Ground Beef French Dip Sandwich: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

Ground Beef French Dip Sandwich: Prepare to experience a flavor explosion that will redefine your lunch game! Forget everything you thought you knew about this classic sandwich because we’re about to elevate it with a budget-friendly and incredibly delicious twist. Imagine tender, savory ground beef simmered in a rich, flavorful au jus, piled high on a toasted baguette, and then dipped into even more of that delectable sauce. Are you drooling yet?

While the traditional French Dip typically features thinly sliced roast beef, our Ground Beef French Dip Sandwich offers a quicker, more accessible, and equally satisfying alternative. The French Dip itself has a fascinating history, reportedly originating in Los Angeles in the early 20th century. Two restaurants, Philippe the Original and Cole’s Pacific Electric Buffet, both lay claim to its invention, each with their own compelling story of how the “dipped sandwich” came to be. Regardless of its true origin, the French Dip quickly became a beloved American classic.

People adore the French Dip for its comforting warmth, its satisfyingly savory flavor, and the delightful textural contrast between the crusty bread and the tender meat. The au jus is the star, infusing every bite with a deep, umami richness that keeps you coming back for more. Our ground beef version captures all of these elements while being incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for a weeknight meal or a weekend gathering. So, ditch the deli counter and get ready to create the best Ground Beef French Dip Sandwich you’ve ever tasted!

this Recipe

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

Preparing the Au Jus:

The au jus is the heart and soul of a French Dip sandwich, so we’ll start there. A rich, flavorful au jus makes all the difference!

1. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly caramelized, about 8-10 minutes. Don’t rush this step; the caramelized onions add a wonderful depth of flavor. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
2. Brown the Ground 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. This step is crucial for developing a rich, beefy flavor in the au jus. Make sure to get some nice browning on the bottom of the pot – those browned bits are flavor gold!
3. Add Herbs and Seasonings: Stir in the dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute, allowing the herbs to release their fragrance. I love the combination of thyme and rosemary, but feel free to experiment with other herbs like oregano or marjoram.
4. Deglaze the Pot: Pour in the beef broth and scrape the bottom of the pot to loosen any browned bits (fond). This is where all that delicious flavor hiding at the bottom comes into play!
5. Simmer the Au Jus: Add the Worcestershire sauce and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 1 hour, or up to 2 hours. The longer it simmers, the more flavorful it will become. This low and slow simmering allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully.
6. Strain the Au Jus: After simmering, remove the bay leaf. Strain the au jus through a fine-mesh sieve into a separate bowl or container. Discard the solids (onions, garlic, and beef). This will give you a clear, smooth au jus. Don’t skip this step – it makes a big difference in the final texture.
7. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the au jus and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Remember, it should be slightly salty to complement the sandwich.

Preparing the Ground Beef Filling:

While the au jus is simmering, we can prepare the ground beef filling. This is a simple process, but it’s important to get the seasoning right.

1. Shred the Cooked Beef: After straining the au jus, return the cooked ground beef to the pot. Using two forks, shred the beef into smaller pieces. This will make it easier to eat in the sandwich.
2. Moisten the Beef: Add about 1 cup of the strained au jus back to the pot with the shredded beef. This will keep the beef moist and flavorful. You can add more au jus if needed, depending on your preference.
3. Simmer the Beef: Simmer the beef in the au jus for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld together. This step ensures that the beef is infused with the delicious au jus flavor.

Assembling the Sandwiches:

Now for the fun part – putting it all together! This is where your creativity can shine.

1. Prepare the Rolls: If desired, lightly butter the inside of each roll. This is optional, but it adds a nice richness and helps prevent the rolls from getting soggy.
2. Toast the Rolls (Optional): Toast the rolls under a broiler or in a toaster oven until lightly golden brown. This will give them a nice crispy texture. Watch them carefully to prevent burning!
3. Fill the Rolls: Divide the shredded beef mixture evenly among the rolls. Don’t overfill them, or they’ll be difficult to eat.
4. Add the Cheese: Top each sandwich with a slice of provolone cheese (or Swiss).
5. Melt the Cheese: Place the sandwiches under the broiler or in a toaster oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
6. Serve Immediately: Serve the sandwiches immediately with the remaining au jus for dipping. I like to serve the au jus in small bowls or ramekins for easy dipping.

Tips and Variations:

• Cheese Variations: Provolone is the classic choice, but Swiss, Gruyere, or even mozzarella would also work well.
• Bread Options: French rolls are traditional, but hoagie rolls, ciabatta rolls, or even sourdough rolls would be delicious.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the au jus for a little heat.
• Caramelized Onions: For even more intense onion flavor, caramelize the onions for a longer period of time.
• Slow Cooker Method: You can easily adapt this recipe for the slow cooker. Simply brown the beef and sauté the onions and garlic, then add all the ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
• Instant Pot Method: For a quicker version, use an Instant Pot. Brown the beef and sauté the onions and garlic, then add all the ingredients to the Instant Pot and cook on high pressure for 25 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for 10 minutes.
• Make Ahead: The au jus can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve these sandwiches with a side of coleslaw, potato salad, or French fries.

Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy this Ground Beef French Dip Sandwich recipe as much as I do! It’s a hearty, flavorful, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations to make it your own. Happy cooking!

Conclusion:

This isn’t just another sandwich; it’s an experience. The rich, savory broth, the tender, flavorful ground beef, and the perfectly toasted bread combine to create a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you craving more. I truly believe this Ground Beef French Dip Sandwich is a must-try for anyone looking for a comforting, satisfying, and surprisingly easy meal. It’s a fantastic way to elevate your weeknight dinner routine or impress guests at a casual gathering.

But why is it so special? It’s the simplicity, really. We’re taking readily available ingredients and transforming them into something truly extraordinary. The ground beef, simmered in that luscious broth, becomes incredibly tender and infused with flavor. The crusty bread, dipped in the au jus, soaks up all that goodness, creating a melt-in-your-mouth sensation. And the melted cheese? Well, that’s just the perfect finishing touch.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. Feel free to experiment and make it your own!

* Cheese, Please! While provolone is my go-to, feel free to use your favorite cheese. Swiss, mozzarella, or even a sharp cheddar would work beautifully.
* Spice it Up! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the broth for a little kick. Or, incorporate some diced jalapeños into the ground beef mixture.
* Veggie Boost: Sauté some sliced onions and bell peppers and add them to the sandwich for extra flavor and nutrients. Caramelized onions are especially delicious!
* Bread Matters: While I recommend a crusty baguette or hoagie roll, you can use any bread you like. Just make sure it’s sturdy enough to hold up to the dipping.
* Au Jus Amplified: For an even richer au jus, consider adding a splash of red wine or a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce to the broth.
* Side Dish Sensations: Serve your Ground Beef French Dip Sandwich with a side of crispy fries, a fresh salad, or some creamy coleslaw.

Don’t Forget the Dipping Sauce!

The au jus is the star of the show, so make sure you have plenty on hand for dipping. I like to serve it in small bowls or ramekins alongside each sandwich. You can even strain the broth after cooking the ground beef to remove any excess fat and create a smoother dipping sauce.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and I know you’ll love it as much as I do. The rich flavors and comforting textures make it the perfect meal for any occasion.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece. I promise you won’t be disappointed.

Once you’ve made your own Ground Beef French Dip Sandwich, I’d love to hear about your experience! Share your photos and comments on social media using [Your Hashtag Here] or leave a review on the recipe page. Let me know what variations you tried and how you made it your own. I can’t wait to see your creations! Happy cooking!