The French Dip Sandwich Melt is a delicious, comforting sandwich that really hits the spot. It’s made with tender, thinly sliced roast beef piled high on a toasted bun, topped with melted cheese that adds a wonderful gooey texture. What makes it special is the warm, flavorful au jus sauce served on the side for dipping, giving every bite a rich, savory boost.
I love making this sandwich when I want something hearty and satisfying without a lot of fuss. It’s simple to put together but feels like a treat, especially when the cheese melts perfectly over the meat. I like to add a little caramelized onion or a touch of horseradish if I’m feeling fancy, but even plain, it’s a winner every time.
Serving the French Dip with a side of crispy fries or a fresh salad makes it a perfect meal for any day of the week. I always enjoy dipping the sandwich into the hot au jus—it makes each bite juicy and full of flavor. It’s one of those meals that feels both casual and a bit special, great for a relaxed dinner or a weekend lunch with friends or family.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck Roast: This cut is great for slow cooking because it becomes tender and flavorful. If you prefer, you can use brisket or a beef shoulder roast as alternatives.
Beef Broth & Red Wine: The broth forms the base of your au jus. If you don’t have wine, extra broth works fine. For a non-alcoholic option, use a splash of balsamic vinegar or grape juice to add depth.
Onions & Garlic: These bring sweetness and aroma. Yellow onions work best for caramelizing. If you like a milder flavor, try sweet onions or shallots.
Rolls: Hoagie rolls or French baguettes hold up well and get crispy. You could substitute with ciabatta or kaiser rolls if preferred.
Cheese: Provolone and Swiss melt beautifully and add creaminess. Mozzarella or Gruyère are good substitutes for a similar melt and taste.
How Do You Get Tender, Flavorful Beef for the French Dip?
Cooking the beef slowly is key to tender meat that shreds easily. Here’s how I do it:
- Sear the meat: Browning on all sides locks in juices and adds flavor.
- Slow cook low and slow: Using low heat for 3-4 hours allows the beef to break down and get tender.
- Add aromatics: Onions, garlic, and thyme add extra taste while the beef cooks.
- Use a good liquid base: Beef broth plus wine (or a substitute) helps keep the meat moist and creates a rich au jus.
Remember to check seasoning and adjust the au jus before serving. This slow cooking takes time but gives you juicy, tender beef every time!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottom pot – great for searing the beef and slow cooking it all in one pan.
- Sharp knife – helps you slice the roast thinly for tender bites.
- Cutting board – sturdy surface for slicing and shredding meat.
- Baking sheet – perfect for toasting the rolls evenly in the oven.
- Small bowls – to serve the au jus for dipping without mess.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap beef roast for thinly sliced turkey or roast pork for a lighter twist.
- Use caramelized mushrooms with the beef for added earthiness and texture.
- Add a smear of horseradish sauce or Dijon mustard for a tangy, spicy kick.
- Top with Swiss cheese for a classic flavor or provolone for a milder melt.
French Dip Sandwich Melt
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef and Au Jus:
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup dry red wine (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 2 sprigs fresh thyme)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Sandwich:
- 4 hoagie rolls or French baguette sections
- 8 slices provolone or Swiss cheese
- Butter or olive oil, for toasting bread
- Fresh thyme leaves, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes approximately 15 minutes of active preparation plus 3-4 hours of slow cooking for tender, juicy beef. Toasting and assembling the sandwiches will take about 15 minutes. Plan ahead for the slow cooking to get the best flavor and texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare and Sear the Beef:
Season the beef roast with salt and pepper all over. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the roast on all sides until nicely browned, about 3-4 minutes each side. Remove the beef and set aside.
2. Cook the Onions and Garlic:
In the same pot, add sliced onions and cook over medium heat until soft and caramelized, about 10 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook another minute until fragrant.
3. Slow Cook the Beef:
Return the beef to the pot with onions and garlic. Pour in the beef broth and red wine (if using). Add thyme, and season with salt and pepper. Bring mixture to a simmer, then cover and cook on low heat or in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 3-4 hours, or until beef is very tender and shreddable.
4. Prepare the Au Jus:
Remove beef and onions from the cooking liquid. Strain the liquid to remove solids and keep warm. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
5. Shred the Beef:
Using two forks, shred the beef into bite-size pieces, mixing with caramelized onions if you like.
6. Toast the Rolls:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread butter or olive oil on the cut sides of your rolls. Place them cut side up on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for about 5-7 minutes until golden and slightly crispy.
7. Assemble and Melt Cheese:
Fill each toasted roll generously with shredded beef and caramelized onions. Top with two slices of your choice of cheese. Return sandwiches to the oven just long enough to melt the cheese, about 3-5 minutes.
8. Serve:
Serve your French Dip Sandwich Melt hot with warm au jus in small bowls on the side for dipping. Garnish with fresh thyme if you like. Enjoy with fries or a simple salad for a full meal.
Can I Use Frozen Beef Chuck Roast?
Yes! Just be sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. Thawing ensures even cooking and helps the beef become tender.
Can I Make the Au Jus Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the au jus up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate it. Warm it gently on the stove before serving to keep it flavorful and ready for dipping.
What’s the Best Cheese for Melting on This Sandwich?
Provolone and Swiss are classic options that melt beautifully. If you want to switch it up, Gruyère or mozzarella also work great for a gooey texture.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Keep leftover beef, au jus, and rolls separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the beef with a splash of au jus for moisture, and toast the rolls before assembling again.