French Dip Sandwich

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🥖 The Ultimate French Dip Sandwich

  • Prep time: 15 minutes

  • Cook time: 20 minutes (using pre-cooked beef) or 4 hours (slow cooker)

  • Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • The Meat: 1.5 lbs high-quality roast beef (thinly shaved from the deli or home-roasted).

  • The Bread: 4 crusty French rolls or a large baguette cut into 6-inch portions.

  • The Jus:

    • 2 cups beef consommé or high-quality beef broth

    • 1/2 cup water

    • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

    • 1/2 tsp garlic powder

    • Salt and black pepper to taste

  • The Toppings (Optional): 4-8 slices of Provolone or Swiss cheese, caramelized onions.

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Jus: In a medium saucepan, combine the beef consommé, water, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Let it bubble gently for 10 minutes to concentrate the flavors.

  2. Warm the Beef: Submerge the thinly sliced roast beef directly into the simmering jus for about 1–2 minutes. This warms the meat through and infuses it with moisture without overcooking it.

  3. Toast the Bread: Slice your rolls lengthwise. Spread a little butter on the insides if you’re feeling indulgent, and toast under a broiler until the edges are golden brown.

  4. Assemble: Use tongs to pile the wet roast beef onto the toasted rolls. If using cheese, place the slices over the beef and return to the broiler for 30 seconds until melted.

  5. Serve: Pour the remaining hot jus into small individual ramekins. Serve the sandwiches immediately while the bread is crunchy and the dip is steaming.

💡 Pro-Tips for Success

  • The Bread Rule: You need a “sturdy” roll. A soft brioche or standard hot dog bun will disintegrate the moment it touches the liquid. Look for something with a hard crust.

  • The “Double Dip”: For the bold, dip the cut side of the bread into the jus before adding the meat, then serve with more jus on the side.

  • Deli Hack: Ask your deli counter for “rare” roast beef. Since you’ll be warming it in hot liquid, starting rare prevents the meat from becoming rubbery.

📊 Nutritional Info (Per Serving)

Estimate based on standard ingredients: | Calories | Protein | Total Fat | Carbs | Sodium | | :— | :— | :— | :— | :— | | 520 kcal | 38g | 18g | 45g | 1,150mg |

Note: The sodium content is high due to the beef broth. Use “Low Sodium” broth to significantly reduce this number.

✨ Benefits of This Recipe

  • High Protein: A great source of iron and Vitamin B12.

  • Efficiency: Using deli-sliced roast beef makes this a 20-minute meal.

  • Kid-Friendly: Most kids love “dipping” their food, making it an easy win for family dinner.

❓ Common Questions & Answers

Q: Can I make the beef in a slow cooker instead? A: Yes! Place a 3lb chuck roast in a crockpot with the jus ingredients. Cook on low for 8 hours, then shred or slice.

Q: What is the difference between Au Jus and Gravy? A: Jus is a thin, natural reduction of meat juices. Gravy is thickened with a roux (flour and fat). French Dips always use the thinner jus.

Q: My jus tastes too salty. How do I fix it? A: Add a splash of water or a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar. The acidity helps cut through the saltiness.

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