Description
The French Dip Sandwich is a beloved American classic, featuring thinly sliced roast beef piled onto a crusty French roll, often topped with melted cheese, and served with a rich, savory au jus for dipping. It strikes a perfect balance between hearty comfort food and gourmet flair, making it a popular choice for home cooks and restaurant menus alike. This sandwich is ideal for weeknight dinners, game day gatherings, or casual lunch spreads, delivering bold flavor and satisfying texture in every bite.
Ingredients
2 lbs chuck roast or rump roast, trimmed
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 large onion, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon rosemary, crushed
1 bay leaf
4 cups beef broth, low sodium preferred
6 French rolls or hoagie buns, split
Optional: Swiss cheese, provolone, or mozzarella slices
Horseradish sauce
Caramelized onions
Banana peppers
Pickled giardiniera
Instructions
- Sear the Roast: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Pat the roast dry, season it generously with salt and black pepper, and sear it on all sides until browned, about 2–3 minutes per side. Transfer the roast to a slow cooker or Dutch oven.
- Build the Flavorful Broth: In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed and sauté the onions until translucent. Stir in the garlic, cooking for another 30 seconds. Add the mixture to the cooker along with the Worcestershire sauce, thyme, onion powder, rosemary, bay leaf, and beef broth. Stir to combine.
- Slow Cook Until Tender: Cook on low for 7–8 hours or high for 4–5 hours, until the roast is fork-tender and easily shreds. Remove the roast and shred it using two forks, discarding any large pieces of fat. Strain the broth through a fine mesh sieve to use as the au jus dipping sauce.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Split the French rolls and lightly toast them if desired. Pile on the shredded beef, add a slice of Swiss or provolone cheese, and place the sandwiches on a baking sheet. Bake until the cheese melts and the rolls are golden, about 5–6 minutes.
- Serve with Au Jus: Ladle the hot au jus into small bowls for dipping. Serve the French dip sandwiches immediately, with optional garnishes or sides.
Notes
- For an extra kick, add sautéed onions, horseradish cream, or mild peppers.
- Homemade roast beef adds superior flavor, but deli-sliced versions offer convenience.
- Use low-sodium broth and soy sauce to control the saltiness of the au jus.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course / Sandwiches
- Method: Stovetop + Oven
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 585
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 1230mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 90mg