This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
There’s just something about French dip sandwiches that feels like the ultimate comfort food — warm, juicy beef tucked into a crusty roll with melty cheese and dunked into savory au jus. This easy French dip recipe is one of those dinners that feels restaurant-worthy but is secretly simple enough for a busy weeknight, which is exactly why it’s been on repeat in our house.
For another family-friendly sandwich recipe, try my Italian Chicken Sandwich or this classic Tuna Melt Sandwich!
Why you’ll love this French dip recipe!
You may think the French dip sandwich originated in France due to its name, but it actually originated in a sandwich shop in Los Angeles by Philippe Mathieu. Mathieu, the maker of the sandwich, was French, hence the name.
The sandwich was actually made by accident when Mathieu dropped a French roll into a pot full of drippings in a roasting pan. Instead of swapping out the bread, he served it with the meat. Genius!
These easy french dip sandwiches are great for game days, entertaining, or just an easy weeknight dinner.
- It’s so easy to make with minimal prep and everyday ingredients.
- You’ll get big, cozy comfort-food vibes the whole family loves.
- It’s make-ahead friendly, perfect for busy evenings or guests.
- Customize with different cuts of beef and cheese options.
- That rich, savory au jus makes every bite irresistible.
Don’t love French dip sandwiches? Try out their cousin, the Italian beef sandwich instead! It’s super tasty.
Table of Contents
Ingredients You Need
You’ll find the full ingredient list with measurements in the recipe card below.
For the Sandwiches:
- Boneless ribeye steaks – Everyone has their own opinion about which cut of beef is best for French dip sandwiches, but after testing a few, my family really preferred boneless ribeye!
- Seasonings – Salt, pepper, sage, and oregano make the steak flavorful.
- Hoagie rolls – You need a sturdy roll to stand up to dipping in the au jus without falling apart!
- Provolone cheese – Or swap in Swiss for a sassier flavor.
For the Au Jus:
- Onion and garlic – These add savory flavor to the broth.
- Thyme – Fresh thyme is best, but you can use dried if that’s what you have on hand.
- Beef broth – For a rich base, use beef broth instead of chicken.
- Worcestershire sauce – This adds depth and umami.
How to Make French Dip Sandwiches
- Prepare: Rub the steak with olive oil. In a small bowl, combine the spices and mix them together. Coat the steak with the spice rub and place the steak in the roasting pan. (As an alternative, you could use this steak marinade.)
- Cook: Cook the steak for 20 minutes in a 450ºF oven or until it reaches an internal temperature of 125ºF. Let it rest on a cutting board and adjust the oven temperature to 325ºF.
- Soften the onions: Take the roasting pan with all the drippings and place it on top of a stove burner. Add in the onions and cook until they are soft for about 3 minutes.
- Finish the au jus: Add in the garlic and thyme and continue to cook. Mix in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for 8-10 minutes or until the sauce has thickened.
- Assemble: Thinly slice the beef once it is done resting. Layer onto the sandwiches.
- Toast: Add the cheese and return the pan to the oven until the cheese melts.
Serving Suggestions
French dip sandwiches are hearty on their own, but they pair wonderfully with:
- Crispy air fryer French fries or baked potato wedges
- A simple green salad or creamy coleslaw
- Roasted vegetables
- Potato chips for an easy, no-fuss side
And don’t forget extra au jus sauce— everyone always wants more for dipping!
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store leftover beef and au jus separately in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: The beef freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not at all. Cheese is optional, but a slice of melty provolone or Swiss cheese adds a delicious, creamy contrast to the savory beef.
While the sandwiches are very similar, they have big differences that make them stand out from one another. Italian beef sandwiches are slow-cooked with a dry mix of Italian spices. The sandwich is then topped with a piece of provolone cheese like a French dip and finished off with pepperoncini, giving the sandwich a much different flavor than the French dip.
Yes! The beef actually gets even better as it sits. You can make it a day ahead and reheat gently before serving.
French dip sauce (au jus) is typically made from beef broth, seasonings, and the juices released from cooking the beef. It’s rich, savory, and perfect for dipping.
More Sandwich Recipes You’ll Love
💌 Love easy recipes? Join my newsletter and get my Top 10 Reader-Favorite Recipes eBook FREE! Sign up here.
Need help with this recipe?
Click the buttons below to summarize it, adjust for diets, swap ingredients, or ask your own questions!
French Dip Sandwich
Ingredients
Beef
- 3 boneless ribeye steaks
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tbsp black pepper
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried sage
- 6 hoagie rolls
- 12 sliced provolone cheese
Jus
- 1/4 medium onion sliced thin
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp fresh thyme minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450F.
- Rub the steaks with olive oil. Combine the salt, pepper, oregano, and sage in a small bowl and stir to combine.
- Rub the steaks with the spice mix and roast for 20 minutes or until an instant-read thermometer reads 125F. Remove to a cutting board and set aside to rest. Reduce the oven temperature to 350F.
- For the jus, place the roasting pan (with drippings) onto a burner over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until soft, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic & thyme and cook for another 2 minutes. Add the beef broth and Worcestershire and bring to a simmer. Cook for 8-10 minutes or until slightly thickened.
- Thinly slice the beef and divide between the rolls. Top with slices of provolone cheese and toast in the oven until the cheese is bubbly and the rolls are crispy, about 10 minutes.
Notes
- Slice the beef against the grain for the most tender bites.
- Let the beef rest to allow the juices to reabsorb. This keeps the meat tender!
I love the flavor and ease of this French Dip sandwich!