Easy Homemade French Dip Sandwiches: Your New Favorite Comfort Food in 20 Minutes
Experience the ultimate comfort of a French Dip Sandwich made effortlessly with just a few simple ingredients. Incredibly flavorful, undeniably delicious, and remarkably easy to prepare!
There are few culinary delights as universally comforting and satisfying as a perfectly crafted French Dip sandwich. Imagine tender, savory slices of roast beef, piled high on a crusty roll, waiting to be plunged into a rich, aromatic broth. This isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience, a symphony of textures and flavors that transports you straight to sandwich heaven. If you’ve ever had the pleasure of enjoying one, you know exactly what I’m talking about – that warm, hearty embrace that only a classic French Dip can provide.
My love affair with French Dip sandwiches began long ago, often fueled by visits to a beloved local diner known for its exceptional rendition. Each bite was a moment of pure bliss, a perfect harmony of juicy beef, crisp bread, and that indispensable savory au jus. The craving for this iconic sandwich became particularly intense when I was pregnant with my third son. It was during this time that I embarked on a quest to recreate that diner magic in my own kitchen. To my delight, I stumbled upon a truly amazing and incredibly simple recipe tucked away in a family cookbook, which I later discovered was an ingenious adaptation of a Rachael Ray creation. And let me tell you, it quickly became an instant family favorite!
What makes this particular French Dip sandwich recipe stand out is its astonishing simplicity and speed. We’re talking about a dish that requires only a handful of readily available ingredients and can be ready to serve in a mere 20 minutes from start to finish. This makes it an ideal choice for busy weeknights, impromptu gatherings, or whenever a craving for something truly delicious strikes without the luxury of extensive cooking time. Forget complicated techniques or obscure ingredients; this recipe is all about maximizing flavor with minimal effort.
The Anatomy of a Perfect French Dip
At its core, a French Dip sandwich is deceptively simple, yet each component plays a vital role in its overall deliciousness. Understanding these elements is key to appreciating and mastering this quick recipe.
- The Roast Beef: The star of the show! For ultimate ease without sacrificing flavor, thinly sliced lean roast beef from your local deli or even pre-packaged lunch meat works wonders. The quality of your roast beef will significantly impact the sandwich, so choose wisely. While some prefer to slow-roast their own beef, the beauty of this recipe lies in its ability to deliver incredible taste using convenient store-bought options.
- The Bread: A sturdy, crusty bread is non-negotiable. It needs to be robust enough to hold up to the generous filling of beef and, most importantly, withstand multiple dips into the savory au jus without becoming soggy. I’ve experimented with various rolls and found that a good baguette, warmed and cut into individual portions, is absolutely ideal. Its crispy exterior and soft interior provide the perfect contrast to the tender beef.
- The Au Jus: This is where the magic truly happens. Our flavorful au jus is the heart and soul of the French Dip experience. It’s the warm, savory broth that elevates the sandwich from merely good to absolutely sublime. This recipe utilizes beef consommé, a concentrated beef broth that delivers a depth of flavor that tastes like it simmered for hours, yet comes together in minutes. Enhanced with sautéed shallots and a touch of steak seasoning, this dipping sauce is so rich and aromatic, you’ll want to drink it straight from the bowl!
- The Cheese (Optional, but highly recommended): A slice of thinly melted provolone cheese adds a creamy, tangy dimension that complements the beef and au jus beautifully. While purists might skip the cheese, a touch of provolone (or Swiss, or even Gruyere for a gourmet twist) takes the sandwich to the next level of indulgence.
The combination of these elements creates a symphony of taste and texture that is both deeply satisfying and incredibly addictive. You will undoubtedly fall head over heels for these Easy French Dip Sandwiches!
Beyond the Basic: Tips for the Best French Dip
While the recipe is straightforward, a few tips can ensure your homemade French Dip sandwiches are nothing short of spectacular:
- Sautéing the Shallots: Don’t rush this step. Sautéing the shallots until they are softened and slightly translucent will build a fantastic flavor base for your au jus. Their delicate, sweet onion flavor is superior to regular onions in this context.
- The Roux: The flour mixed with the shallots and olive oil creates a light roux, which helps to slightly thicken the au jus, giving it a richer mouthfeel without making it gravy-like. Ensure you cook the flour for a couple of minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
- Whisking Consommé: Whisk in the beef consommé slowly to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth, velvety broth. Bring it to a boil briefly to allow the flavors to meld and the broth to thicken slightly before reducing to a simmer.
- Seasoning: Steak seasoning, like McCormick Montreal Steak Seasoning, provides a complex blend of garlic, pepper, and other spices that perfectly complements the beef flavor. Don’t forget a generous grind of fresh black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed – a little extra goes a long way.
