Can I make this in an Instant Pot instead?

Absolutely! Sear the meat using the sauté function, then add all ingredients and cook on high pressure for 60-70 minutes, followed by a 15-minute natural release. The results are equally delicious with a significant time savings.

What's the difference between beef broth and beef consommé?

Beef consommé is a more clarified, concentrated broth with a stronger flavor. Using both gives your au jus the perfect balance of flavor and consistency. If you can't find consommé, you can substitute with more beef broth and add a teaspoon of beef bouillon.

Can I use a different cut of beef?

While chuck roast is ideal for its marbling and flavor, you could substitute with brisket or round roast. Just know that leaner cuts might not be quite as tender or flavorful.

My jus is too watery - how can I thicken it?

If you prefer a slightly thicker jus, simmer it in a saucepan for 10-15 minutes to reduce and concentrate the flavors. For a more substantial gravy-like consistency, whisk in a mixture of 1 tablespoon cornstarch dissolved in 2 tablespoons cold water while the jus simmers.

French Dip Sandwich Recipe

Name: French Dip Sandwich Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 10 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 3 to 4 lb beef chuck roast, trimmed; Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste; 29 oz beef broth; 10.5 oz can beef consommé; 1/2 large yellow or white onion, cut into chunks; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon dried rosemary; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 bay leaf; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper; Softened butter, for buttering the rolls; 8 hoagie rolls or French rolls; 8 slices provolone cheese

This incredible French Dip Sandwich combines tender, slow-cooked beef chuck roast with melty provolone cheese on a buttery toasted roll, all served with a rich, savory au jus for dipping. It’s the ultimate comfort food that tastes like it came from your favorite deli, but it’s amazingly simple to make at home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Restaurant-Quality at Home: These sandwiches rival anything you’d get at an upscale sandwich shop, but at a fraction of the cost.
Mostly Hands-Off: Though it takes a few hours to cook, your active time is minimal – just sear the meat, set up the slow cook, and go about your day.
Perfect for Gatherings: Whether it’s game day, a casual dinner party, or family meal, these sandwiches are always a crowd-pleaser.
That Dipping Experience: There’s something incredibly satisfying about dipping that warm sandwich into the flavorful jus with each bite!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Beef Chuck Roast: The star of the show, this cut becomes meltingly tender when slow-cooked and develops incredible flavor. Look for one with good marbling.
Beef Broth and Consommé: These create the foundation for our dipping jus, providing rich, deep flavor that infuses the meat as it cooks.
Onion: Adds aromatic sweetness that balances the savory elements. Cutting it in chunks allows it to flavor the broth without disappearing entirely.
Worcestershire Sauce: Brings umami depth and subtle tanginess that enhances the beef flavor.
Dried Herbs (Rosemary and Thyme): These classic herbs complement beef beautifully, adding aromatic notes to the broth.
Garlic Powder: Provides that essential savory note without overwhelming the other flavors.
Bay Leaf: This unassuming ingredient works magic in slow-cooked dishes, adding complexity to the broth.
Hoagie or French Rolls: Choose rolls with a slightly crisp exterior and soft interior to stand up to the juicy meat and dipping.
Provolone Cheese: Its mild, slightly tangy flavor complements the beef without competing, and it melts beautifully.
Butter: For toasting the rolls, adding richness and preventing them from getting soggy.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Different Cheese Options

Switch up the provolone for Swiss, mozzarella, or even a sharp cheddar for different flavor profiles.

Add Some Heat

Include pepperoncini peppers in the cooking liquid or serve them on the side for a zesty kick.

Herb Upgrades

Fresh herbs can replace dried ones when finishing the sandwiches – try fresh thyme or rosemary sprinkled on just before serving.

Mushroom Addition

Sauté some sliced mushrooms and add them to your sandwich for an earthy dimension that pairs wonderfully with the beef.

How to Make French Dip Sandwiches

Step 1: Prepare and Sear the Beef

Season your chuck roast generously with salt and pepper on all sides. Heat olive oil in a large cast iron skillet until shimmering. Add the roast and sear until deeply browned on all sides, about 3 minutes per side. This crucial step creates a flavor foundation that makes all the difference.

