Easy French Dip Sandwich Recipe (Classic, Hearty & Flavor-Packed)

There’s something deeply comforting about a classic French dip sandwich. From the tender, slow-simmered beef to the crusty baguette and melty cheese, every bite feels warm, satisfying, and nostalgic. And of course, no French dip is complete without a rich, savory au jus on the side for dunking.

This homemade French dip sandwich recipe is made with simple, wholesome ingredients and delivers bold, restaurant-quality flavor without being complicated. It’s the perfect choice for a relaxed weekend dinner, an easy family meal, or a crowd-pleasing game-day recipe that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This French Dip Recipe

• Made with chuck roast, which becomes incredibly tender when slow-simmered

• Rich, flavorful au jus perfect for dipping

• Simple ingredients you can find at any grocery store

• Easy to prepare ahead of time for parties or gatherings

• Customizable with your favorite cheese or bread

This recipe focuses on building deep flavor with minimal effort, making it ideal for both beginner and experienced home cooks.

Ingredients

• 1.5 – 2 lbs beef chuck roast

• 2 (32 oz) cartons beef broth

• Salt & black pepper, to taste

• 1 baguette, sliced

• 6 slices Swiss or provolone cheese

• 1 tbsp beef bouillon

• 1 onion, chopped

• 6 garlic cloves

• 1 bay leaf

• Fresh thyme

• ½ cup red wine

• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• Avocado oil & butter, for searing

How to Make French Dip Sandwiches

1. Season and Sear the Beef

Generously season the chuck roast on all sides with salt and black pepper.

Heat a heavy pot or Dutch oven over high heat. Add avocado oil and butter, then sear the beef until a deep golden-brown crust forms on all sides. This step locks in flavor and creates a rich base for the au jus.

2. Build the Flavor Base

Lower the heat slightly and add the chopped onion, garlic cloves, fresh thyme, bay leaf, beef bouillon, Worcestershire sauce, and red wine. Stir well and scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pot — these add depth and complexity to the broth.

3. Simmer Until Tender

Pour in the beef broth and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 2 hours, or until the beef is fall-apart tender and easily shreddable.

4. Shred the Beef

Carefully remove the beef from the pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded beef to the broth and let it sit for a few minutes to absorb even more flavor.

Assembling the Perfect French Dip Sandwich

Layer the shredded beef onto sliced baguette bread. Top with Swiss or provolone cheese, then place under the broiler for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly bubbly.

For extra texture, you can lightly toast the bread before assembling the sandwiches.

How to Serve French Dip Sandwiches

Serve the sandwiches hot with small bowls of the rich au jus on the side for dipping. These sandwiches pair well with:

• French fries or sweet potato fries

• A simple green salad

• Coleslaw or roasted vegetables

  
  

Tips for the Best French Dip Sandwich

• Chuck roast works best because it becomes tender and juicy after slow cooking

• Don’t skip the searing step — it adds essential flavor to the broth

• Provolone offers a mild, creamy melt, while Swiss adds a slightly nutty flavor

• Leftover beef stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days and tastes even better the next day

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

This French dip recipe is ideal for meal prep or entertaining. You can make the beef and au jus a day ahead, store it in the refrigerator, and reheat gently on the stovetop before assembling the sandwiches.