Tender Chuck Roast French Dip Sandwich
Why Chuck Roast is the Perfect Choice for French Dip Sandwiches
I used to be a huge fan of French Dip Sandwiches. There’s something so satisfying about the simplicity of it, not to mention the punch of flavor from the au jus dipping sauce. I found myself eating it often, especially during my lunch hour. But, like many things today, I noticed the quality seemed to decline over time. That’s when I decided to start making it myself, and it made all the difference.
Chuck Roast: Affordable, Flavorful, and Versatile
With the rising costs of food, I found that roasts can be expensive, and lunch meat per pound is incredibly pricey. That’s where chuck roast comes in—it’s affordable, flavorful, and you don’t need a large cut. I usually buy chuck roast on sale, and I love that it can be frozen and used in so many different recipes, making it incredibly versatile.
Perfect for Slow Cooker or Dutch Oven
This French Dip Sandwich recipe is perfect for feeding a family or serving at a party. The best part is that it’s adaptable for a slow cooker, which is great for tougher cuts of meat. However, my personal favorite way to cook it is in the Dutch oven, where it goes straight into the oven for a tender, flavorful result.
Three Simple Steps for an Outstanding French Dip Sandwich
There are three simple steps that make this French Dip Sandwich outstanding, and they require very little in terms of ingredients. Let's break it down:
Step 1: Seasoning the Chuck Roast
Start by seasoning your chuck roast. Rub a mix of salt, pepper, and herbs like oregano, thyme, or marjoram onto the cleaned and patted dry roast. For an extra layer of flavor, you can also use a blend like Herbes de Provence. Drizzle some olive oil over the roast, and make sure it's evenly coated. Once seasoned, cover the roast and let it rest in the fridge for at least 2 hours (overnight is best for maximum flavor). If you’re short on time, a quick 30-minute rest will work, but letting it sit longer helps infuse those delicious flavors.
Three Simple Steps for an Outstanding French Dip Sandwich
There are three simple steps that make this French Dip Sandwich outstanding, and they require very little in terms of ingredients. Follow these, and you’ll have a sandwich to remember:
Step 1: Season the Chuck Roast
Start by rubbing salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs (oregano, thyme, or marjoram) along with some olive oil onto the cleaned and patted dry chuck roast. It’s simple, but it makes all the difference. Let the roast sit in the fridge for at least 2 hours (overnight for maximum flavor). This gives the seasoning time to really soak in and get that perfect flavor.
Step 2: Let the Roast Rest
After marinating, take the roast out of the fridge to let it rest and come to room temperature. This step helps the roast cook more evenly, which results in a juicier, more tender roast.
Step 3: Cook the Roast
Once your roast is rested, it’s time to cook! Follow your preferred method (whether you’re roasting in the oven or searing it first) until the roast is cooked to your liking. After cooking, allow the roast to rest again before slicing thinly for your French Dip Sandwich.
The Searing Step: Building Flavor for the Perfect Au Jus
This step is crucial in bringing serious flavor to your French Dip Sandwich and creating the base for the delicious au jus. Start with a hot, heavy pan—if you don't have a Dutch oven, you can always transfer the roast to another pan after searing. The goal is a light sear with just enough browning to enhance the beef flavor and add depth. This simple technique makes the beef’s natural flavors shine, and that caramelized crust will give your au jus a rich, savory base that takes the sandwich to the next level.
This part is easy—you don’t have to sauté anything else unless you want to. If you prefer, you can sauté the onions and garlic for added flavor, but it’s not necessary. Just toss the remaining ingredients into the pot. What truly enhances that deep, beefy flavor is using beef stock instead of broth. While broth will work in a pinch, the richness of stock will give the recipe an incredible depth and make the final dish even more satisfying.
Finishing Touch: The Perfect Au Jus
It’s time to bring it all together and finish your French Dip Sandwich with the star of the show—the au jus! Without this flavorful broth, a French Dip is just another sandwich. Luckily, you’ve already started building an incredible base with all the ingredients simmering in the pot.
