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If you’ve been on the hunt for a hearty and comforting sandwich that’s both easy to make and utterly satisfying, the Ground Beef French Dip Sandwich Recipe is your new best friend. This version takes the classic French dip to a whole new level by using flavorful ground beef simmered in rich au jus, nestled inside crusty rolls, and crowned with melted provolone cheese. It’s the perfect blend of juicy meat, aromatic herbs, and melty cheese that will have you reaching for seconds before you even finish the first bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for a handful of simple, essential ingredients that come together beautifully to create a rich, savory dish with layers of texture and flavor. Each ingredient plays its part, from the caramelized onions that add sweetness to the rosemary and thyme that infuse the beef with aromatic depth.
- Olive oil: Perfect for gently sautéing the onions and garlic without overpowering their flavors.
- Large onion, thinly sliced: Adds natural sweetness and depth after caramelizing.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Brings a fragrant boost that pairs beautifully with beef.
- Ground beef (80/20 blend recommended): The star of the show, offering juicy, flavorful meat with a good fat balance.
- Dried thyme: Brings subtle herbal notes that complement the richness of the beef.
- Dried rosemary: Adds an earthy, piney aroma that enhances the savory profile.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors.
- Beef broth: Creates the flavorful au jus that makes every dip irresistible.
- Worcestershire sauce: Gives the broth and beef a complex, tangy umami boost.
- Bay leaf: Delivers gentle aromatic notes during simmering.
- Crusty rolls (French or hoagie rolls): Perfectly sturdy to hold all that juicy beef without getting soggy.
- Provolone cheese slices: Melts beautifully for that gooey, creamy finish (Swiss cheese is a great alternative).
- Butter (optional): For toasting the rolls to golden perfection, adding an extra layer of richness.
How to Make Ground Beef French Dip Sandwich Recipe
Step 1: Caramelize the Onions and Garlic
Begin by heating olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and stir occasionally, cooking them until they become soft and lightly caramelized, about 8 to 10 minutes. Then, toss in the minced garlic, cooking just until fragrant, about a minute. This foundational step adds a sweet and savory base that elevates the whole sandwich.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Turn the heat up to medium-high and add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it apart with a spoon as you go. Cook until the beef is nicely browned all over, which usually takes a few minutes. Once browned, drain off any excess grease for a cleaner, more balanced flavor. This step locks in the meat’s rich taste and sets the stage for the herbs.
Step 3: Add Herbs, Seasoning, and Broth
Sprinkle dried thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper over the beef, stirring to coat the meat with these fragrant seasonings. Next, pour in the beef broth and add Worcestershire sauce along with a bay leaf. Use your spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot—that’s pure flavor magic! Bring the mixture to a simmer, then lower the heat, cover, and let it gently bubble away for at least an hour. This slow simmer softens the beef and infuses the broth with delicious, meaty goodness.
Step 4: Strain and Shred the Beef
After simmering, remove the bay leaf and strain the contents through a fine-mesh sieve, separating the au jus from the solids. Set the flavorful liquid aside. Return the cooked ground beef to the pot and shred it using two forks to create tender, bite-sized pieces that will soak up the au jus beautifully.
Step 5: Simmer Beef in Au Jus
Add about one cup of the strained au jus back to the shredded beef and simmer over low heat for another 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step deepens the flavor and ensures each bite is juicy and perfectly seasoned.
Step 6: Prepare and Toast the Rolls
If you like, spread a little butter inside your rolls before toasting them under the broiler or in a toaster oven until they turn lightly golden and crisp. A toasted roll offers a wonderful contrast in texture and prevents sogginess when piled high with juicy beef.
Step 7: Assemble and Melt Cheese
Divide the shredded, au jus-soaked beef evenly among the rolls, then top each sandwich with a slice of provolone or Swiss cheese. Pop them back under the broiler just long enough to melt the cheese into warm, gooey perfection.
Step 8: Serve with Au Jus for Dipping
Serve your Ground Beef French Dip Sandwich Recipe immediately, accompanied by a bowl of the remaining hot au jus for dipping every scrumptious bite. The combination of tender beef, melted cheese, and rich dipping jus turns this sandwich into a memorable meal.
How to Serve Ground Beef French Dip Sandwich Recipe
Garnishes
A few fresh garnishes can take your sandwich from delicious to dazzling. Consider topping it with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for a bright, herbaceous hit or even a few pickled jalapeños if you crave a spicy kick. These small touches add freshness and personality to each bite.
Side Dishes
Classic French fries or crispy sweet potato fries are always welcome companions, providing satisfying crunch and contrasting textures. For a lighter option, a crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette balances the richness of the sandwich perfectly and keeps the meal feeling fresh.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, assemble mini sliders using smaller rolls for a party platter that encourages sharing. You can also serve the sandwich open-faced with melted cheese broiled on top alongside a small bowl of au jus for dipping. Presentation matters, and it’s delightful to see how versatile this recipe can be on your table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover beef mixture can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Keep your au jus separate to maintain its flavor and avoid diluting the texture. When ready to enjoy again, simply warm the beef gently on the stovetop with a splash of au jus to revive the juiciness.
