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Tender French Dip Sandwich Recipe Easy Homemade with Rich Au Jus from Scratch

tender french dip sandwich recipe - featured image

A hearty and tender French Dip sandwich featuring slow-simmered beef chuck roast and a rich, flavorful au jus made from scratch. Perfect for cozy dinners and impressing guests with minimal fuss.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 23 pounds beef chuck roast (well-marbled for tenderness)
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 medium yellow onion, sliced thin
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups beef broth (low-sodium recommended)
  • 1 cup dry red wine or extra beef broth
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 46 soft hoagie rolls or French baguette slices
  • Optional: Swiss or provolone cheese slices

Instructions

  1. Pat the chuck roast dry with paper towels. Rub kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika evenly over the entire surface. Let rest for 15 minutes.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the roast on each side until deep brown crust forms, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same pot, add sliced onions and cook for 5-7 minutes until softened and golden. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring constantly.
  4. Pour in red wine (or extra beef broth) and scrape up browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon.
  5. Return the roast to the pot. Pour in beef broth until it comes about halfway up the roast. Add thyme sprigs and bay leaf.
  6. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover pot with lid slightly ajar and cook for 1.5 to 2 hours, turning roast halfway through, until beef is fork-tender.
  7. Remove roast and let rest on cutting board for 10 minutes. Strain cooking liquid through fine sieve into bowl. Skim off excess fat and keep au jus warm.
  8. Slice beef thinly against the grain.
  9. Cut hoagie rolls lengthwise but not fully through. Layer sliced beef inside, add cheese if desired, and place under broiler for 2-3 minutes until bread is toasted and cheese melts.
  10. Serve sandwiches with warm au jus for dipping.

Notes

Do not rush the sear to develop a good crust. Keep simmering gentle to avoid tough beef. Skim fat from au jus for a clean flavor. Slice beef against the grain for tenderness. Rest roast after cooking to lock in juices. If au jus is too thin, simmer uncovered to reduce. Adjust seasoning and bread choice for dietary needs.

Nutrition

Keywords: French Dip sandwich, beef sandwich, au jus, slow simmer, homemade sandwich, easy dinner, comfort food