- Warming the Beef: The key to warming the roast beef in the au jus is to do it quickly. You want the beef to be warm and infused with the broth’s flavor, but not overcooked or tough. Just a quick dip or a minute or two in the warm au jus is enough.
- Toasting the Bread: Briefly toasting or warming your baguette or rolls can enhance their crustiness and prevent them from becoming too soft too quickly when dipped. You can do this in the oven, a toaster oven, or even a dry skillet.
This recipe is not just about making a sandwich; it’s about creating a memorable meal that feels gourmet yet is incredibly accessible. The rich, umami-packed au jus is truly the star here, providing the perfect counterpoint to the savory roast beef. It’s a dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends, or simply satisfy your deepest comfort food cravings.
Easy French Dip Sandwiches
Print
Pin
Rate
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1 shallot chopped
- 1 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
- 2 10-oz cans beef consommé (find it in the soup aisle)
- 1 tsp. steak seasoning like McCormick Montreal Steak Seasoning
- ground pepper
- 1 lb. lean roast beef thinly sliced
- baguette cut into fourths or your favorite rolls, for serving
- thinly sliced provolone for serving, if desired
Instructions
-
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat for about 1 minute until shimmering. Add the chopped shallots and sauté for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and become translucent. Stir in the all-purpose flour and continue to sauté for another 2 minutes, cooking out the raw flour taste and creating a light roux.
-
Slowly whisk in the beef consommé, ensuring no lumps form. Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring frequently. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and allow the au jus to simmer for 5-7 minutes, letting the flavors meld and the sauce thicken slightly. Stir in the steak seasoning and a generous amount of ground pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
-
Gently separate the thinly sliced roast beef and immerse it into the simmering au jus, allowing it to warm through for just a minute or two. Meanwhile, lightly toast or warm your baguette pieces or rolls. Using tongs, carefully transfer an equal portion of the warm beef onto each section of baguette or roll. If desired, top with a slice of provolone cheese, allowing it to melt slightly from the heat of the beef and bread. Serve immediately with a small, individual bowl of the extra au jus on the side for dipping. Enjoy every savory bite!
Notes
This recipe is adapted from a fantastic Rachael Ray creation.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions About French Dip Sandwiches
What is the origin of the French Dip sandwich?
The true origin of the French Dip sandwich is a bit of a culinary mystery, with two Los Angeles restaurants, Philippe’s The Original and Cole’s P.H. French Dip, both claiming to have invented it around the early 20th century. Both stories involve a chef accidentally dropping a French roll into meat drippings (or purposefully creating it for a customer with sore gums), leading to the creation of this iconic dipped sandwich. Regardless of its exact birthplace, it has become a beloved American classic.
Can I make the au jus ahead of time?
Absolutely! The au jus can be prepared a day or two in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving. In fact, making it ahead might even allow the flavors to deepen further, making it even more delicious.
What if I don’t have beef consommé?
Beef consommé is preferred for its rich, concentrated flavor, but you can substitute it with good quality beef broth or stock. If using broth, you might want to add an extra bouillon cube or a teaspoon of beef base to intensify the flavor, as regular broth can be less concentrated than consommé. You could also reduce the broth slightly to concentrate it more.
What kind of roast beef should I use?
For convenience, thinly sliced lean roast beef from the deli counter or pre-packaged slices work perfectly. If you have leftover homemade roast beef, that would be fantastic too! The key is that it’s thinly sliced so it warms quickly and is easy to bite into.
What are some good side dishes to serve with French Dip?
French Dip sandwiches pair wonderfully with classic comfort food sides. Think crispy French fries, a simple green salad, coleslaw, or even some roasted potatoes. The savory flavors of the sandwich are complemented by fresh, crisp vegetables or hearty potato dishes.
Can I add other ingredients to my French Dip?
Definitely! While the classic is perfect as is, feel free to customize. Caramelized onions or sautéed mushrooms make fantastic additions. Some people also enjoy a spread of horseradish sauce or a spicy mustard on their bread for an extra kick before dipping.
Why This Easy French Dip Recipe Will Become a Staple
This Easy French Dip Sandwich recipe is more than just a quick meal; it’s a testament to how simple ingredients, when combined thoughtfully, can create something truly extraordinary. Its minimal prep time and straightforward steps make it accessible to even the most novice cooks, while its deeply satisfying flavor will appeal to gourmands and comfort food lovers alike. The rich, savory au jus, tender roast beef, and crusty bread create a harmony that is both comforting and sophisticated. Whether you’re battling pregnancy cravings, seeking a speedy weeknight dinner, or simply yearning for a taste of diner nostalgia, this recipe delivers on all fronts. Give it a try, and prepare to add it to your regular meal rotation!
If you liked this recipe, you’ll love these too:
Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
Pasta Primavera
Coconut Chickpea Curry
Easy Pizza Rolls
This post was originally published at I Heart Nap Time on February 27th.