Description
French Dip Sandwiches are a beloved American comfort food classic featuring tender, slow-cooked roast beef and melted cheese on crusty rolls, served with rich, savory au jus for dipping. This satisfying sandwich combines juicy shredded beef, gooey Swiss or provolone cheese, and sturdy bread that can handle the delicious mess of dipping into flavorful beef broth.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2½ to 3 pounds chuck roast
- Kosher salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 packages dry onion soup mix
- 2 cups water
- 2 cans (14-15 oz each) beef broth
- 6–8 slices Swiss or provolone cheese
- 6–8 crusty rolls (French rolls, hoagie buns, or baguettes)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season chuck roast generously with kosher salt and black pepper.
- Sear the beef on all sides until golden-brown crust develops, about 8-10 minutes total. Remove to a plate.
- Add dry onion soup mix to the same pot, scraping up browned bits. Pour in beef broth and water, stirring to dissolve soup mix.
- Return beef to pot, submerging as much as possible. Bring to gentle simmer, then cover tightly.
- Reduce heat to low and braise for 3-4 hours until fork-tender, or transfer to slow cooker on LOW for 7-8 hours.
- Remove beef and shred into bite-sized pieces using two forks. Discard excess fat.
- Strain cooking liquid through fine-mesh strainer, skimming excess fat. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Slice rolls in half and layer generous amount of shredded beef on bottom half. Top with cheese slice.
- Place open-faced rolls on baking sheet and broil briefly until cheese melts and bubbles.
- Close sandwiches and serve immediately with hot au jus for dipping.
Notes
- Sear the beef well for maximum flavor depth in the au jus
- Can be made 1-2 days ahead – flavors improve overnight
- Toast rolls to prevent sogginess from dipping
- Watch cheese closely under broiler to prevent burning
- Strain au jus for restaurant-quality clear broth
- Can substitute brisket, rump roast, or deli roast beef for chuck roast
- Add caramelized onions, mushrooms, or horseradish for extra flavor
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3-4 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Braising
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 550-650
- Sugar: Not specified
- Sodium: 1000-1400mg
- Fat: 22-28g
- Saturated Fat: Not specified
- Unsaturated Fat: Not specified
- Trans Fat: Not specified
- Carbohydrates: 32-40g
- Fiber: 2-4g
- Protein: 38-45g
- Cholesterol: Not specified
Keywords: French Dip Sandwiches, roast beef, au jus, comfort food, braised beef, sandwich, American classic, slow cooked, chuck roast, beef broth