If you’re on the hunt for a sandwich that feels like a warm, comforting hug on a plate, look no further than this Ground Beef French Dip Sandwiches Recipe. With tender, flavorful ground beef slow-simmered in a rich beef broth and nestled inside crusty rolls topped with melty provolone cheese, this dish is an irresistible twist on the classic French dip. It’s perfect for cozy dinners or casual gatherings when you want something hearty yet elegant. The combination of savory au jus for dunking and the fragrant herbs makes every bite a little celebration of flavors.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key for this Ground Beef French Dip Sandwiches Recipe, but don’t worry—it’s beautifully straightforward. Each item here plays a crucial role: from enhancing the beef’s natural richness to giving the rolls the perfect crunch and the au jus its signature depth.
- Olive oil: For sautéing onions gently and adding subtle fruitiness to the base flavor.
- Large onion, thinly sliced: Brings sweetness and caramelized complexity after slow cooking.
- Garlic, minced: Adds fragrant warmth to lift the savory notes.
- Ground beef (80/20 blend recommended): Perfect balance of fat and lean for juicy, flavorful filling.
- Dried thyme: A classic herb that brings a gentle earthiness to the mixture.
- Dried rosemary: Offers piney, aromatic nuance to the beef.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors naturally while seasoning the meat.
- Black pepper: Brings a touch of sharpness to balance the rich broth.
- Beef broth: The soul of the au jus, providing deep savory notes and moisture.
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami complexity and a hint of tangy sweetness.
- Bay leaf: Infuses the broth with subtle herbal fragrance during simmering.
- Crusty rolls: French or hoagie rolls work beautifully to soak up juices while staying firm.
- Provolone cheese (or Swiss): Melts perfectly atop the meat for creamy, mild indulgence.
- Optional butter: For toasting rolls, lending a golden crisp exterior and richer flavor.
How to Make Ground Beef French Dip Sandwiches Recipe
Step 1: Caramelize Onions and Garlic
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until they soften and develop a beautiful caramel color—this usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Then, toss in the minced garlic and cook for just another minute until you can smell that inviting aroma filling your kitchen. This step lays a flavorful foundation for our beef.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Turn the heat up to medium-high and add the ground beef to your pot. Break it apart with a wooden spoon while allowing all sides to brown nicely. This browning process gives you those rich, savory flavors that make the sandwich so irresistible. Once browned, drain any excess grease, keeping things juicy but not greasy.
Step 3: Season the Meat Mixture
Sprinkle in the thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper, stirring everything together. Let these herbs mingle with the beef for about a minute to release their wonderful fragrances, setting the stage for a deeply flavored dish.
Step 4: Add Broth and Simmer
Pour in the beef broth and scrape the bottom of the pot to lift any flavorful browned bits, also known as fond—don’t miss this step because these bits add fantastic depth. Add Worcestershire sauce and the bay leaf, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it bubble softly for at least one hour, up to two if you have the time. Patience here means every morsel of beef will soak up the luscious broth flavors.
Step 5: Strain Au Jus and Prepare Beef
After simmering, fish out the bay leaf and strain the broth through a fine mesh sieve into a bowl, discarding the solids like onion and garlic chunks. You’ll now have a rich, aromatic au jus. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Return the cooked ground beef to the pot and use two forks to shred it gently into smaller, tender pieces. Pour about a cup of your strained au jus back into the meat and simmer the mixture for 15 to 20 minutes to deepen its flavor and create the perfect texture for your sandwiches.
Step 6: Toast and Assemble
If you want a little extra flair, lightly butter the cut sides of your rolls. Toast them under the broiler or in a toaster oven until golden and crisp. Then, pile the hot shredded beef onto each roll, top with a slice of provolone or Swiss cheese, and pop the sandwiches back under the broiler just long enough to melt that cheese gloriously bubbly and inviting.
Step 7: Serve with Au Jus
These sandwiches are best enjoyed fresh and hot, served alongside bowls of the remaining au jus for dipping. This final touch makes every bite a juicy, comforting experience that’s hard to beat.
How to Serve Ground Beef French Dip Sandwiches Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like fresh parsley sprinkled over the au jus or a few crisp pickles on the side add brightness and a pop of color. Adding a little horseradish sauce or Dijon mustard can also bring a welcome tang and spice to balance the richness.
