Looking for a hearty and delicious sandwich that will impress your family and friends? This French dip sandwich, made with tender chuck roast, flavorful jus, and toasted French rolls, is the perfect meal for any occasion. Whether you're hosting a casual get-together or just craving something comforting, this recipe has got you covered.
Some of the ingredients in this recipe might not be staples in your kitchen. For instance, light beer and onion soup may not be common in every household. Be sure to check your pantry before heading to the supermarket to pick these up. Additionally, fresh rosemary sprig and Worcestershire sauce might be items you need to grab from the store.
Ingredients for French Dip Sandwich Recipe
chuck roast: A flavorful cut of beef that becomes tender when slow-cooked.
salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the beef.
pepper: Adds a subtle kick to the seasoning.
beef broth: Forms the base of the jus, adding a rich depth of flavor.
onion soup: Provides additional savory notes to the jus.
onion: Adds sweetness and complexity to the broth.
light beer: Helps to tenderize the beef and adds a subtle malt flavor.
garlic cloves: Infuses the jus with aromatic undertones.
rosemary sprig: Adds a fresh, herbal note to the jus.
Worcestershire sauce: Enhances the umami flavors in the jus.
French rolls: The perfect vessel for the tender beef and flavorful jus.
butter: Used to toast the rolls, adding a delicious golden-brown finish.
One reader, Geordie Champion says:
This French dip sandwich recipe is fantastic! The beef turns out incredibly tender and flavorful, and the jus is perfect for dipping. Toasted rolls add a delightful crunch. A must-try for sandwich lovers!
Techniques Required for Making a French Dip Sandwich
How to brown meat: Heat a large pan over medium-high heat, add the seasoned roast, and cook until all sides are browned. How to use a slow cooker: Place ingredients in the slow cooker, set it to low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours, and cook until the beef is tender. How to shred beef: After the roast rests for 15 minutes, use two forks to pull the meat apart into shreds. How to broil rolls: Spread butter on the rolls, place them under the broiler, and heat until they are lightly toasted.
How To Make French Dip Sandwich
A mouthwatering French dip sandwich made with slow-cooked chuck roast tossed in beef broth and onions set on a crusty roll and dipped in a tasty sauce.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 4lbchuck roastor rump roast
- Salt and pepperto taste
- 10½ozbeef brothlow sodium
- 10½ozonion souplow sodium
- 1onionsliced
- 12ozlight beer
- 2garlic clovesminced
- 1rosemary sprigoptional
- 1tspWorcestershire sauce
- 8french rollsor 2 baguettes cut into 6 inch rolls
- 8tbspbutter
Instructions
-
Season roast with salt and pepper. Brown in a large pan over medium-high heat.
-
Place remaining ingredients except for rolls and butter in a slow cooker. Cook on low 8 hours or on high 4 hours or until beef is tender.
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Once the roast is tender, remove from the juices and let it rest for 15 minutes. Shred or slice beef.
-
Butter rolls and heat under a broiler until lightly toasted. Top rolls with beef and serve with jus from the slow cooker for dipping.
Nutrition
- Calories: 543.70kcal
- Fat: 25.37g
- Saturated Fat: 12.53g
- Trans Fat: 1.03g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 9.77g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.09g
- Carbohydrates: 23.97g
- Fiber: 1.90g
- Sugar: 1.08g
- Protein: 52.70g
- Cholesterol: 175.68mg
- Sodium: 964.83mg
- Calcium: 83.38mg
- Potassium: 1093.35mg
- Iron: 7.42mg
- Vitamin A: 105.22µg
- Vitamin C: 1.62mg
Pro Tip for Perfecting Your French Dip Sandwich
For an extra depth of flavor, deglaze the pan with a splash of beef broth after browning the chuck roast. This will help lift any caramelized bits from the bottom of the pan and add them to the slow cooker, enriching the overall taste of your jus.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing French Dip Sandwiches
Use pre-sliced onions: Save time by using pre-sliced onions from the store instead of slicing them yourself.
Pre-brown the roast: Brown the chuck roast the night before and store it in the fridge to save time in the morning.
Use a garlic press: Minimize prep time by using a garlic press instead of mincing garlic cloves by hand.
