If you’re craving a hearty, comforting dinner that’s both delicious and easy to make, these Melt-in-Your-Mouth French Dip Sandwiches are the perfect choice! With tender, juicy roast beef, gooey melted cheese, and a flavorful au jus dip, these sandwiches are an indulgent treat that’s perfect for any night of the week. Served on a soft hoagie roll, this meal will have you and your family coming back for more!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
These French Dip Sandwiches are the ultimate comfort food. The slow-cooked beef becomes incredibly tender, and when paired with a savory, salty au jus, each bite is packed with rich, savory flavors. Plus, they’re easy to prepare, making them perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual gathering. Whether you’re dipping or just enjoying the sandwiches on their own, they’re sure to please everyone at the table!
Ingredients
For the Sandwiches:
- Thinly sliced roast beef (deli-style or leftover roast)
- Hoagie rolls or French baguettes
- Provolone cheese (or Swiss cheese, if preferred)
- Butter (for toasting the rolls)
For the Au Jus:
- Beef broth
- Onion, thinly sliced
- Garlic, minced
- Worcestershire sauce
- Soy sauce
- Dried thyme
- Salt and pepper
Find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.
Directions
Make the Au Jus
- Sauté the Onions and Garlic: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, sauté the thinly sliced onions and minced garlic in a little olive oil until softened and caramelized, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Prepare the Sandwiches
- Toast the Rolls: Lightly butter the hoagie rolls and toast them in a skillet or under the broiler until golden and crispy.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Layer the sliced roast beef on each toasted roll. Add a slice of provolone cheese on top of the beef. Place the sandwiches under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve the Sandwiches
- Serve with Au Jus: Serve each sandwich with a small bowl of the hot au jus on the side for dipping.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Use leftover roast beef for even more flavor and ease. If you don’t have roast beef on hand, thinly sliced deli beef works perfectly.
- For extra flavor, try adding a little horseradish sauce or Dijon mustard to the inside of the rolls before adding the beef.
- If you prefer a thicker au jus, you can simmer the sauce a little longer to reduce it or add a small cornstarch slurry to thicken.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Cheese Variations: While provolone is classic, you can swap it for Swiss cheese, mozzarella, or even cheddar if you prefer.
- Bread Options: If hoagie rolls aren’t your thing, you can use baguettes, brioche buns, or even soft dinner rolls.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the beef for portobello mushrooms or another plant-based meat for a delicious vegetarian alternative.
- Spicy Twist: Add some pickled jalapeños or spicy mustard to the sandwich for an extra kick!
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
These sandwiches are rich and flavorful on their own, but you can pair them with crispy French fries, onion rings, or a fresh side salad for a complete meal. For drinks, a cold beer, iced tea, or a tangy lemonade would complement the flavors beautifully.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store any leftover au jus and sandwiches separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, warm the au jus in a saucepan and the sandwiches in the oven or microwave. To keep the sandwiches from getting soggy, reheat the beef and toast the rolls separately, then assemble just before serving.
FAQs
1. Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?
Yes! You can slow-cook the roast beef in beef broth and seasonings for 4-6 hours on low for extra tenderness and flavor.
2. Can I freeze leftover French dip sandwiches?
While it’s best to freeze the beef and au jus separately, you can freeze the beef for up to 2 months. The rolls can be frozen, but they might get soggy when reheated, so it’s best to store them separately.
3. Can I make the au jus ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the au jus in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat it when you’re ready to serve.
4. How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add some hot sauce, spicy mustard, or pickled jalapeños to the sandwich for an added kick.
Conclusion
These Melt-in-Your-Mouth French Dip Sandwiches are a comforting, flavorful meal that’s perfect for a cozy dinner. The tender beef, melty cheese, and rich au jus make each bite irresistible. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving a hearty sandwich, this recipe is sure to satisfy. It’s simple, delicious, and guaranteed to become a family favorite!
Print
Melt-in-Your-Mouth French Dip Sandwiches for Dinner
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7-8 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high
- Total Time: 7-8 hours
- Yield: 6 sandwiches 1x
- Category: Main Dish, Sandwiches
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Melt-in-Your-Mouth French Dip Sandwiches feature tender, slow-cooked beef served on soft rolls with melted cheese, all served with a savory au jus dipping sauce. Perfect for a satisfying dinner that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) beef broth
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 6 hoagie rolls or French baguettes
- 6 slices provolone or Swiss cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional for toasting rolls)
Instructions
- Sear the beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the beef chuck roast with salt and pepper, then sear it on all sides until browned (about 4-5 minutes per side). Transfer the beef to a slow cooker.
- Cook the onions and garlic: In the same skillet, add sliced onions and garlic. Cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the beef broth, soy sauce, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer. Pour the mixture over the beef in the slow cooker.
- Slow cook the beef: Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the beef is fork-tender and can be easily shredded.
- Assemble the sandwiches: Once the beef is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Discard the bay leaf. Toast the hoagie rolls with butter, if desired.
- Serve: Pile the shredded beef onto each toasted roll, top with a slice of cheese, and serve with a small bowl of the au jus (broth mixture) for dipping.
Notes
- You can use different types of cheese, like cheddar or mozzarella, for a variation.
- For extra flavor, add sautéed mushrooms or peppers to the sandwich.
- The au jus can be stored and used for dipping leftovers the next day.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 80mg