French Dip Sandwich

Introduction

There’s something truly comforting about a warm, hearty sandwich, especially when it’s filled with thinly sliced roast beef drenched in savory broth. Picture it: it’s a rainy afternoon, the kind that makes you want to cozy up with a blanket and a plate of something delicious. That’s where this roast beef sandwich with au jus comes in. It’s not just a meal; it’s a hug in sandwich form. Let’s dive into the details that make this dish so special!

Detailed Ingredients with measures

4 tablespoons butter, divided
1/2 cup sliced onions
1 pound thinly sliced deli roast beef
4 hoagie sandwich rolls, split
1 1/2 cups beef broth
1/4 cup water
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary

Prep Time

Alright, prep time is about 10 minutes, maybe 15 if you’re feeling a little slow—totally normal! Grab your onions and start slicing. Try not to cry—though if you do, it’s all part of the experience, right?

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

The cook time? Oh, just around 15-20 minutes! Not too bad, right? Total time clocks in around 30-35 minutes, and you’ll end up with enough sandwiches for 4 people. But let’s be real, if you’re anything like me, you’ll probably end up polishing off two in one sitting. They’re just that good!

Directions

Let’s get this meal rolling! Start by melting 2 tablespoons of that glorious butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in your sliced onions, letting them soften up and turn a beautiful golden color—this might take about 10 minutes. While you’re stirring, daydream about how good it’s gonna taste!

Once the onions are ready, plat them to the side and melt the remaining butter in the same skillet. Add your roast beef slices, cooking them for just a couple of minutes until they’re warmed through. The aroma is heavenly! After that, remove the beef and place it with the onions.

Now, it’s time for the magic sauce! Pour in your beef broth, a splash of water, and those umami-packed sauces—Worcestershire and soy sauce. Sprinkle in your onion and garlic powders, plus the rosemary. Bring it to a simmer, scraping up the browned bits left from the beef and onions. Let it simmer for a solid 5 minutes to meld those flavors.

Finally, it’s assembly time! Grab those hoagie rolls, pile in the warm roast beef and onions, and cap them off with the roll tops. Serve them up with that glorious au jus for dipping. Trust me, every dunk will make you feel like a chef! Enjoy!

Detailed Directions and Instructions

1. Sauté Onions

In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions to the skillet, stirring occasionally. Cook them for about 10 minutes, or until they become soft and lightly caramelized. This will bring out their natural sweetness. Once done, carefully remove the onions from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.

2. Heat the Roast Beef

Using the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and melt it. When the butter is fully melted and bubbly, add the thinly sliced deli roast beef to the skillet. Cook the beef just until it is heated through, which should take about 2 minutes. Make sure not to overcook it or it might become tough. After heating, remove the beef from the skillet and combine it with the onions you set aside earlier.

3. Prepare the Au Jus

Now it’s time to create the flavorful au jus! In the same skillet, pour in the beef broth and water. Then add the Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, and dried rosemary. Stir the mixture well and bring it to a gentle simmer. As it simmers, take a spatula and scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet; this is where the real flavor lies! Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to allow all the flavors to blend beautifully.

4. Assemble the Sandwiches

To put together your delicious sandwiches, take the hoagie rolls and split them open. Place a generous amount of the warm roast beef and sautéed onions on the bottom halves of each roll. Finally, top the sandwiches with the other halves of the rolls. It’s a simple but satisfying step that makes all the difference!

5. Serve and Enjoy!

Now comes the best part: serving your sandwiches! Arrange each sandwich on a plate and serve them alongside the warm au jus (the broth mixture) for dipping. Trust me, dipping your sandwich into the warm, flavorful au jus takes it to a whole new level!

Notes

Storage

If you have leftovers, store the sandwiches and au jus separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a little extra broth or water to the au jus to loosen it up.

Customization Ideas

Feel free to add your favorite toppings to these sandwiches! Sliced cheese, such as provolone or mozzarella, can be melted on top of the beef for an extra layer of flavor. You could also add sliced jalapeños for some heat or fresh herbs for brightness.

Cooking Tips

If you want to save time, you can skip sautéing the onions and just add them raw to the sandwiches. It’ll give you a crunchier texture and a little bite!

Cook techniques

Sautéing Onions Slowly

Gently cooking your onions in butter over medium heat is key here. It takes about 10 minutes to soften them up, but don’t rush or crank the heat, or they’ll burn and taste bitter instead of sweet and mellow. I’ve definitely burned onions more times than I care to admit—there’s that first frantic moment when you realize the pan’s hotter than you thought! Just keep stirring and be patient; slow is the way to go for that rich, tender onion flavor.