Step 2: Set Up the Slow Cook

Transfer the seared roast to your slow cooker. Add the beef broth, beef consommé, onion chunks, Worcestershire sauce, dried rosemary, dried thyme, garlic powder, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. The liquid should come up around the sides of the roast but doesn’t need to cover it completely.

Step 3: Cook Until Tender

Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. The roast is ready when it’s fall-apart tender and shreds easily with a fork. The longer, slower cook produces the most tender results.

Step 4: Prepare the Beef

Once cooked, remove the roast to a cutting board and let it rest for about 10 minutes. Remove the bay leaf from the cooking liquid. Shred or slice the beef against the grain, depending on your preference.

Step 5: Strain and Prepare the Au Jus

Strain the cooking liquid into a bowl or measuring cup to remove the onion pieces and any fat that has rendered. This will be your dipping jus. You can skim off additional fat if desired.

Step 6: Assemble the Sandwiches

Butter the inside of each roll and toast them lightly in a skillet or under the broiler until golden. Place a generous portion of the shredded beef on the bottom half of each roll and top with a slice of provolone cheese.

Step 7: Melt the Cheese

Place the assembled sandwiches under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, just until the cheese melts and gets slightly bubbly.

Step 8: Serve with Au Jus

Serve each sandwich immediately with a small bowl of the warm jus for dipping.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Skip the Sear: This step creates the deep flavor that makes this sandwich special.
Low and Slow: If you have the time, opt for cooking on low heat for longer rather than high heat for a shorter period.
Rest the Meat: Allowing the beef to rest before slicing helps retain its juices.
Skim the Fat: For a cleaner-tasting jus, take time to skim excess fat from the cooking liquid.
Toast Those Rolls: This prevents them from getting soggy too quickly when dipped.
Beef Selection: Choose a chuck roast with good marbling for the most flavor and tenderness.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

Serve these sandwiches with crispy french fries, potato chips, or a simple side salad to balance the richness.

Beverage Suggestions

A cold beer, especially an amber ale or lager, complements these sandwiches beautifully. For non-alcoholic options, try an ice-cold root beer or sparkling water with lemon.

Presentation

Serve the sandwiches on small cutting boards with the jus in small ramekins for an appealing presentation. Add a pickle spear and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for color.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store the beef and jus separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop and improve overnight!

Freezing

The cooked beef freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Freeze the jus separately in freezer-safe containers or even ice cube trays for portion control.

Reheating

Warm the beef in a covered dish with a splash of the jus to keep it moist. Heat the jus in a small saucepan until just simmering. Assemble fresh sandwiches with the reheated components.

FAQs

Can I make this in an Instant Pot instead?

Absolutely! Sear the meat using the sauté function, then add all ingredients and cook on high pressure for 60-70 minutes, followed by a 15-minute natural release. The results are equally delicious with a significant time savings.
What’s the difference between beef broth and beef consommé?

Beef consommé is a more clarified, concentrated broth with a stronger flavor. Using both gives your au jus the perfect balance of flavor and consistency. If you can’t find consommé, you can substitute with more beef broth and add a teaspoon of beef bouillon.
Can I use a different cut of beef?

While chuck roast is ideal for its marbling and flavor, you could substitute with brisket or round roast. Just know that leaner cuts might not be quite as tender or flavorful.
My jus is too watery – how can I thicken it?

If you prefer a slightly thicker jus, simmer it in a saucepan for 10-15 minutes to reduce and concentrate the flavors. For a more substantial gravy-like consistency, whisk in a mixture of 1 tablespoon cornstarch dissolved in 2 tablespoons cold water while the jus simmers.

Final Thoughts

This French Dip Sandwich transforms humble ingredients into something truly extraordinary. The magic happens in the slow cooking process, where the beef becomes incredibly tender and the jus develops its rich flavor. There’s something wonderfully satisfying about that first bite – the contrast of the crisp roll, tender beef, melty cheese, and then that moment when you dip it into the warm, savory jus. It’s comfort food at its finest, and once you’ve made it at home, you might find yourself craving it regularly!