The French Dip Sandwich Melt is everything you want in a hearty, comforting sandwich. It features tender slices of juicy roast beef tucked inside toasted bread, melted cheese, and a rich, flavorful au jus sauce perfect for dipping. The crisp outside of the bread mixed with gooey cheese and warm beef creates a satisfying combo that hits all the right spots.
I love making this sandwich when I want something that feels special but is still super easy to put together. One of my favorite parts is dipping each bite into the au jus — it just adds that extra burst of flavor and moisture that makes the whole thing unforgettable. Plus, the melted cheese keeps everything together and adds a creamy touch that’s hard to resist.
Whenever I serve these, I like to pair them with simple sides like crunchy pickles or a fresh green salad to balance things out. It’s a great meal for casual get-togethers or a cozy night in. This sandwich always brings everyone’s smile out, and I find it’s one of those recipes that gets requested again and again!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck Roast: This is great for tender, flavorful shredded beef after slow cooking. You can swap it for brisket or even a chuck steak if needed. Just make sure it has enough marbling for juiciness.
Beef Broth: This makes the au jus rich and tasty. If you don’t have beef broth, try low-sodium vegetable broth with a splash of soy sauce for a similar depth.
Provolone Cheese: It melts beautifully and has a mild, creamy flavor. Mozzarella or Swiss cheese work well, too, if you want a different taste.
Bread: Hoagie rolls or French bread are perfect for toasting and holding all the filling. You can also use sourdough or a sturdy baguette; just choose bread that can soak some au jus without getting soggy too fast.
How Do You Get Tender, Shreddable Roast Beef Every Time?
Cooking the roast low and slow is key to tender beef. Here’s how I do it:
- Sear the beef first over medium-high heat to lock in juices and add flavor.
- Sauté onions before adding liquids to build a tasty base.
- Simmer in broth with herbs at a low temperature (around 300°F) for several hours.
- Check doneness by testing if the beef pulls apart easily with a fork; if not, cook a little longer.
- Rest shredded beef in some of the cooking juices to keep it moist before assembling sandwiches.
Taking your time improves flavor and texture, making every bite tender and juicy.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large Dutch oven or heavy oven-safe pot – perfect for searing and slow-cooking the beef all in one dish.
- Sharp chef’s knife – makes slicing the roast and chopping onions easy and safe.
- Cutting board – a sturdy surface to slice your meat and bread.
- Slotted spoon or tongs – helpful for removing the roast and onions without all the liquid.
- Baking sheet – for melting cheese and toasting the sandwiches quickly in the oven.
- Citrus juicer or ladle – optional but handy for serving the au jus in small dipping bowls.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Switch provolone for Swiss or mozzarella for a different cheese flavor and melting texture.
- Add sautéed mushrooms for a meaty taste and extra richness in your filling.
- Use thinly sliced roast pork or turkey instead of beef for a lighter sandwich option.
- Stir in some horseradish sauce or Dijon mustard for a spicy kick that lifts the flavors.
How to Make French Dip Sandwich Melt?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Beef and Au Jus:
- 1 ½ pounds beef chuck roast
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For The Sandwich:
- 4 hoagie rolls or French bread, sliced horizontally
- 8 slices provolone cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for prep, a slow cook time of around 3 hours for tender beef, and a quick 10 minutes to assemble and bake the sandwiches. Plan for roughly 3 hours and 25 minutes total.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Beef and Au Jus:
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Season the beef roast generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large, oven-safe pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat and sear the roast on all sides until browned (about 4-5 minutes each side). Remove the roast and set it aside. In the same pot, add thinly sliced onions and cook until caramelized, about 10 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant. Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, scraping the bottom of the pot to loosen any browned bits. Stir in dried thyme.
Return the roast to the pot, cover it, and place in the oven. Cook for about 3 hours until the beef is very tender and can be shredded easily with forks.
2. Preparing the Sandwich:
Remove the roast from the pot and shred the beef with two forks. Strain the cooking liquid through a sieve to remove solids, reserving the flavorful au jus for dipping. Butter the inside of your hoagie rolls or French bread slices.
Layer shredded beef generously on the bottom halves of the rolls, then top each with two slices of provolone cheese.
3. Baking and Serving:
Place the prepared sandwiches on a baking sheet and bake in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese melts and the bread is toasted to a golden brown.
Serve the sandwiches hot, alongside small bowls of warm au jus for dipping. Optionally, garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a nice finishing touch.
Can I Use a Slow Cooker Instead of the Oven?
Yes! Simply sear the beef on the stove as directed, then transfer to a slow cooker with the onions, garlic, broth, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the beef is tender and shreddable.
What Can I Substitute for Provolone Cheese?
Swiss, mozzarella, or even cheddar cheese can be used instead of provolone. Choose one that melts well and matches your flavor preference.
How Do I Store Leftover Sandwiches and Au Jus?
Keep leftover beef and au jus in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. For the sandwiches, store them wrapped in foil or plastic wrap. Reheat the beef gently in a pan with some au jus to keep it moist before assembling the sandwich again.
Can I Make the Au Jus Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! The au jus can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. Reheat it on the stove before serving to warm it up for dipping.
