A classic French Dip Sandwich features tender roast beef, melted provolone cheese, and caramelized onions on a toasted hoagie roll, served with a rich, savory au jus for dipping.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

For the Sandwiches

• 1½ lbs (680 g) thinly sliced deli roast beef or leftover roast beef
• 4 hoagie rolls or French rolls
• 8 slices provolone cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Au Jus

• 3 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Optional Toppings

• Sautéed mushrooms
• Horseradish sauce
• Dijon mustard
• Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Caramelize the Onions

• Heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add the sliced onions and cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and golden brown.

2. Make the Au Jus

• In a saucepan, combine the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, garlic, thyme, onion powder, and black pepper.
• Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 10 minutes to blend the flavors.

3. Warm the Beef

• Add the sliced roast beef to the simmering au jus for 2–3 minutes, just until heated through. Avoid boiling to keep the beef tender.

4. Toast the Rolls

• Slice the hoagie rolls and lightly toast them under the broiler or in the oven for 2–3 minutes.

5. Assemble the Sandwiches

• Layer the warm roast beef onto each toasted roll.
• Top with caramelized onions and 2 slices of provolone cheese.
• Place the sandwiches under the broiler for 1–2 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. Serve

• Pour the warm au jus into small bowls and serve alongside the sandwiches for dipping.

Optional Add-Ins

• Sautéed bell peppers
• Crispy fried onions
• Swiss cheese instead of provolone
• Pickled jalapeños for heat
• Garlic butter brushed on the rolls before toasting

Approximate Nutrition (Per Sandwich)

• Calories: 610
• Protein: 42 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fat: 31 g

Storage

• Refrigerator: Store the beef and au jus separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze the beef and au jus (without the bread) for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Warm the beef gently in the au jus, then assemble the sandwiches with freshly toasted rolls.

Tips for the Best French Dip

• Use good-quality roast beef sliced very thin for the most tender sandwiches.
• Don’t overheat the beef—warming it gently in the au jus keeps it juicy.
• Toasting the rolls helps them hold up when dipped without becoming soggy too quickly.
• Add a slice of Swiss or provolone cheese for an extra-rich, melty finish.