Quickly Heating Roast Beef

Since the roast beef is already cooked (thank goodness), all you need is to warm it up gently in butter for about two minutes. Don’t overcook! It’s super easy for thin slices to dry out or turn tough if you’re not paying attention. I’ve made the mistake of leaving the beef sizzling a bit too long, and suddenly you’re chewing jerky instead of tender sandwiches. Keep it just until warm—juicy and tender wins every time.

Deglazing and Simmering Au Jus

After removing the onions and beef, adding beef broth, water, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and spices to the skillet lets you scrape up all those flavorful browned bits stuck on the bottom. This step’s magic—those crispy remnants add a depth to the au jus that’s next-level savory. Then simmering for 5 minutes blends those flavors beautifully. I remember once skipping this and how flat the dip was—never again!

Assembling Warm Sandwiches

Putting those juicy beef and tender onions into toasted hoagie rolls while they’re still warm makes a huge difference. The warmth helps soak the bread just right without turning it to mush before dunking it into the au jus. It’s a delicate balance, and honestly, sometimes the rolls get a bit soggy if you get too eager. But hey, soggy bread with beef jus? Not exactly a kitchen disaster—it’s comfort food at its finest.

FAQ

Can I use a different type of beef for this recipe?

You can try other thinly sliced roast beef cuts, but deli-style thin slices are best because they warm quickly and stay tender. Thicker or tougher cuts need longer cooking and might dry out, so go easy and stick to what’s thin and soft if you want that perfect texture.

What can I substitute for Worcestershire and soy sauce?

If you don’t have Worcestershire or soy sauce, a splash of balsamic vinegar or a bit of beef bouillon mixed with a dash of salt can work in a pinch. The idea is to add umami and a bit of tang to deepen the broth. But honestly, those sauces bring a special savory punch, so try not to skip if you can help it.

How do I make sure the onions don’t burn during cooking?

Keep the heat at medium or lower, stir them often, and be patient. If the onions start to stick, adding a tiny splash of water or adjusting the butter can save the day. I’ve had those “pan on fire” moments too, but taking a breath and lowering the heat always helps calm things down.

Can I prepare the au jus ahead of time?

Absolutely! Make the au jus ahead and keep it warm on the stove. It tastes even better once the flavors have melded together a few hours later. Just reheat gently on low so it doesn’t reduce too much or concentrate too intensely.

What’s the best way to serve these sandwiches?

Serve with the warm au jus on the side for dipping. The dunking transforms each bite into a juicy, savory experience—trust me, if you skip this, you’re missing half the fun! Plus, adding a side of pickles or a crisp salad balances out the richness nicely.

Conclusion

These roast beef sandwiches are not just a meal; they’re a cozy experience wrapped in bread and served with a side of comfort in the form of au jus. The richness of the beef paired with the sweetness of the caramelized onions creates a delightful flavor explosion with every bite. It’s the kind of dish that warms the soul on a chilly evening or brings a smile to your face after a long day. Plus, the best part? You can make it all in about half an hour. Whether you’re cooking for family or just treating yourself, this recipe hits the spot every time.

Now, it might get a little messy—there’s probably going to be some drippy beef juice involved, and you might even need a napkin or two. If you’re anything like me, your kitchen might look like a whirlwind of butter and beef. But hey, that’s part of the cooking charm, right? So don your favorite apron, embrace the chaos, and dive into these delicious sandwiches. You won’t regret it!

More recipes suggestions and combination

French Dip Sliders

Using the same ingredients, try making mini sliders! Use dinner rolls for individual portions, add a slice of provolone cheese on top, and bake until the cheese is melty. Perfect for a party or a fun weeknight dinner!

Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

Transform the ingredients into a casserole! Layer sautéed onions, roast beef, and a mix of bell peppers with cheese and a seasoned rice or potato base. Bake until bubbling and serve with the broth on the side for dipping.

Roast Beef and Veggie Stir-Fry

Get a bit adventurous with a stir-fry! Slice your roast beef and toss it with a mix of colorful veggies like bell peppers and broccoli, seasoned with soy sauce and garlic. Serve it over rice for a quick and satisfying dinner.

Beef Broth Soup

Make the broth the star! Add noodles, veggies, or whatever leftover proteins you have, and let it simmer. This is a clever way to make a nourishing soup from the same base flavors you love in the sandwiches.

Spicy Roast Beef Tacos

Use the roast beef as a filling for tacos! Warm taco shells and load them with beef, onions, and a bit of spicy sauce or salsa. It’s a fun twist that brings a little fiesta to your kitchen.

Italian Beef Sandwich

Switch it up with some Italian flair! Add bell peppers and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning to the beef, then serve on the hoagie rolls with melted cheese for a delicious variation that will remind you of the original Chicago-style sandwich.