If you’re craving a hearty, comforting sandwich that feels like a warm hug, then this Ground Beef French Dip Sandwich: A Delicious & Easy Recipe is just what you need. Juicy, perfectly seasoned ground beef pairs beautifully with caramelized onions and melty provolone cheese, all tucked into a soft French roll. Dipped into a rich, herb-infused au jus that elevates every bite, this sandwich is the ultimate game changer for your next meal. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough to serve guests without breaking a sweat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this sandwich just right depends on a handful of simple but essential ingredients, each bringing its own magic to the dish. From the savory depth of Worcestershire sauce to the creamy melt of provolone cheese, every component plays a key role in crafting an unforgettable flavor and texture experience.
- 1 pound ground beef: the juicy, flavorful base that holds everything together.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: for perfectly sautéed onions that add sweetness and body.
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced: caramelizes to a tender sweetness, balancing the savory beef.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: infuses a subtle punch of aroma and flavor.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: adds a deep, umami-rich tang to the beef.
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce: enhances the savory notes with a touch of complexity.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: brings gentle heat and earthiness.
- ½ teaspoon salt: highlights all the flavors beautifully.
- 4 hoagie rolls or French rolls: soft yet sturdy bread perfect for holding juicy fillings.
- 8 slices provolone cheese: melts into gooey, creamy goodness topping each sandwich.
- 2 cups beef broth: the foundation of the au jus, rich and savory for dipping.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: deepens the broth’s savory profile.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: adds warmth and balance to the au jus.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: contributes an earthy herbal note to the broth.
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary: imparts a fragrant, piney flavor to complete the au jus.
How to Make Ground Beef French Dip Sandwich: A Delicious & Easy Recipe
Step 1: Caramelize Onions and Sauté Garlic
Start by warming olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook slowly until they turn golden and sweet, about 8 to 10 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic for just a minute to release its flavor without burning. Those tender, caramelized onions will add a beautiful sweetness that perfectly counters the rich beef.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
Push the fragrant onions to one side of the pan and add the ground beef. Break it up with your spatula and cook until no longer pink and nicely browned. This even browning is essential because it flavors every bite of your sandwich. Drain any excess fat to keep things flavorful but not greasy.
Step 3: Season the Beef
Stir in Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. These simple pantry staples will boost umami and create layers of deliciousness in every forkful. Let it simmer gently for a couple of minutes so all those flavors mingle and shine together.
Step 4: Prepare the Au Jus
While the beef is simmering, combine beef broth, onion powder, garlic powder, thyme, and rosemary in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes. This step creates a rich, aromatic broth that will be your sandwich’s perfect dipping companion.
Step 5: Assemble and Broil
Preheat your broiler for a few minutes. Slice open the rolls and fill them generously with the savory ground beef mixture and caramelized onions. Top each sandwich with two slices of provolone cheese, then pop them under the broiler just long enough for the cheese to melt into a bubbly, golden dream—about 1 to 2 minutes. Keep a close eye so it doesn’t burn!
How to Serve Ground Beef French Dip Sandwich: A Delicious & Easy Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or a few crunchy pickles add nice contrast and brighten the sandwich visually and taste-wise. A spoonful of horseradish sauce or mustard on the side invites a spicy kick that works wonderfully with the rich beef and cheese.
Side Dishes
Classic French fries or crispy sweet potato wedges are timeless choices for this sandwich, but don’t overlook a fresh side salad or crunchy coleslaw for some refreshing crunch. The dipping au jus also pairs beautifully with simple roasted vegetables for a heartier meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elevated gathering, try slicing the sandwiches into smaller sliders so everyone can sample easily. You could also serve the beef and onions warmed separately, allowing guests to create their own personalized sandwiches with different cheeses or breads. Presentation with small bowls of au jus alongside adds such a fun interactive element.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover beef mixture and au jus in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the rolls separate if possible to avoid sogginess, and assemble sandwiches fresh when ready to eat.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked beef mixture and au jus in separate freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. For best texture, avoid freezing the assembled sandwiches.
Reheating
Reheat beef mixture gently in a skillet over medium-low heat to keep it juicy and tender. Warm the au jus until steaming hot. Toast the rolls before assembling and add fresh cheese before melting under the broiler for that perfect finish.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Provolone melts beautifully, but Swiss, mozzarella, or even a sharp cheddar can bring new flavors and textures. Feel free to customize it to your taste.
Is it okay to use pre-made beef broth?
Yes, pre-made beef broth works perfectly and saves time. Just taste and adjust seasoning if necessary to keep the au jus flavorful.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
While this recipe centers on ground beef, you can swap the meat with plant-based ground crumbles or sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian twist, paired with a rich vegetable broth for the au jus.
What’s the best bread for this sandwich?
Soft hoagie or French rolls work best because they hold up to dipping without falling apart and have a nice crusty exterior with a soft interior.
How do you prevent the sandwich from getting soggy?
Serve the au jus on the side for dipping rather than soaking the sandwich beforehand, and toast the rolls lightly before assembling. This keeps the sandwich fresh and perfectly textured.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a Ground Beef French Dip Sandwich: A Delicious & Easy Recipe that makes every meal feel like a treat. The blend of savory ground beef, sweet caramelized onions, melty cheese, and that irresistible dipping au jus creates an experience you’ll want to revisit time and again. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this cozy classic as much as I do!
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Ground Beef French Dip Sandwich: A Delicious & Easy Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Ground Beef French Dip Sandwich is a delicious and easy-to-make main course featuring savory caramelized onions, seasoned ground beef, melted provolone cheese, and a flavorful homemade au jus for dipping. Perfectly toasted hoagie rolls hold the hearty filling, making it an ideal comfort food meal that can be prepared in under 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Sandwich Filling
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 hoagie rolls or French rolls
- 8 slices provolone cheese
Au Jus
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
Instructions
- Caramelize Onions: In a skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil and sauté the sliced onions until soft and caramelized, about 8–10 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Cook Ground Beef: Push the onions to one side of the skillet and add the ground beef. Cook until browned and no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat from the pan.
- Season Meat: Stir in Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, salt, and black pepper into the cooked beef and onion mixture. Simmer for 2 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
- Prepare Au Jus: In a separate saucepan, combine beef broth, onion powder, garlic powder, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 5 minutes to infuse the flavors, creating the au jus.
- Assemble Sandwiches: Preheat the broiler. Slice the hoagie rolls lengthwise, then fill each roll with the ground beef and caramelized onion mixture. Top each with 2 slices of provolone cheese.
- Melt Cheese: Place the assembled sandwiches under the broiler for 1–2 minutes until the provolone cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Serve the sandwiches hot with a small bowl of warm au jus on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Toast the rolls before filling for an extra crunchy texture.
- Substitute provolone cheese with Swiss or mozzarella if preferred.
- The au jus can be made ahead of time and reheated when ready to serve.
