The French Dip Sandwich Melt is a hearty and delicious treat that’s all about juicy, tender beef piled high on a toasted bun, topped with melted cheese, and served alongside a rich, flavorful au jus for dipping. The crispy edges of the bread combined with the gooey cheese and savory meat make every bite a tasty adventure.
I love making this sandwich when I want something satisfying but still easy to put together. There’s something so comforting about dipping each bite into that warm au jus—it just feels like a little hug for your taste buds. I usually use thinly sliced roast beef and let the cheese melt just right while the sandwich is in the oven for that perfect combination.
My favorite way to enjoy a French Dip Sandwich Melt is with a side of crispy fries or a fresh, simple salad to balance out the richness. It’s great for a weekend lunch or a relaxed dinner when you want something filling but not complicated. Every time I make it, it reminds me of casual dinners with friends where everyone is smiling and savoring every dipping moment.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef chuck roast: This cut is great because it becomes tender and flavorful when slow-cooked. If you’re short on time, thinly sliced deli roast beef works well too.
Beef broth: Use low sodium broth to control saltiness. You can substitute with beef bouillon mixed with water if needed.
French rolls: Crusty rolls hold up well to dipping. If unavailable, hoagie buns or sturdy sandwich rolls are good alternatives.
Provolone cheese: It melts nicely without overpowering the beef. Mozzarella or Swiss are tasty substitutes if you want a milder or nuttier flavor.
Worcestershire sauce and thyme: These bring deep flavor to both the beef and au jus. If you don’t have thyme, dried rosemary or sage can work.
How Can I Make Tender, Juicy Beef for This Sandwich?
Slow cooking is key to tender beef. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Brown the beef on all sides first. This adds flavor and locks in juices.
- Cook the beef in broth with seasonings on low heat, covered, for 2.5 to 3 hours. This allows the connective tissue to break down.
- When fork-tender, shred the beef finely to soak up the juice better.
- Keep the broth warm; this becomes your dipping au jus, rich with beef flavor.
Patience here makes a big difference. The longer, slower cook brings out full flavor and tenderness that feels special in every bite.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large heavy pot or Dutch oven – perfect for browning beef and slow-cooking it until tender.
- Sharp chef’s knife – makes slicing the roast and onions quick and easy.
- Cutting board – sturdy and roomy for prepping your ingredients safely.
- Baking sheet – to broil the sandwiches and melt the cheese evenly.
- Two forks – ideal for shredding the cooked beef into tender pieces.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap provolone for Swiss or mozzarella cheese for a different melt and taste.
- Add sautéed mushrooms for extra earthiness and texture inside your sandwich.
- Mix in caramelized onions with the beef for a touch of sweetness.
- Try horseradish sauce or garlic aioli on the bread for a spicy or creamy kick.
French Dip Sandwich Melt
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Beef and Au Jus:
- 1 lb beef chuck roast (or thinly sliced roast beef)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
For The Sandwich:
- 4 French rolls or hoagie buns
- 8 slices of provolone cheese (or mozzarella)
- Fresh thyme or parsley, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
Preparing this French Dip Sandwich Melt takes about 10-15 minutes of active prep, mainly for seasoning and browning the beef. Then, allow 2.5 to 3 hours for slow cooking the beef until tender. After that, assembling and broiling the sandwiches will take another 5-10 minutes. Overall, plan for about 3 hours to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season and Brown the Beef:
Season the chuck roast generously with salt and pepper. In a large heavy pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef and brown it on all sides, about 4 to 5 minutes per side. Once browned, remove it from the pot and set aside.
2. Cook the Onion and Garlic:
Using the same pot, sauté the thinly sliced onions until they are soft and golden, about 5 to 7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Slow Cook the Beef:
Return the beef to the pot. Pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and sprinkle in the dried thyme. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook slowly for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the beef is tender and easy to shred.
4. Shred the Beef and Keep the Broth Warm:
Remove the beef from the pot and shred it finely using two forks. Keep the broth warm in the pot; this will be your au jus for dipping.
5. Assemble and Broil the Sandwiches:
Preheat your broiler. Slice the French rolls in half lengthwise. Divide the shredded beef evenly among the bottom halves. Top each sandwich with two slices of provolone cheese. Place the sandwiches on a baking sheet and broil for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Transfer the sandwiches to plates. Pour the warm au jus over the sandwiches or serve it on the side in small bowls for dipping. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if you like. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious, comforting French Dip Sandwich Melt!
Can I Use Pre-Sliced Roast Beef Instead of Cooking a Chuck Roast?
Yes, you can! Using pre-sliced deli roast beef saves time. Warm it gently in the broth to infuse flavor, then assemble and broil the sandwiches as directed.
How Should I Store Leftover Beef and Au Jus?
Store shredded beef and au jus separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the beef in the broth on the stove for juicy results before assembling your sandwich.
Can I Make This Sandwich Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the beef and au jus in advance, refrigerate overnight, and reheat gently before assembling. For best texture, broil the sandwiches just before serving to melt the cheese and crisp the bread.
What’s the Best Bread to Use for a French Dip Sandwich Melt?
Crusty French rolls or hoagie buns work best as they hold up well when dipped in au jus without getting soggy too quickly. Avoid soft sandwich bread to keep a nice bite.
