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Ultimate Juicy French Dip Sandwiches Recipe with Rich Au Jus for Easy Delicious Meals

Ultimate Juicy French Dip Sandwiches - featured image

Tender slow-roasted beef served on crusty rolls with a rich, flavorful au jus for dipping. This comforting and easy-to-make recipe is perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or casual meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 to 4 pounds beef chuck roast (well-marbled for juiciness)
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for searing)
  • 1 cup beef broth (preferably low sodium)
  • 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
  • 3 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 4 garlic cloves, smashed
  • 6 to 8 crusty French rolls or baguette halves (preferably fresh bakery style)
  • 8 slices provolone or Swiss cheese (optional but highly recommended)
  • Butter for toasting rolls (unsalted, softened)
  • Pan drippings from the roast beef
  • 1 cup beef broth (to add to drippings)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water (for thickening, optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chuck roast dry with paper towels. Season generously on all sides with kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes to absorb flavors.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully place the roast in the pan and sear for 4-5 minutes per side until a deep brown crust forms. Transfer the roast to your slow cooker or Dutch oven.
  3. Pour beef broth and Worcestershire sauce over the roast. Tuck in rosemary, thyme, and smashed garlic cloves around the meat.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours in a slow cooker or in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 3-4 hours until the beef is fork-tender and easily shreds.
  5. Transfer the roast to a cutting board and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. Slice the beef thinly against the grain.
  6. Pour the cooking liquid into a small saucepan, skim off excess fat, and bring to a simmer. Stir in the cornstarch slurry if a thicker au jus is desired and cook until slightly thickened. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  7. Spread softened butter on the insides of the French rolls. Toast in a skillet over medium heat until golden and crisp.
  8. Assemble sandwiches by layering sliced beef on toasted rolls, topping with cheese if desired. Serve immediately with warm au jus for dipping.

Notes

Use a well-marbled chuck roast for best texture. Rest the beef before slicing to retain juices. Skim fat from au jus for a cleaner flavor. Toast rolls with butter to prevent sogginess. For gluten-free, use gluten-free rolls or lettuce wraps. Cheese and butter can be omitted for dairy-free version. Melty cheese can be achieved by broiling sandwiches briefly.

Nutrition

Keywords: French dip sandwich, roast beef sandwich, au jus, slow cooker recipe, comfort food, easy dinner, sandwich recipe