Recipe: French Dip Sandwiches
There’s something incredibly satisfying about biting into a French Dip Sandwich, especially when it's made with tender, slow-cooked roast beef. While the classic version often calls for deli-style beef, taking the time to prepare your own roast adds so much flavor and texture to this comforting dish. The meat is juicy, rich, and full of depth, while the crusty bread, melted cheese, and the savory au jus make this a meal worth savoring. This version is perfect for a cozy family dinner or even a weekend treat when you have time to let the roast cook low and slow. The homemade au jus elevates the sandwich, turning each bite into a savory experience. Grab some crusty rolls and let’s make these delicious French Dip sandwiches from scratch!
Ingredients (Serves 4-6):
For the Roast:
- 3-4 lb beef chuck roast (product #: 111127)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cups beef broth (low-sodium recommended)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sandwiches:
- 4-6 hoagie or French rolls
- 8 slices of provolone, Swiss, or cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter (optional for toasting the bread)
For the Au Jus (from the roast drippings):
- Drippings from the roast
- 1 cup additional beef broth (if needed)
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method:
- Prepare the Roast:
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) or set up a slow cooker on low.
- Season the beef chuck roast generously with salt and pepper on all sides.
- In a large oven-safe pot or skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the roast on all sides until browned, about 4-5 minutes per side.
- Remove the roast from the pan, then add minced garlic and sliced onions, cooking until fragrant and softened (about 2-3 minutes).
- Return the roast to the pot (or transfer to your slow cooker) and add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, thyme, rosemary, and any additional salt and pepper to taste.
- If using the oven, cover the pot with a lid and cook for 3-4 hours, or until the roast is fork-tender. In a slow cooker, cook on low for 7-8 hours.
- Once the roast is done, remove it from the pot and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing thinly. Save the cooking liquid for the au jus.
- Make the Au Jus:
- Strain the cooking liquid from the roast, removing the onions and any large bits of herbs.
- Skim off excess fat from the top.
- If the liquid seems too thick, add an extra cup of beef broth. Simmer for 10 minutes to concentrate the flavors. Season with salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce to taste.
- Assemble the Sandwiches:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Split the hoagie rolls in half and, if desired, lightly butter the insides before placing them on a baking sheet.
- Toast the rolls in the oven for 5-7 minutes or until golden brown and slightly crispy.
- Once toasted, place 2 slices of cheese on the bottom half of each roll.
- Pile the thinly sliced roast beef on top of the cheese, then top with the other half of the roll.
- Warm the Sandwiches:
- After assembling the sandwiches, place them back into the oven for an additional 5 minutes to allow the cheese to melt and the beef to warm through.
- Serve:
- Ladle the hot au jus into small bowls for dipping.
- Serve the French Dip sandwiches hot with au jus on the side for dipping.
Tips for Perfect French Dip Sandwiches:
- Roast Quality: The key to tender, flavorful meat is to slow-cook it. If you’re pressed for time, consider making the roast in advance. You can slice it and reheat when ready to serve.
- Cheese Choice: Provolone is classic, but Swiss or cheddar brings a different kind of richness. Play around with your favorite cheese!
- Bread Choice: Make sure to use a sturdy roll that can hold up to dipping in the au jus. A crusty baguette or hoagie works best.
Why Homemade Roast Beef?
Using a homemade roast instead of deli meat adds a richness and depth of flavor that elevates this sandwich to something truly special. The slow-cooked beef absorbs the flavors of garlic, herbs, and broth, resulting in tender, melt-in-your-mouth slices. And the best part? The roast essentially makes its own au jus, which you can customize to your taste!
Enjoy your homemade French Dip Sandwiches! Whether you're serving them for a casual lunch or a hearty dinner, they’ll leave everyone coming back for seconds. Let me know in the comments how your roast turned out and if you added any unique twists to your sandwiches.
Happy cooking!
