French Dip Sandwiches

I’ll never forget the first time I made these French Dip Sandwiches for a family gathering. The aroma of the beef roasting and the onions simmering filled my entire kitchen, and I knew I was onto something special.

There’s nothing quite like a perfectly toasted, crusty roll piled high with tender, flavorful beef and sweet caramelized onions. Dipping that masterpiece into the rich, savory jus is an experience in itself. This recipe has since become my secret weapon for impressing guests with minimal fuss.

Ingredients

Here are the key components you’ll need to create these incredible sandwiches at home.

• 1 boneless ribeye loin or sirloin (about 4 to 5 pounds) – Ribeye is incredibly tender, but a good sirloin works well too; just be sure to slice it extra thin.
• 1 tbsp kosher salt – Essential for creating a flavorful crust on the beef.
• 2 tbsp black pepper – Freshly ground pepper adds a nice, pungent kick.
• 1/2 tsp ground oregano – This adds a subtle, earthy, and slightly peppery note to the rub.
• 1/2 tsp ground thyme – Complements the beef with its woodsy, aromatic flavor.
• 2 whole large onions, thinly sliced – These will cook down into sweet, jammy perfection.
• 5 cloves garlic, minced – Use fresh garlic for the most potent and aromatic flavor base for your jus.
• 1 packet dry French onion soup mix – This is a great shortcut, adding a complex depth of flavor to the dipping sauce.
• 1 can beef consommé – Provides a rich, clarified beef flavor that makes the jus exceptional.
• 1 cup beef broth or stock – Adds more liquid and savory flavor to the jus.
• 1/4 cup dry sherry or white wine – This is optional, but it adds a wonderful layer of acidity and complexity.
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce – For a tangy, savory, and slightly sweet umami boost.
• 1 tbsp soy sauce – Enhances the savory notes and adds a beautiful dark color to the jus.
• 1 cup water – Helps to balance the flavors and create the right consistency for the jus.
• 10 crusty deli rolls or sub rolls – You need a sturdy roll that can hold up to the beef and the dip without falling apart.

Note: The listed ingredients will make approximately 10 hearty sandwiches.

Variations

While this classic recipe is fantastic as is, you can easily tweak it to your liking.

For a cheesy twist, add a slice of provolone or Swiss cheese on top of the beef before closing the sandwich. You can even melt it under the broiler for a moment. If you prefer a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the jus while it simmers. For a different flavor profile, you could add sautéed mushrooms on top of the onions. The wine is optional, so feel free to leave it out if you prefer an alcohol-free version.

Cooking Time

Here’s a quick overview of the time commitment for this recipe.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Equipment You Need

You won’t need any fancy gadgets, just a few kitchen staples.

• Roasting Pan with Rack: To roast the beef evenly and catch all the delicious drippings.
• Kitchen Twine: Helps the beef roast hold its shape for even cooking and easier slicing.
• Meat Thermometer: The best way to ensure your beef is cooked to the perfect temperature.
• Fine Mesh Strainer: For separating the rich jus from the cooked onions and garlic.

How to Make French Dip Sandwiches?

Creating these restaurant-quality sandwiches is surprisingly simple. The process involves roasting the beef, creating a flavorful dipping sauce from the pan drippings, and then assembling everything for the perfect bite. The key is to build layers of flavor at every step.

Season and Roast the Beef

First, preheat your oven to a hot 475°F. If your beef roast isn’t already tied, use a couple of pieces of kitchen twine to tie it tightly, which helps it cook more evenly. In a small bowl, mix together the kosher salt, pepper, ground oregano, and ground thyme. Rub this seasoning mixture generously all over the entire surface of the beef. Place the seasoned beef on a roasting rack set inside a roasting pan and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until a meat thermometer reads 125°F for medium-rare. Once done, remove the meat to a cutting board and cover it loosely with foil to rest.

Create the Savory Jus

Do not clean the roasting pan! Place it directly onto your stovetop over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions and minced garlic to the pan and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring and scraping up all the browned bits from the bottom. Once the onions are soft and golden, sprinkle in the dry French onion soup mix. Pour in the beef consommé, beef broth, sherry (if using), Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 45 minutes to let the flavors deepen.

Strain the Jus and Slice the Beef

After the jus has simmered and become incredibly flavorful, pour it through a fine-mesh strainer. This will separate the rich liquid from the onions. Be sure to save both the liquid (your jus) and the wonderfully caramelized onions. While the jus is finishing, take your rested beef and slice it as thinly as you possibly can. A very sharp knife is your best friend here.

Assemble the Sandwiches

Now for the best part. Take your crusty deli rolls and toast them lightly. Pile the thinly sliced beef generously onto the bottom half of each roll. Top the beef with a spoonful of the reserved caramelized onions. Place the top half of the roll on, and serve immediately with a small bowl of the warm, savory jus on the side for dipping.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

Having made these sandwiches many times, I’ve discovered a few things that really take them over the top.

• I can’t stress this enough: let the meat rest! Tent it with foil for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every slice is moist and tender. If you slice it too soon, all that flavor will run out onto your cutting board.
• When slicing the beef, I always slice it against the grain. This breaks up the muscle fibers and makes the meat much more tender and easier to chew.
• Don’t skip toasting the rolls. It not only adds flavor and a nice crunch but also helps the bread hold up when you dip the sandwich into the jus, preventing it from getting soggy too quickly.
• I sometimes add a bay leaf and a sprig of fresh thyme to the jus while it simmers to add another layer of aromatic flavor. Just remember to remove them before straining.

How to Serve French Dip Sandwiches?

These sandwiches are a star attraction and deserve a presentation that matches their flavor. Serve each sandwich on a plate with its own personal ramekin of hot jus for easy dipping. The rich, dark jus looks beautiful against a simple white dish. For a complete and satisfying meal, pair the sandwiches with classic sides like crispy french fries, a creamy potato salad, or a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette.

Nutritional Information

Here is a general nutritional estimate for one sandwich.

• Calories: 700 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Protein: 55g
• Fat: 35g

Make Ahead and Storage

This recipe is perfect for preparing in advance, making mealtime a breeze.

To Store: You can store the cooked and sliced beef and the jus in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to four days. Store the onions separately as well.

To Reheat: Gently reheat the jus in a saucepan over low heat. You can add the sliced beef directly to the jus to warm it through, which makes it even more flavorful.

To Freeze: The roasted beef and the jus both freeze beautifully. Let them cool completely, then store them in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating and assembling the sandwiches.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

There are so many reasons to make these sandwiches a staple in your home.

• Restaurant-Quality at Home: This recipe allows you to create a gourmet sandwich experience that rivals your favorite deli or restaurant, right in your own kitchen.
• Perfect for Entertaining: It’s an impressive meal for guests that can be largely prepared ahead of time, leaving you more time to enjoy your company.
• Incredibly Flavorful: The combination of the perfectly roasted beef, sweet onions, and the deeply savory jus creates a multi-layered flavor explosion in every bite.
• The Ultimate Comfort Food: It’s a hearty, satisfying, and comforting meal that is perfect for any occasion, from a weeknight dinner to a weekend feast.