Side Dishes
Classic French fries or onion rings are perfect crispy companions. For a lighter touch, a fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs wonderfully, cutting through the richness with crisp bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Take things up a notch by serving mini slider versions for a party spread or arranging the sandwiches on a wooden platter with little ramekins of au jus for individual dipping. You can even sprinkle some grated cheese on top before broiling for a cheesy crust that’s hard to resist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover beef and au jus in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store rolls separately to maintain their texture and assemble just before serving to keep that delightful crunch.
Freezing
You can freeze the shredded beef mixture and au jus in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Avoid freezing the rolls with the beef, as they will become soggy. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Warm the beef gently on the stovetop with a splash more au jus to keep it moist. Toast the rolls fresh and assemble with cheese melted under the broiler for a near-fresh experience that’s just as satisfying.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese besides provolone?
Absolutely! Swiss cheese is a great alternative with its mild, nutty flavor, but feel free to experiment with mozzarella or even a sharp cheddar for a different twist.
Is it necessary to strain the au jus?
Straining the au jus removes the solids like onions and garlic for a smooth, clear broth ideal for dipping. However, if you enjoy the texture and flavor bits, you can skip straining to keep it heartier.
Can I make this recipe without Worcestershire sauce?
Worcestershire sauce adds depth and umami that’s hard to replicate. If you don’t have it, a splash of soy sauce or a bit of balsamic vinegar can provide similar complexity.
How long does it take to simmer the beef?
The recipe recommends simmering for at least one hour to let flavors meld fully. You can go up to two hours for even more tender, flavorful results without any issues.
What type of rolls work best for these sandwiches?
Crusty French rolls or hoagie rolls are ideal because they hold up well when dipped into au jus but are soft enough to enjoy with the juicy filling.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely believe this Ground Beef French Dip Sandwiches Recipe deserves a spot at your table as a go-to comfort meal. It’s simple enough to prepare on a weeknight yet special enough to impress guests without stress. Once you’ve tried that first tender bite dipped into savory au jus, you’ll understand why it quickly becomes a household favorite. Go ahead and give it a try—you might just fall in love with this new sandwich obsession.
Print
Ground Beef French Dip Sandwiches Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 sandwiches
- Category: Sandwiches
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Ground Beef French Dip Sandwich recipe is a delicious and easy-to-make comfort food classic. Featuring tender, slow-simmered ground beef in a flavorful au jus broth, served on toasted crusty rolls with melted provolone cheese, it offers a perfect balance of savory flavors and textures. Ideal for a hearty lunch or casual dinner, these sandwiches are best enjoyed dipped in the rich au jus for an authentic French dip experience.
Ingredients
Meat and Broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1.5 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend recommended for flavor)
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 bay leaf
Seasonings
- 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
Assembly
- 6 crusty rolls (French rolls, hoagie rolls, or similar)
- 6 slices provolone cheese (or Swiss, if preferred)
- Optional: Butter, for toasting rolls
Instructions
- Caramelize Onions: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly caramelized, about 8-10 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Brown the Beef: Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook, stirring frequently, until the beef is browned all over. Drain off any excess grease.
- Season the Meat: Stir in the dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another minute to allow the herbs to release their fragrance.
- Add Broth and Flavorings: Pour in the beef broth and scrape the bottom of the pot to loosen any browned bits (fond). Add the Worcestershire sauce and bay leaf.
- Simmer the Mixture: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for at least 1 hour, up to 2 hours, to deepen the flavors.
- Strain Au Jus: Remove the bay leaf. Strain the liquid au jus through a fine-mesh sieve into a separate bowl or container, discarding the solids (onions, garlic, and beef).
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the au jus and add additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Shred the Beef: Return the cooked ground beef to the pot. Using two forks, shred the beef into smaller pieces for easier sandwich assembly.
- Combine Beef with Au Jus: Add about 1 cup of the strained au jus back to the shredded beef. Add more according to your preference.
- Simmer Together: Simmer the shredded beef in the au jus for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to meld the flavors.
- Prepare Rolls: If desired, lightly butter the insides of each 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 is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Serve immediately with the remaining au jus on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Use 80/20 ground beef for the best flavor and juiciness.
- Caramelizing the onions adds a rich sweetness that enhances the au jus.
- The au jus can be made a day ahead and refrigerated; reheat before serving.
- Butter the rolls lightly before toasting for an extra crisp and flavorful crust.
- Choose your favorite cheese—provolone or Swiss both melt well and complement the beef.
- Leftover au jus can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
