Why Chuck Roast is the Perfect Choice for French Dip Sandwiches

I used to be a huge fan of French Dip Sandwiches. There was 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.

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.

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. The first step is all about seasoning. Simply rub salt, pepper, and a mix of herbs—oregano, thyme, or even marjoram—along with some olive oil onto the cleaned and patted dry chuck roast. You can also use a mix of herbs like Herbes de Provence if you prefer. Once seasoned, place the roast in the fridge for at least 2 hours (overnight is ideal for maximum flavor), allowing the herbs to infuse. When you’re ready to cook, take it out of the fridge to come to room temperature. If you're short on time, a quick 30-minute wait will work, but letting it rest longer will enhance the flavor even more.

Watch It Being Made!

Gather Your Ingredients.

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.

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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. Now that your chuck roast is cooked to tender perfection, carefully remove the meat and onions, placing them in a separate container and covering them to keep warm.

To elevate the flavor of the au jus even further, add a few simple ingredients like garlic powder and bouillon. Be sure to taste the broth first before adding the bouillon, as everyone’s salt preference is different. It’s always better to undersalt and adjust as needed. Personally, I only needed half a bouillon cube but added a bit more broth and simmered it for 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. Because chuck roast is a fattier cut of meat, you might find the sauce has a bit more oil than you’d like. To remedy this, simply refrigerate or freeze the au jus for a short time to separate and remove the fat layer. Of course, I’m okay with a little extra fat—it adds richness! However, you can also trim the roast before cooking to reduce the fat content.

Keep in mind, the amount of marbling in your chuck roast will affect the final dish. While more marbling results in a juicier roast, it’s worth considering how much fat you prefer when choosing your cut. Either way, this au jus is phenomenal. It’s so flavorful, you could even serve it as a main course with mashed potatoes. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll see why it’s a game-changer!

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!