French Dip Sandwich

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s so much to love about a French Dip Sandwich! The tenderness of the roast beef, the crusty yet soft roll, and the savory au jus combine to create a sandwich that’s irresistibly delicious. It’s an easy-to-make, hearty meal that’s perfect for any time of the day. Whether you enjoy it as a quick lunch or a comforting dinner, this sandwich is sure to satisfy your taste buds.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb thinly sliced roast beef (preferably from the deli)

  • 4 soft French rolls or baguettes

  • 1 cup beef broth

  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce

  • 1 small onion, thinly sliced

  • 1 tablespoon butter

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme

  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

  • 4 slices provolone or Swiss cheese (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

  1. Begin by preparing the au jus. In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook for about 5 minutes, until softened and golden.

  2. Add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, garlic powder, thyme, and black pepper to the onions. Stir everything together, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

  3. While the au jus simmers, prepare the sandwiches. Slice the French rolls in half, but don’t cut all the way through – leave a hinge.

  4. If you’d like cheese on your sandwiches, place a slice of provolone or Swiss cheese on the bottom half of each roll.

  5. Once the au jus is ready, dip the thinly sliced roast beef into the hot liquid for about 30 seconds, just to warm it up and infuse it with the flavors of the broth.

  6. Pile the warmed beef onto the rolls, then top with the sautéed onions from the au jus.

  7. Serve each sandwich with a small bowl of the au jus on the side for dipping.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 4

  • Preparation time: 10 minutes

  • Cooking time: 20 minutes

  • Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

  • Add Cheese: Melted provolone or Swiss cheese can be added to the sandwich for a cheesy, gooey experience.

  • Use Different Meats: If you prefer, you can swap the roast beef for other meats like turkey or chicken.

  • Add Vegetables: Add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers to the sandwich for extra flavor and texture.

  • Make it Spicy: Add a little bit of hot sauce or sliced jalapeños to the au jus or the sandwich itself for a spicy kick.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Leftover French Dip Sandwiches can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

  • Reheating: To reheat, gently warm the beef in a saucepan with a bit of beef broth or au jus. Reheat the rolls in the oven or microwave for a few seconds before assembling the sandwich again.

FAQs

How do I make the au jus taste better?

You can add a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar to enhance the flavor of the au jus. Adding a bay leaf or fresh herbs can also deepen the richness.

Can I use other types of bread for a French Dip Sandwich?

Yes, while a French roll or baguette is traditional, you can use any kind of hearty bread, such as ciabatta, hoagie rolls, or even sourdough.

Can I prepare the French Dip Sandwich in advance?

You can prep most of the ingredients ahead of time. Just warm the beef and broth before assembling the sandwich when you’re ready to serve.

Can I use a slow cooker for the roast beef?

Absolutely! You can cook the roast beef in a slow cooker with beef broth and seasonings for a more tender, flavorful option.

Is it necessary to dip the sandwich in the au jus?

While dipping is the traditional way to enjoy this sandwich, you can also drizzle some of the au jus over the beef before serving if you prefer.

Can I freeze French Dip Sandwiches?

You can freeze the roast beef and au jus separately. However, it’s best to assemble the sandwich fresh, as the bread may not freeze well.

What else can I serve with French Dip Sandwiches?

French fries, coleslaw, or a side salad are all great accompaniments for a French Dip Sandwich.

Can I make a vegetarian version of the French Dip Sandwich?

Yes! You can substitute the roast beef with roasted or grilled vegetables, like mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions, and still enjoy the sandwich with the au jus for dipping.

What kind of beef should I use for French Dip Sandwiches?

Roast beef from the deli is the most common choice, but you can also use leftover roast beef or prime rib.

Can I use a different cheese besides provolone or Swiss?

Yes, you can use any cheese you like, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or even blue cheese, depending on your preference.

Conclusion

A French Dip Sandwich is the ultimate comfort food, combining juicy, flavorful beef with a delicious, savory au jus for dipping. This easy-to-make sandwich is a perfect option for lunch or dinner and offers plenty of ways to customize it to your tastes. Whether you’re a fan of melted cheese, extra veggies, or classic roast beef, this recipe will become a favorite in your household. Enjoy the satisfying combination of flavors with every bite!

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French Dip Sandwich

French Dip Sandwich

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A French Dip Sandwich is a savory, comforting dish with tender roast beef, melted cheese, and tangy au jus, all served on a soft baguette or French roll. It’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or a cozy snack.

  • Author: Laura
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 sandwiches
  • Category: Lunch
  • Method: Grill
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 1 lb thinly sliced roast beef (preferably from the deli)
  • 4 soft French rolls or baguettes
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 small onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 4 slices provolone or Swiss cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the au jus: In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook for about 5 minutes, until softened and golden.
  2. Add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, garlic powder, thyme, and black pepper. Stir, then bring to a simmer. Let it cook for 10 minutes to meld the flavors.
  3. Slice the French rolls in half, leaving a hinge. If using cheese, place a slice of provolone or Swiss on the bottom half of each roll.
  4. Dip thinly sliced roast beef into the hot au jus for 30 seconds to warm it up.
  5. Pile the warm beef onto the rolls and top with sautéed onions from the au jus.
  6. Serve with the remaining au jus on the side for dipping.

Notes

  • If desired, add extra spices or a splash of red wine to the au jus for deeper flavor.
  • Try different meats, such as pastrami or turkey, for variations on the classic French dip.
  • Make the sandwich spicier by adding jalapeños or hot sauce to the au jus or sandwich.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 sandwich
  • Calories: 600
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 1500mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 55g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg
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