What is au jus and why is it important for French Dip sandwiches?

Au jus, French for “with juice,” is a light, flavorful beef broth made from the drippings of the roast beef, often combined with beef broth, onions, garlic, and herbs. It is essential for French Dip sandwiches because it adds moisture and rich beef flavor when used as a dipping sauce, enhancing the overall taste and texture of the sandwich without overpowering it. Unlike gravy, au jus is thin, allowing the bread and meat to soak it up perfectly.

Which type of beef works best for making a French Dip sandwich at home?

Chuck roast is the preferred cut for French Dip sandwiches due to its marbling and tenderness after slow cooking. When cooked low and slow, it becomes juicy and easy to slice thinly, making it ideal for soaking up au jus without falling apart. Some variations use ribeye or brisket for a richer flavor, but chuck roast offers the best balance of flavor, cost, and texture for classic French Dip sandwiches.

What kinds of cheese pair well with French Dip sandwiches?

Provolone cheese is widely recommended for French Dip sandwiches because it melts smoothly and has a mild flavor that complements the beef and au jus. Other good options include Swiss, Gruyère, and mozzarella if you want a creamy texture, or sharp white cheddar for a stronger taste. Choose a cheese that melts easily and enhances the sandwich without overpowering the savory beef flavor.

How do French Dip sandwiches differ from Philly cheesesteaks?

French Dip sandwiches feature thinly sliced roast beef served on a French roll or baguette, typically with melted provolone and dipped in au jus, a savory beef broth. Philly cheesesteaks use thinly sliced ribeye or sirloin, topped with melted cheese such as Cheez Whiz or provolone, often accompanied by sautéed peppers and onions on a hoagie roll. The French Dip focuses on beefy broth flavor, while the Philly combines cheese and vegetables for a different taste experience.

Can I make au jus at home without beef drippings?

Yes, you can make au jus without fresh beef drippings by using beef broth or stock as a base, enhanced with sautéed onions, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and herbs like thyme or rosemary. Simmer the ingredients together to concentrate the flavors and create a savory dipping sauce. While homemade au jus with drippings is more authentic, this method provides a quick and tasty alternative ideal for home cooking.

French Dip Sandwiches Recipe With Tender Roast And Savory Au Jus

Name: French Dip Sandwiches
Prep time: PT-489622H54M46S
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 6 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 pounds beef chuck roast, trimmed of excess fat; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 6 French rolls or hoagie buns; 12 slices provolone cheese; 1/3 cup reduced sodium soy sauce; 1 cup cola soft drink (not diet); 2 cans (10.5 ounces each) beef consommé; 1/4 cup beef bouillon granules or concentrated beef base; 1 tablespoon dry minced onion; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon salt

Description

🍖 Enjoy tender, slow-cooked beef that melts in your mouth, bringing rich flavor to every bite.
🥖 Paired with savory au jus and melted provolone cheese, these sandwiches offer a comforting and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

3 pounds beef chuck roast, trimmed of excess fat

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

6 French rolls or hoagie buns

12 slices provolone cheese

1/3 cup reduced sodium soy sauce

1 cup cola soft drink (not diet)

2 cans (10.5 ounces each) beef consommé

1/4 cup beef bouillon granules or concentrated beef base

1 tablespoon dry minced onion

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat to get that perfect sear on your beef.

2- Sear the beef chuck roast on all sides until lightly browned, using tongs to hold the roast steady.

3- Transfer the seared beef and any pan drippings to a slow cooker for that slow-cooked magic.

4- Combine soy sauce, cola, beef consommé, beef bouillon granules, dry minced onion, thyme, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt right into the slow cooker with the beef.

5- Cook everything on low heat for 4 hours, letting the flavors meld into something absolutely irresistible.

6- Take the roast out to a cutting board and slice it thinly across the grain for easy dipping.

7- Put the sliced meat back in the slow cooker and cook on low for another 1 to 2 hours to soak up even more flavor.

8- Split the rolls and place the bottoms on a baking tray, ready for assembly.

9- Top each roll bottom with the sliced beef and 2 slices of provolone cheese for that gooey melt.

10- Bake in an oven preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit until the cheese is melted and bubbly, which only takes a few minutes.

11- Serve the sandwiches hot, with the reserved cooking juices as au jus on the side for dipping it’s the part that makes this French Dip Sandwiches truly special!

Notes

🍽 Trim excess fat before cooking to avoid chewy pieces.
🍜 Strain the cooking liquid for a smooth, rich dipping sauce.
🔥 Serve beef and au jus hot to maximize flavor and enjoy the best texture.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Additional cooking after slicing: 1-2 hours
Cook Time: 4 hours
Category: Main Dish
Method: Slow Cooking and Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 sandwich
Calories: 620
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 980mg
Fat: 38g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Unsaturated Fat: 20g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 45g
Cholesterol: 140mg

Keywords: French Dip, Crock Pot, Slow Cooker Sandwich, Au Jus