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Carefully remove the meat and onions from the pot, placing them in a separate container and covering them to keep warm. -
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To elevate the flavor of the au jus, add garlic powder and bouillon. Be sure to taste the broth first before adding the bouillon, as everyone’s salt preference is different. Adjust salt levels as needed. -
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Simmer the broth for about 30 minutes to reduce and concentrate the flavors into a richer, fuller sauce. If you prefer a clearer broth, strain the au jus through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth. -
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If the au jus is too fatty, refrigerate or freeze it for a short time to separate the fat layer. You can trim the roast before cooking to reduce the fat content, but a little extra fat adds richness! -
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Keep in mind, the amount of marbling in your chuck roast will affect the final dish. More marbling equals a juicier roast, but consider how much fat you prefer when choosing your cut.
Once you’ve finished making your au jus, trust me—you’ll want to keep some of this broth for dipping purposes. It’s so flavorful, you could even serve it as a main course with mashed potatoes. It’s a game-changer!
Chuck Roast French Dip Sandwich
Ingredients
- 2.5 lbs chuck roast
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano or marjoram
For Cooking:
- 1 large onion sliced
- 3-4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups beef stock
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
For the Au Jus:
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon dried parsley optional
- ¼ teaspoon sugar
- ⅛ teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon granulated beef bouillon or half a cube; adjust based on taste
For Serving:
- 3-4 crusty French rolls or hoagie buns
- Swiss or provolone cheese optional
Instructions
Assemble Ingredients:
- Rub the chuck roast with olive oil, salt, pepper, thyme, and oregano (or marjoram). Let it sit for at least 2 hours in the fridge, then bring it to room temperature before cooking.
Cook the Roast:
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Sear the roast in a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven. Add the sliced onion, minced garlic, beef broth, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce to the pot.
- Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and bake in the preheated oven for 2 to 4 hours, or until the roast is tender and easily shredded.
Prepare the Au Jus:
- Remove the cooked meat and onions from the pot. Stir in the onion powder, garlic powder, dried thyme, parsley, sugar, pepper, and beef bouillon to the liquid. Simmer on the stovetop for about 20-30 minutes, adjusting seasoning to taste. Add more stock if needed.
Assemble the Sandwiches:
- Shred the roast and layer it onto French rolls. Add cheese if desired. Toast the sandwiches under a broiler until the cheese melts and the bread is warm.
Serve:
- Pour the au jus into small bowls for dipping. Serve the sandwiches hot with the au jus on the side.
Notes
Putting It All Together: The Perfect French Dip Sandwich
Now it’s time to assemble your masterpiece! Start with a crusty, chewy bread or a nicely toasted hoagie bun. Keep in mind that softer breads can get soggy quickly, so if that’s your choice, toast them well. For a bold and hearty option, try a rustic sourdough bread toasted to perfection. It doesn’t have to be a traditional sub roll—get creative!
One of the reasons I love using chuck roast in this recipe is that a little goes a long way. Plus, because I prefer it chopped instead of sliced thin, it fills the bread beautifully, making it feel like a meal rather than just bread dipped in sauce. You can pile the onions back onto the sandwich for an extra layer of flavor. If you’re a cheese lover, provolone or Swiss are excellent choices, but I personally enjoy it cheeseless.
For more depth, you can caramelize some onions in butter for a sweet, rich bite that takes the sandwich up a notch. And let’s be honest, can you ever go wrong with butter? Speaking of butter, try stirring a tablespoon into the au jus as a finishing touch—it adds an irresistible richness. Whether you like your sandwich loaded or simple, this French Dip is a satisfying meal that’s sure to impress.
A Meal Worth Sharing
This French Dip Sandwich is a true crowd-pleaser, packed with rich, beefy flavor and customizable to fit your taste. Whether you prefer a crusty sourdough or a toasted hoagie bun, loaded with cheese and onions or kept simple, it’s a meal that satisfies every time. And don’t forget that incredible au jus—it’s the star of the show!
If you’re looking to round out the meal, why not pair it with a comforting bowl of soup? A hearty, flavorful soup would complement the sandwich beautifully and make for an unforgettable dining experience. I’d love for you to try my Navy Bean Soup or another one of my recipes. Together, they’ll create the ultimate cozy meal for family and friends. Go ahead, give this recipe a try and let me know how it turns out—I can’t wait to hear your thoughts!
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Hey, if you tried this recipe, leave a comment below and let me know what you think! A quick rating helps others out too, and if you added your own twist, let’s talk about it!