Pre-toast the rolls: Toast the french rolls ahead of time and store them in an airtight container to save time during assembly.
Shred with a mixer: Use a stand mixer with a paddle attachment to quickly shred the beef after it rests.
Substitute Ingredients For French Dip Sandwich Recipe
chuck roast - Substitute with brisket: Brisket has a similar texture and flavor profile, making it a good alternative for slow-cooked dishes.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a similar salty flavor along with a bit of umami.
pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper can add a bit of heat along with the peppery flavor.
beef broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can be used for a lighter, vegetarian-friendly option.
onion soup - Substitute with mushroom soup: Mushroom soup can provide a similar depth of flavor and richness.
onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder and slightly sweeter flavor compared to onions.
light beer - Substitute with apple cider: Apple cider can add a sweet and tangy flavor, making it a good non-alcoholic alternative.
garlic cloves - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can provide a similar garlic flavor when fresh cloves are not available.
rosemary sprig - Substitute with thyme sprig: Thyme has a similar aromatic quality and can be used as a substitute for rosemary.
worcestershire sauce - Substitute with soy sauce and a splash of vinegar: This combination can mimic the umami and tangy flavor of Worcestershire sauce.
french rolls - Substitute with ciabatta rolls: Ciabatta rolls have a similar texture and can hold up well to the dipping sauce.
butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can be used as a healthier alternative to butter while still providing richness.
Best Way to Present a French Dip Sandwich
Serve smaller portion sizes: Slice the chuck roast into thin, delicate pieces to ensure each bite is tender and flavorful. This allows for a refined presentation and controlled portion sizes.
Use decoration: Garnish the plate with a sprig of fresh rosemary and a few thin slices of onion to add a touch of elegance and a hint of the flavors within the sandwich.
Plate with precision: Arrange the shredded or sliced beef neatly on the french rolls, ensuring an even distribution. This creates a visually appealing and balanced sandwich.
Enhance the jus presentation: Serve the jus in a small, elegant dipping bowl on the side. This allows diners to dip each bite of the sandwich, enhancing the overall experience.
Toast to perfection: Butter the rolls generously and toast them under the broiler until they achieve a golden-brown crispness. This adds a delightful texture contrast to the tender beef.
Add a touch of sophistication: Drizzle a small amount of worcestershire sauce over the beef before placing it on the rolls. This adds an extra layer of flavor complexity.
Highlight the ingredients: Place a few whole garlic cloves and a small glass of light beer on the side of the plate to showcase the key ingredients used in the recipe.
Create a balanced plate: Include a small side salad with mixed greens, lightly dressed with a vinaigrette, to complement the richness of the french dip sandwich and provide a refreshing contrast.
Essential Tools for Making a French Dip Sandwich
Large pan: Used for browning the chuck roast to develop a rich, deep flavor before slow cooking.
Slow cooker: Essential for cooking the roast slowly and evenly, ensuring it becomes tender and flavorful.
Tongs: Handy for turning the roast while browning and for removing it from the slow cooker.
Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for slicing the onion and garlic.
Chef's knife: Used for chopping the onion and garlic cloves.
Measuring cups: Necessary for measuring the beef broth, onion soup, and light beer accurately.
Teaspoon: Used to measure the Worcestershire sauce.
Broiler: Utilized to toast the buttered rolls to a perfect golden brown.
Basting brush: Useful for spreading butter evenly on the rolls before toasting.
Shredding forks: Ideal for shredding the beef after it has rested.
Serving platter: For arranging the shredded or sliced beef before assembling the sandwiches.
Ladle: Used to serve the jus from the slow cooker into individual dipping bowls.
Dipping bowls: Small bowls for serving the jus alongside the sandwiches for dipping.
Storing and Freezing French Dip Sandwiches
- Let the french dip sandwiches cool completely before storing or freezing.
- To store in the fridge, place the shredded beef in an airtight container and pour the jus into a separate container. They will keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- To freeze, place the shredded beef in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible. Pour the jus into a separate freezer-safe container, leaving some room at the top for expansion. Label and date both containers.
- The shredded beef and jus can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- To reheat, thaw the beef and jus overnight in the fridge.
- Place the shredded beef in a covered dish and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes. Alternatively, you can reheat the beef in a microwave-safe dish, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
- Pour the jus into a saucepan and reheat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until simmering.
