If you are craving a sandwich that perfectly combines juicy, seasoned beef with melty cheese and a rich dipping sauce, look no further than this Ground Beef French Dip Sandwich: A Delicious & Easy Recipe. It’s a cozy, satisfying meal that’s surprisingly simple to make, bringing together tender caramelized onions, flavorful ground beef, and aromatic au jus for dipping. Whether you’re making it for a casual weeknight dinner or impressing friends at a weekend gathering, this sandwich will quickly become one of your go-to favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in delivering bold flavors, ensuring the perfect texture, and making the dish visually inviting. You don’t need a long list to make something truly memorable!
- 1 pound ground beef: The hearty star of the sandwich, providing juicy, meaty richness.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps caramelize the onions for a sweet, savory depth.
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced: Adds sweetness and texture when caramelized slowly.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses fragrant and savory notes throughout the beef mixture.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Brings umami and tangy complexity that enhances the beef.
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce: Adds a subtle salty richness, boosting flavor layers.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Provides mild heat and seasoning balance.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for highlighting all the natural flavors.
- 4 hoagie rolls or French rolls: Soft yet sturdy bread that holds everything together perfectly.
- 8 slices provolone cheese: Melts beautifully for creamy, gooey cheesiness on top.
- 2 cups beef broth: Forms the base of the flavorful au jus for dipping.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Deepens the savory notes in the dipping sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds more garlic goodness in the au jus.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Offers herbaceous warmth to the broth.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary: Imparts a subtle pine-like fragrance to round out the flavors.
How to Make Ground Beef French Dip Sandwich: A Delicious & Easy Recipe
Step 1: Caramelize the Onions and Cook the Beef
Start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and slowly cook the thinly sliced onions until they turn golden and soft, about 8 to 10 minutes. This slow caramelization unlocks the natural sweetness of the onions, which brings remarkable depth to the sandwich. Add the minced garlic and cook for one more minute until fragrant. Next, push the onions to the side and add the ground beef. Cook the beef thoroughly, breaking it apart as it browns evenly, until there is no pink left. Remove any excess fat from the pan to keep the sandwich juicy but not greasy.
Step 2: Season the Beef Mixture
Once the beef is perfectly browned, stir in Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, salt, and black pepper. These savory secrets infuse each bite with layers of complex flavor. Let the mixture simmer for about two minutes to allow all those delicious ingredients to marry together beautifully.
Step 3: Prepare the Au Jus
While the beef simmers, prepare your au jus in a separate saucepan by combining beef broth with onion powder, garlic powder, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for five minutes. This results in a fragrant, savory dipping sauce that’s the hallmark of any great French dip sandwich.
Step 4: Assemble and Broil
Preheat your broiler. Slice your hoagie or French rolls lengthwise, keeping one side attached if you prefer a classic sandwich feel. Fill each roll generously with the seasoned beef and caramelized onions. Then, layer two slices of provolone cheese on top of each sandwich. Place the sandwiches under the broiler for one to two minutes—just until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep a close eye here to avoid burning; you want melty perfection!
How to Serve Ground Beef French Dip Sandwich: A Delicious & Easy Recipe
Garnishes
Customize your sandwich with bright, fresh garnishes to elevate every bite. Thinly sliced pickles add a tangy crunch, while a sprinkle of fresh parsley can introduce a pop of color and herbal freshness. You can also offer a spread of horseradish sauce on the side for a sharp kick if you like a little heat with your dip.
Side Dishes
Ground Beef French Dip Sandwich: A Delicious & Easy Recipe pairs wonderfully with crispy French fries or sweet potato fries for a classic combo. For a lighter option, serve it alongside a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to balance the richness. A bowl of creamy coleslaw also makes an excellent partner with crunchy texture and tangy flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
Make your sandwiches party-ready by turning them into sliders using mini rolls for a fun, shareable appetizer. Or try serving open-faced versions topped with cheese and broiled until bubbly, allowing everyone to construct their own bite by dipping into the au jus. Another fun idea is to offer different cheese options like Swiss or mozzarella for a subtle flavor twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover sandwiches can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep the au jus separate to maintain the bread’s texture when you reheat and serve later.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked ground beef mixture and the au jus separately in airtight bags or containers for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove or microwave.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the beef mixture in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. Toast the rolls lightly, reassemble the sandwiches, and melt the cheese under a broiler or in the microwave. Serve with warmed au jus for dipping to recapture that fresh-made appeal.
FAQs
Can I substitute ground beef with another meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can work if you want a leaner option, although you might need to adjust cooking times and seasoning to maintain flavor and moisture.
Is it necessary to use provolone cheese?
Not at all! Provolone melts wonderfully, but Swiss or mozzarella are excellent alternatives that provide different textures and flavors you might love just as much.
How can I make the sandwich spicier?
Add a bit of crushed red pepper when cooking the beef or offer spicy mustard or horseradish sauce as condiments to give your sandwich an exciting kick without overpowering the other flavors.
Can I prepare the au jus in advance?
Yes, the au jus actually tastes even better when flavors meld overnight. Simply reheat gently on the stove before serving to bring back that warm, comforting dipping sauce your sandwich deserves.
What bread works best for this sandwich?
Hoagie rolls and French rolls are ideal because they are sturdy enough to hold the juicy fillings while still being soft and slightly chewy. If you want a crunchier texture, lightly toast the rolls before assembling.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend enough that you try this Ground Beef French Dip Sandwich: A Delicious & Easy Recipe soon, especially if you love a meal that is as comforting as it is effortless. The blend of caramelized onions, seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and that luscious au jus dipping sauce is simply irresistible. Whether for a family dinner or a cozy weekend treat, it’s sure to become a cherished classic in your recipe collection.
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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 recipe featuring caramelized onions, seasoned ground beef, provolone cheese, and a flavorful au jus for dipping. Perfect for a satisfying main course meal with rich, savory flavors and a melty cheesy finish.
Ingredients
Beef Mixture
- 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
Au Jus
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
Assembly
- 4 hoagie rolls or French rolls
- 8 slices provolone cheese
Instructions
- Caramelize Onions: In a skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil and sauté the thinly sliced onions until soft and caramelized, about 8–10 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute to enhance flavor.
- Cook Ground Beef: Push the caramelized onions to the side of the skillet and add the ground beef. Cook until browned and no longer pink, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Drain any excess fat from the skillet to keep the sandwich from being greasy.
- Season Beef Mixture: Stir Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, salt, and black pepper into the cooked beef. Let the mixture simmer for 2 minutes to blend the flavors together perfectly.
- 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 about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld, resulting in a rich and aromatic dipping sauce.
- Assemble Sandwiches: Preheat your oven’s broiler. Slice each hoagie roll lengthwise without cutting all the way through. Fill each roll generously with the ground beef and caramelized onion mixture, then top with 2 slices of provolone cheese per sandwich.
- Broil Sandwiches: Place the assembled sandwiches under the broiler for 1–2 minutes, watching carefully, until the provolone cheese melts and becomes bubbly and slightly golden.
- Serve: Serve the hot sandwiches immediately with a small bowl of the warm au jus on the side for dipping, enhancing every bite with savory juices.
Notes
- Toast the rolls lightly before filling for an extra crunchy texture.
- Substitute provolone cheese with Swiss or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
- You can prepare the au jus ahead of time and reheat it when ready to serve to save time.
