- Restaurant-quality at home: No need to go to a deli when you can make the best version yourself.
- Customizable: Works with different meats, cheeses, and bread types.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Sandwich:
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast or ribeye, thinly sliced (or deli roast beef as a shortcut)
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 4 hoagie rolls (or crusty baguettes)
- 4 slices provolone or Swiss cheese
For the Au Jus (Dipping Sauce):
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
Ingredient Substitutions:
- Beef: Use turkey or pork for a twist.
- Cheese: Swap provolone for cheddar or pepper jack.
- Bread: Ciabatta or sourdough adds extra texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Beef
If using a roast, season it with salt and pepper, then slow-cook it for 3-4 hours at 275°F in a mix of beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce. Once cooked, let it rest before slicing thinly.
For a quick version, buy high-quality deli roast beef and warm it in the au jus.
2. Make the Au Jus (Dipping Sauce)
- In a saucepan, combine beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Simmer over medium heat for 10 minutes.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Strain and keep warm for serving.
3. Sauté the Onions & Garlic
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add onions and garlic and cook until soft and caramelized, about 10 minutes.
4. Assemble the Sandwiches
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Slice the hoagie rolls and lightly toast them for crispiness.
- Layer thinly sliced beef, caramelized onions, and cheese on the bread.
- Place in the oven for 5 minutes, until cheese is melted.
5. Serve and Enjoy!
- Serve the sandwich hot with a side of warm au jus for dipping.
- Pair it with French fries or a simple side salad.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Refrigeration: Store leftover beef and au jus separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Beef can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Reheating: Warm the beef in a skillet over low heat with some au jus to retain moisture.
Delicious Variations to Try
- Spicy French Dip: Add sliced jalapeños or spicy mustard.
- Garlic Butter French Dip: Brush hoagie rolls with garlic butter before toasting.
- Mushroom & Swiss French Dip: Sauté mushrooms with onions and swap provolone for Swiss cheese.
- Slow Cooker Version: Cook the roast in a slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours for fall-apart tenderness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best cut of beef for French Dip Sandwiches?
Ribeye, chuck roast, or top sirloin are ideal due to their marbling and tenderness.
Can I make French Dip Sandwiches ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the beef and au jus a day in advance, then assemble the sandwiches fresh for serving.
What cheese is best for a French Dip Sandwich?
Provolone, Swiss, or Monterey Jack melt beautifully and complement the beef.
Is French Dip healthy?
While indulgent, you can make it healthier by using leaner beef and whole-grain bread.
Print
Melt-in-Your-Mouth French Dip Sandwiches for Dinner
- Total Time: 34 minute
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 3 to 4 pounds chuck roast or rump roast
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 10.5 ounces condensed beef broth (1 can, low sodium)
- 10.5 ounces condensed French onion soup or condensed onion soup (1 can)
- 1 onion, sliced
- 12 ounces light beer
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 8 French rolls or 2 baguettes cut into 6-inch rolls
- 8 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Season the roast with salt and pepper. Brown it in a large pan over medium-high heat.
- Place the browned roast in a slow cooker along with beef broth, onion soup, sliced onion, beer, minced garlic, rosemary, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours, until the beef is tender.
- Once tender, remove the beef from the slow cooker and let it rest for 15 minutes before shredding or slicing.
- Butter the rolls and toast them under a broiler until lightly browned.
- Assemble the sandwiches by placing the beef on the toasted rolls. Serve with the jus from the slow cooker for dipping.
Notes
- If desired, add cheese (such as provolone) to the sandwiches before toasting.
- For a thicker jus, mix 1-2 teaspoons of cornstarch with an equal amount of water and add to the slow cooker while the meat rests.
- Prep Time: PT25M
- Cook Time: PT4H
- Category: Main course, Sandwich
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Comfort food, Slow cooker, Beef, Crowd-pleaser