- Assemble the french dip sandwiches as directed in the recipe, using the reheated beef and jus.
How To Reheat Leftover French Dip Sandwiches
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the leftover french dip sandwich in aluminum foil, making sure to include a small amount of the leftover jus inside the foil package. This will help keep the sandwich moist during reheating. Place the wrapped sandwich on a baking sheet and heat in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
If you prefer a crispier roll, unwrap the top of the sandwich and place it back in the oven for an additional 2-3 minutes. This will allow the top of the roll to toast slightly while keeping the beef and bottom of the roll moist.
For a quicker option, you can use the microwave. Place the sandwich on a microwave-safe plate and heat on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. If you want to crisp up the roll, you can place the sandwich under the broiler for a minute or two after microwaving.
If you have leftover beef and jus separately, reheat the beef in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Warm the jus in a small saucepan or in the microwave. Slice the roll in half and toast it under the broiler for a minute or two, if desired. Assemble the sandwich and serve with the warm jus for dipping.
For a tasty twist, try adding some sliced provolone cheese to the sandwich before reheating. The cheese will melt and add an extra layer of flavor to the already delicious sandwich.
Interesting Trivia About French Dip Sandwiches
A French dip sandwich, also known as a beef dip, originated in Los Angeles in the early 20th century. It is traditionally served with au jus, a flavorful broth made from the roast's cooking juices, which enhances the sandwich's savory taste.
Is Making French Dip Sandwiches at Home Cost-Effective?
This french dip sandwich recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. Using a chuck roast, which is an affordable cut of beef, and combining it with pantry staples like onion soup and beef broth, keeps costs low. The addition of light beer and garlic adds depth without breaking the bank. For a household of 4, the approximate cost is around $25-$30 USD. Overall Verdict: 8/10.
Is the French Dip Sandwich Healthy or Unhealthy?
The French dip sandwich recipe, while undeniably delicious, leans more towards the unhealthy side due to several factors:
- The use of a fatty cut of meat (chuck roast) and generous amounts of butter can contribute to high levels of saturated fat and calories.
- The inclusion of beer and onion soup mix may add extra sodium to the dish.
- The recipe lacks vegetables or other nutrient-dense ingredients that could balance out the meal.
However, with a few tweaks, this sandwich can be made more nutritious without sacrificing flavor:
- Opt for a leaner cut of beef, such as top round or sirloin, to reduce the overall fat content.
- Use a low-sodium beef broth and onion soup mix to control salt intake.
- Incorporate more vegetables into the sandwich or serve them as a side dish. Consider adding sautéed bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms to the sandwich, or serve a side salad with a light vinaigrette.
- Replace some or all of the butter with a healthier spread like mashed avocado or hummus.
- Choose whole grain rolls to increase the fiber content and provide additional nutrients.
- Limit the portion size of the meat and consider sharing the sandwich or saving half for later.
By making these adjustments, you can enjoy a more balanced and nutritious version of the classic French dip sandwich without compromising on taste.
Editor's Thoughts on the French Dip Sandwich Recipe
This French dip sandwich recipe is a delightful classic, perfect for a hearty meal. The chuck roast, slow-cooked with a flavorful blend of beef broth, onion soup, light beer, and aromatic rosemary, promises tender, juicy beef. Toasting the buttered French rolls under the broiler adds a satisfying crunch. Serving the sandwich with the rich jus from the slow cooker elevates the dish, making each bite a savory experience. This recipe is straightforward yet delivers a depth of flavor that is sure to impress.
Enhance Your French Dip Sandwich Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Delicious Alternatives to the Classic French Dip Sandwich
Perfect Appetizers and Desserts for a French Dip Sandwich Meal
Why trust this French Dip Sandwich Recipe:
This French dip sandwich recipe is a surefire hit, crafted with a tender chuck roast slow-cooked to perfection. The combination of beef broth, onion soup, and light beer creates a rich, flavorful jus that elevates the sandwich. The addition of garlic and rosemary infuses the meat with aromatic depth. Toasted French rolls slathered with butter provide the perfect vessel for the succulent beef. Trust this recipe for a satisfying, restaurant-quality meal at home.
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