Best French Dip Sandwich Recipe (3 Sides & Ways to Cook)

When crafting the perfect French dip sandwich, the choice of meat is paramount.

As a food enthusiast and culinary expert with a deep passion for culinary exploration, I have gained a comprehensive understanding of the ingredients that contribute to a remarkable French dip.

In this article, I will guide you through the world of French dip sandwiches, providing the best French dip recipe to try at home.

Best French Dip Sandwich Recipe

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes - 3 hours 15 minutes
• Servings: 4

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 450
• Total Carbs: 30g
• Protein: 38g
• Fat: 18g
• Fiber: 2g
• Net Carbs: 28g

Ingredients

• 1.5 pounds chuck or round roast
• 4 French rolls or baguettes
• 8 slices provolone or Swiss cheese
• 4 cups beef broth or beef stock
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Butter or olive oil for toasting the bread
• Additional toppings (optional): caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms

Instructions

1. Season the well-marbled roast with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
2. Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef roast on all sides until browned. This step helps seal in the flavors.
3. Remove the roast and transfer it to a roasting pan or a slow cooker. Add the beef broth or stock, dried thyme, and Worcestershire sauce, ensuring the beef is partially submerged in the liquid.
4. Cover the pan tightly with foil or put the lid on the slow cooker. If using a pan, place it in a preheated oven at 375°F. Cook for 2-3 hours until the beef is tender. If using a slow cooker, cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 4-5 hours.
5. Once the beef is cooked, remove it from the cooking liquid and let it rest on the cutting board for 10 minutes. Slice beef thinly against the grain.
6. Stirring occasionally, strain the cooking liquid to remove any solids or excess fat, and reserve it as your au jus sauce for dipping.
7. Slice the French rolls or baguettes horizontally, but not all the way through. Butter the inside of the split rolls and toast them on a baking sheet until golden brown.
8. Layer the sliced beef and cheese on one side of the crunchy bread. Place the sandwiches on a baking sheet and broil for a few minutes until the melted cheese is bubbly.
9. Serve the sandwiches with a side of reserved au jus for dipping. You can also add caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, or any other desired toppings.

French Dip Recipe Notes

• Adjust the seasonings and toppings of these homemade French dip sandwiches according to your preference.
• This simple recipe can be easily scaled up or down depending on the number of servings needed.
• Leftover beef and French dip au jus can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

"Tender roast beef is the perfect meat for French dip sandwiches because it's so juicy."

- Ina Garten, American Chef

3 Sides That Go With French Dip Sandwiches

To complete your French dip sandwich meal, consider these delicious side dishes:

1. French Fries: Golden and crispy French fries are the perfect companion to a classic French dip sandwich. Whether you opt for classic fries, sweet potato fries, or seasoned wedges, they add a delightful crunch to the meal.
2. Coleslaw: A refreshing coleslaw with a tangy dressing can balance the richness of this delicious sandwich. Its crunchy texture and vibrant flavors make it an ideal side dish.
3. Potato Salad: A creamy potato salad is a great side dish for a French dip sandwich. The combination of potatoes, mayonnaise, and pickles adds a delightful flavor to the meal.

Also Read: 7 Layer Dip With Meat Recipe

3 Ways to Cook French Dip Meat

There are several ways to cook meat for French dip sandwiches. The most popular methods include roasting, slow cooker, and pressure cooking.

1. Roasting

Roasting is great for cooking a rib roast, rump, or round roast.

Season the meat with salt and pepper, place it in a large pan, and cook at 375°F for about 20 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 135°F for medium-rare. 

The USDA recommends letting the temp get to 145°F to ensure food safety [1].

2. Slow Cooker

A slow cooker is a great tool for preparing chuck, flank steak, or skirt steak.

Season a slow cooker French dip with salt and pepper, and place it in a slow cooker with beef broth or beef consommé.

Cook on low for 8-10 hours until the beef is tender and falls apart.

Related Articles:

• Slow Cooker Ribs Recipe
• Slow Cooker Guinness Beef Stew Recipe
• Slow Cooker Chicken Recipes

3. Pressure Cooking

Pressure cooking works well for a rib roast or chuck.

To pressure cook beef, season it with salt and pepper, and place it in an instant pot with beef broth or beef consommé.

Cook on high pressure for 60-90 minutes, depending on the size of the beef.

How to Assemble French Dip Sandwiches

Once the meat is cooked and sliced, it is time to assemble the French dip sandwich. Here are the components that you will need:

1. Bread

Choose a crusty bread like a French roll or a baguette for the authentic French dip experience. Slice the bread lengthwise and lightly toast it to add a delightful crunch. Hoagie buns are another popular option.

2. Cheese

Provolone cheese is the classic choice for a French dip recipe. Its mild and creamy flavor pairs well with the savory meat and au jus sauce. You can also use mozzarella, Swiss, or Gruyere cheese for a delicious variation.

The cheese should be melted on the cooked beef before the sandwich is assembled.

3. Au Jus

The French dip sauce is called au jus.

Au jus sauce is made as a seasoned beef broth, beef stock, or beef consomme with just a spoonful of Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, and dried thyme.

You can also add a French onion soup mix or a spoonful of soy sauce to the au jus for extra flavor.

The au jus sauce should be served in a small bowl or cup alongside the sandwich for dipping.

FAQs

What Is Your Favorite Meat For French Dips?

Choosing quality meat for homemade French dip sandwiches is the key to a melt-in-the-mouth tender and satisfying meal for the whole family.

But creating the perfect sandwich at home is simple with the right ingredients, techniques, and toppings.

Whatever beef you prefer, ButcherBox can provide high-quality meat for your sandwich needs.

With their convenient delivery service, premium beef can be delivered straight to your door, ensuring that your delicious sandwiches are always made with the best ingredients.

Check out ButcherBox by visiting our homepage to see if this service may be right for you.

References:

1. https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/2011/05/25/cooking-meat-check-new-recommended-temperatures