Looking for an easy and satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug? The Easy French Dip Sandwiches by BellRecipes are the ultimate comfort food. Packed with tender, flavorful beef, melted cheese, and a side of rich au jus for dipping, these sandwiches will bring big smiles to your dinner table. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just want a quick dinner idea, this recipe is fast, flavorful, and sure to impress without stressing you out.
Table of content
- About The Recipe
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Key Ingredients and Substitutions
- How to Make the Recipe(Step-by-Step)
- Expert Tips for Success
- Variations and Customizations
- Nutritional Information
- Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Recipe Card
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Comments & Reviews
- Social Sharing Options
About The Easy French Dip Sandwiches by bellrecipes Recipe
French dips might sound fancy, but at the heart, they’re just cozy comfort food done right! Originating in Los Angeles (not France—go figure!), this sandwich has been winning hearts since the early 1900s. What makes it special? It’s the juicy, tender beef piled high on a crusty roll, topped with melted cheese, and served with a savory au jus (that’s a fancy way of saying ‘super yummy dipping sauce’). The Easy French Dip Sandwiches by BellRecipes capture all of that magic but make it super simple for you. Whether you first tried one at your favorite diner or during a family gathering, this recipe lets you recreate the magic right in your own kitchen—and in under 30 minutes, too. Bonus? The au jus is like a flavor-packed love letter in liquid form. Every dip will make your taste buds sing!Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy recipe, ready in under 30 minutes
- Perfect for busy weeknights or family meals
- Melty cheese and juicy beef for a flavorful bite
- Side of savory au jus enhances every bite
- Uses simple ingredients you probably already have
- Customizable to match your family’s tastes
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
- French rolls: Crusty rolls are classic, but hoagies or ciabatta work, too!
- Beef: Thinly sliced deli roast beef makes this recipe quick; brisket or shredded roast beef can be used if you have leftovers.
- Cheese: Provolone is a go-to, but Swiss or mozzarella are equally melty and delicious.
- Butter: Adds richness when toasting the rolls. Don’t skip it!
- Beef broth: The soul of your au jus. Low-sodium broth gives you more control over saltiness.
- Worcestershire sauce: Gives the au jus that deep umami kick.
- Garlic & onion powder: Essential for flavoring the au jus.
How to Make the Recipe (Step-by-Step)
- Toast your rolls: Slice the French rolls, butter them, and toast them in the oven or a skillet until golden and crispy.
- Simmer the au jus: In a saucepan, combine beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder. Heat it up and let it simmer for a few minutes to bring all the flavors together.
- Warm the beef: Add your sliced roast beef directly into the simmering au jus for just a minute or two to soak up the flavors.
- Assemble the sandwiches: Pile the beef onto your toasted rolls, add slices of cheese, and pop them under the broiler for a quick melt.
- Serve and dip: Pour the au jus into small bowls or ramekins for dipping. Dig in and enjoy the deliciousness!
Expert Tips for Success
Don’t over-soak the beef in the au jus—it only takes a minute or two to absorb the flavor!
Preheat your broiler and keep an eye on it to prevent the cheese from burning.
If you like crispy bread, toast the rolls longer, but don’t let them get too hard to bite into.
Use a good-quality roast beef—it makes all the difference in flavor.
Variations and Customizations
Want to mix things up? Try swapping the beef for turkey or chicken if that’s what you’ve got in the fridge. To make it spicy, add sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper. For a vegetarian twist, use sautéed mushrooms instead of beef—they soak up the au jus beautifully!
Nutritional Information
These sandwiches are a hearty meal, with around 450-500 calories per serving depending on your bread and cheese. Expect a good balance of protein from the roast beef, carbs from the bread, and fats from the cheese and butter. If you’re watching sodium, opt for low-sodium beef broth and deli meat.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
If you’ve got leftovers, keep the sandwiches and au jus separate. Store the au jus in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the au jus on the stovetop and dip the meat in before assembling the toasted sandwich again. If the bread’s already assembled, toast it lightly in the oven to refresh it!
Recipe Card of Easy French Dip Sandwiches by bellrecipes
Ingredients list
- 4 hoagie rolls, split lengthwise
- 10.5 ounce can beef consomme
- 1 cup water
- 1 pound thinly sliced deli roast beef
- 8 slices provolone cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Heat up your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare it for baking.
- Open up the hoagie rolls and arrange them on a baking sheet.
- Gently heat beef consommé and water in a saucepan to create a flavorful beef broth.
- Add roast beef slices into the broth, allowing them to warm up for about 3 minutes.
- Arrange the warmed meat on the hoagie rolls, topping each with two slices of provolone cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven until the cheese is thoroughly melted, usually around 5 minutes.
- Present your sandwiches with small bowls of warm broth for delicious dipping.
Recipe Video
Notes
A fresh garden salad or crispy fries make excellent accompaniments.
Nutrition
All Your Questions About This Recipe
Can I use leftover beef instead of deli roast beef?
Absolutely! Leftover pot roast, brisket, or shredded beef works beautifully for this recipe.
What other cheeses can I use?
While provolone is classic, Swiss, cheddar, or even pepper jack are tasty options.
Can I freeze the au jus?
Yes, you can! Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat as needed.
How can I make the au jus richer?
Try adding a splash of red wine or a pinch of dried herbs like thyme or rosemary while simmering.