Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tender slices of prime rib create an incredibly flavorful sandwich.
- The warm au jus adds depth and richness when dipping.
- Perfect for using leftover prime rib from a special dinner.
- Simple ingredients create a restaurant-quality meal.
- Great for lunch, dinner, or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
thinly sliced prime rib
French rolls or hoagie rolls
beef broth
Worcestershire sauce
garlic powder
onion powder
butter
provolone or Swiss cheese slices
salt
black pepper
Directions
- In a saucepan, combine beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for about 5–7 minutes to develop flavor. This will serve as the au jus.
- Lightly toast the French rolls with a small amount of butter until the inside is golden.
- Warm the sliced prime rib briefly in the simmering au jus for about 30–60 seconds to heat it without overcooking.
- Remove the meat from the broth and place it onto the toasted rolls.
- Add provolone or Swiss cheese slices on top of the warm meat.
- If desired, place the assembled sandwiches under a broiler for a minute to melt the cheese.
- Pour the remaining au jus into small serving bowls.
- Close the sandwiches and serve them with the warm dipping sauce.
- Dip the sandwich into the au jus before each bite for the best flavor.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4 sandwiches
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: about 20 minutes
Variations
Caramelized onion version
Add sweet caramelized onions to the sandwich for extra depth of flavor.
Garlic butter bread
Spread garlic butter on the rolls before toasting for extra richness.
Spicy French dip
Add horseradish sauce or spicy mustard for a little heat.
Mushroom version
Top the sandwich with sautéed mushrooms and melted Swiss cheese.
Open-faced version
Serve the sandwich open-faced with extra au jus poured over the meat.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover prime rib and au jus separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, warm the beef gently in the au jus over low heat to keep it tender.
For best results, toast the bread fresh and assemble the sandwich just before serving.
FAQs
What is a French dip sandwich?
A French dip is a sandwich made with thinly sliced roast beef served on a roll and dipped in a savory beef broth called au jus.
Can I use leftover prime rib for this recipe?
Yes, leftover prime rib works perfectly and is one of the best ways to enjoy it again.
What bread works best for a French dip?
French rolls, hoagie rolls, or crusty baguettes work well because they hold up to the dipping sauce.
What cheese is best for a French dip sandwich?
Provolone, Swiss, or mozzarella melt well and complement the beef flavor.
How do I keep the meat tender when reheating?
Warm it gently in the au jus instead of microwaving it.
Can I make the au jus ahead of time?
Yes, it can be prepared in advance and reheated before serving.
Can I add vegetables to the sandwich?
Yes, caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, or roasted peppers are great additions.
Is this sandwich served hot or cold?
It is typically served hot so the beef stays tender and the cheese melts.
Can I make this sandwich without cheese?
Yes, traditional French dip sandwiches are often served without cheese.
What sides go well with a French dip?
French fries, potato chips, coleslaw, or a simple green salad pair well.
Conclusion
The prime rib French dip is a delicious and comforting sandwich that highlights the rich flavor of tender prime rib and savory au jus. With toasted bread, melted cheese, and warm dipping broth, this recipe is a simple yet satisfying way to turn leftover prime rib into an unforgettable meal.
PrintPrime Rib French Dip
A rich prime rib French dip sandwich made with tender slices of beef layered on toasted rolls and served with a warm, savory au jus for dipping. This comforting sandwich highlights the bold flavor of prime rib with simple ingredients.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 1 lb thinly sliced prime rib
- 4 French rolls or hoagie rolls
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 slices provolone or Swiss cheese
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 5–7 minutes to develop flavor, creating the au jus.
- Slice the French rolls and spread a small amount of butter on the inside.
- Toast the rolls in a skillet or oven until the inside is lightly golden.
- Place the sliced prime rib into the simmering au jus for about 30–60 seconds to warm it without overcooking.
- Remove the meat from the broth and pile it onto the toasted rolls.
- Place provolone or Swiss cheese slices over the warm meat.
- If desired, place the sandwiches under a broiler for about 1 minute until the cheese melts.
- Pour the remaining au jus into small serving bowls.
- Serve the sandwiches warm with the au jus on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Add caramelized onions for extra sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Spread garlic butter on the rolls before toasting for richer flavor.
- Top with sautéed mushrooms and Swiss cheese for a steakhouse-style version.
- Add horseradish sauce or spicy mustard for a spicy variation.
- Warm leftover prime rib gently in the au jus to keep the meat tender.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 560 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 920 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg