Why You’ll Love This Savory French Dip Sandwich with Au Jus
If you’ve ever craved a meal that’s both comforting and impressive, this French Dip sandwich is about to become your new obsession. I’m talking tender beef that falls apart at the touch, swimming in a rich, savory broth that’s perfect for dipping.
What makes this recipe special? It’s ridiculously simple yet delivers restaurant-quality results. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting while you go about your day.
And that au jus? Pure magic. The combination of soy sauce and herbs creates a broth so flavorful you might be tempted to drink it straight—no judgment here.
What Ingredients are in Savory French Dip Sandwich with Au Jus?
Creating the perfect French Dip sandwich doesn’t require a complicated shopping list, which is part of its enduring appeal. The magic happens when simple, quality ingredients meld together during the slow cooking process. The beef becomes tender and infused with herbs while the cooking liquid transforms into that irresistible au jus we all crave for dipping.
Ready to gather what you need for this mouthwatering meal?
- 2 pounds beef roast
- 3 cups water
- 1 cup light soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 bay leaf
- 3 peppercorns
- French rolls or baguette (for serving)
While the ingredient list is straightforward, there are a few things to reflect on for maximum flavor. For the beef, chuck roast works wonderfully, but you could also use rump roast or bottom round if that’s what’s available.
The quality of your soy sauce matters too—opt for a good light soy sauce rather than the dark variety, which might overpower the other flavors.
And those French rolls? They should be slightly crusty on the outside but soft inside to soak up that delicious au jus without falling apart. Might I suggest warming them slightly before assembling your sandwich?
Heaven on a plate, truly.
How to Make This Savory French Dip Sandwich with Au Jus
Making a French Dip sandwich couldn’t be simpler, and your slow cooker does most of the heavy lifting. Start by placing your 2 pounds of beef roast directly into the slow cooker—no browning necessary (though you certainly could for extra flavor). Pour in 3 cups of water and 1 cup of light soy sauce, creating the base for what’ll become your heavenly au jus.
Now for the aromatics: add 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 bay leaf, and 3 peppercorns. These simple herbs and spices will transform your beef from ordinary to extraordinary as they slowly infuse throughout the cooking process.
Cover your slow cooker and set it to low for 5-6 hours. The magic of slow cooking means you can walk away and let time do the work—the meat will become so tender it practically falls apart when you look at it. Once the cooking time is complete, remove the meat from the broth and shred it using two forks. The beef should pull apart effortlessly, a sign that you’ve done everything right.
Meanwhile, strain the remaining liquid to remove the herbs and spices, then skim off any fat that’s risen to the top. What remains is your liquid gold: the au jus for dipping.
To assemble your French Dip sandwiches, warm your French rolls or baguette slices (a quick toast in the oven works wonders), then pile the shredded beef generously onto the bottom half. You might be tempted to add cheese or other toppings—and who am I to stand in your way?—but a classic French Dip lets the meat and that savory broth take center stage.
Serve each sandwich with a small bowl of the strained au jus alongside for dipping. The contrast between the slightly crisp bread exterior and the warm, juicy beef, followed by that extra flavor bomb when you dip into the broth? That’s what food dreams are made of, my friends.
Savory French Dip Sandwich with Au Jus Substitutions and Variations
While the classic French Dip sandwich recipe I’ve shared is downright delicious, who says you have to follow it to the letter?
I often swap beef roast with brisket or chuck for different flavors and textures.
Not a beef fan? Try pulled pork or even portobello mushrooms for a vegetarian twist.
The au jus can be customized too—add red wine for richness, beef broth instead of water, or throw in some onions while it simmers.
Sometimes I skip the rosemary and use Italian herbs instead.
And the bread, well, that’s your canvas. Ciabatta, sourdough, or even a crusty baguette work beautifully.
What to Serve with Savory French Dip Sandwich with Au Jus
A French dip sandwich practically begs for the perfect sidekick to round out your meal.
I love pairing mine with crispy potato chips or homemade french fries—something about that crunch against the tender beef just works.
A simple coleslaw adds freshness and cuts through the richness of the au jus, while pickles offer that tangy contrast we all crave.
For something heartier, try a cup of tomato soup or onion soup, which plays nicely with the beef flavors.
And don’t forget a cold beer or iced tea to wash it all down.
Trust me, these pairings take your sandwich from good to memorable.
Final Thoughts
Once you’ve mastered this French dip sandwich recipe, you’ll find yourself craving it on cold winter nights and busy weekday evenings alike.
The beauty of slow cooking is how it transforms an ordinary beef roast into something extraordinary with minimal effort.
I’ve served this at everything from casual family dinners to game day gatherings, and the pot is always scraped clean.
The rich au jus makes all the difference, doesn’t it? Those deep flavors developing over hours while you go about your day.
Savory French Dip Sandwich with Au Jus
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Place beef roast in the slow cooker.
- Add water and light soy sauce to the slow cooker.
- Add dried rosemary, dried thyme, garlic powder, bay leaf, and peppercorns.
- Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours.
- Remove meat from the broth and shred using two forks.
- Strain the remaining liquid to remove herbs and spices, then skim off any fat from the top to create the au jus.
- Warm the French rolls or baguette slices.
- Pile shredded beef onto the bottom half of each roll.
- Serve each sandwich with a small bowl of au jus for dipping.