Freezing
This Ground Beef French Dip Sandwich Recipe freezes beautifully. Freeze the shredded beef and au jus together in a sealed freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, and your sandwich filling will be just as tasty as fresh.
Reheating
Reheat the beef mixture slowly in a saucepan over low heat, adding additional au jus or broth as needed to keep it moist. Toast fresh rolls and melt cheese as usual for the best texture and flavor. Avoid the microwave if possible to retain the best taste and juiciness.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese in this Ground Beef French Dip Sandwich Recipe?
Absolutely! While provolone or Swiss cheese are classic choices thanks to their meltability and mild flavors, you can experiment with mozzarella, cheddar, or even a creamy Havarti. Choose cheeses that melt well and complement the beef’s rich taste.
Is it possible to make this recipe without beef broth?
Beef broth is key for the flavorful au jus, but if you don’t have any on hand, you can substitute with vegetable broth mixed with a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce for depth. Keep in mind that the flavor might be slightly different but still delicious.
How long can I simmer the beef for this recipe?
The recipe calls for at least one hour of simmering, but you can stretch it up to two hours for an even deeper flavor. Just keep the heat low and the pot covered to prevent drying out. The longer simmer helps the beef become extra tender and lets the herbs infuse fully.
Can I prepare the filling ahead of time for a party?
Yes, this recipe is fantastic for make-ahead meals. You can prepare the beef mixture a day in advance, reheat it gently before serving, and toast and assemble the sandwiches just before your guests arrive for fresh, warm bites.
What type of rolls work best for this sandwich?
Sturdy, crusty rolls like French rolls or hoagies hold up best to the juicy beef and dipping au jus. Avoid soft sandwich buns that might become soggy quickly. Toasting the rolls before assembly adds an extra crunch that keeps the sandwich structural and delicious.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting and satisfying about the Ground Beef French Dip Sandwich Recipe that makes it a go-to whenever you crave a deliciously juicy, cheesy, and hearty meal. Whether you’re making it for a casual family dinner or impressing friends at your next gathering, this recipe delivers flavor and fuss-free joy in every bite. Give it a try and watch it become one of your favorite sandwich traditions!
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Ground Beef French Dip Sandwich Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 sandwiches 1x
Description
This Ground Beef French Dip Sandwich recipe features tender, savory shredded beef simmered in a flavorful homemade au jus, served on toasted crusty rolls with melted provolone cheese. A comforting and easy-to-make sandwich perfect for lunch or dinner, offering a delightful combination of rich beef flavors and melty cheese with a side of savory dipping jus.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1.5 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend recommended for flavor)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 bay leaf
- 6 crusty rolls (French rolls, hoagie rolls, or similar)
- 6 slices provolone cheese (or Swiss, if preferred)
Optional
- Butter, for toasting rolls
Instructions
- Cook Onions and Garlic: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add thinly sliced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly caramelized, about 8-10 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Increase heat to medium-high. Add ground beef to the pot, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook, stirring frequently, until browned all over. Drain any excess grease from the pot.
- Add Herbs and Seasoning: Stir in dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another minute to allow the herbs to release their flavor.
- Add Beef Broth and Worcestershire: Pour in beef broth and scrape the bottom of the pot with a spoon to loosen browned bits. Add Worcestershire sauce and bay leaf. Bring to a simmer.
- Simmer the Beef Mixture: Reduce heat to low, cover, and let the mixture simmer for at least 1 hour, up to 2 hours, to develop rich flavors.
- Strain the Au Jus: Remove bay leaf. Strain the liquid (au jus) through a fine-mesh sieve into a separate bowl, discarding the solids (onions, garlic, beef solids).
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste the au jus and add salt and pepper as needed to enhance the flavor.
- Shred the Cooked Beef: Return the cooked ground beef to the pot and shred it using two forks into smaller pieces.
- Add Au Jus to Beef: Pour about 1 cup of the strained au jus back into the shredded beef, adding more to your desired juiciness level.
- Simmer Shredded Beef: Simmer the beef in the au jus for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to meld flavors.
- Prepare Rolls: If desired, lightly butter the inside of each crusty roll.
- Toast Rolls: Toast the rolls under a broiler or in a toaster oven until lightly golden brown.
- Assemble Sandwiches: Divide the shredded beef evenly among the toasted rolls.
- Add Cheese: Top each sandwich with a slice of provolone or Swiss cheese.
- Melt Cheese: Place sandwiches under the broiler or in the toaster oven until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly.
- Serve: Serve the sandwiches immediately with the remaining au jus on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Use an 80/20 ground beef blend for best flavor and juiciness.
- Simmering the beef mixture for up to 2 hours enhances depth of flavor.
- Straining the au jus creates a smooth, flavorful dipping sauce.
- Butter the rolls before toasting for extra richness and crispness.
- Swiss cheese is a great alternative to provolone for a different flavor profile.
- Leftover au jus can be refrigerated and used within 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
