Ground Beef French Dip: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

Ground Beef French Dip sandwiches are the ultimate weeknight comfort food, offering a delicious twist on a classic favorite. Forget spending hours slow-cooking a roast; this recipe delivers all the savory, satisfying flavors of a traditional French Dip in a fraction of the time. Have you ever craved that rich, beefy goodness but lacked the hours to dedicate to a proper roast? I have, countless times! That’s why I set out to create this incredibly easy and equally delicious alternative.

The original French Dip, born in Los Angeles in the early 20th century, is rumored to have originated from a happy accident – a sandwich accidentally dipped in pan drippings. Regardless of its true origin, it quickly became a beloved staple, celebrated for its simplicity and deeply satisfying flavor profile. What makes a French Dip so irresistible? It’s the combination of tender, flavorful beef, a crusty roll, and, of course, that glorious au jus for dipping.

This Ground Beef French Dip recipe captures all of that magic, using readily available ground beef to create a quick and easy meal that the whole family will adore. The ground beef soaks up all the delicious flavors of the broth, creating a tender and juicy filling that’s perfect for piling onto toasted rolls. It’s a hearty, flavorful, and incredibly convenient way to enjoy the essence of a classic French Dip any night of the week. Trust me, once you try this, it will become a regular in your dinner rotation!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1.5 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup water
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt to taste
• 6-8 hoagie rolls, split
• 4 ounces provolone cheese, sliced
• Optional toppings: caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, horseradish sauce

Preparing the Beef Broth and Meat Mixture

1. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly caramelized, about 8-10 minutes. Don’t rush this step! The caramelized onions add a wonderful depth of flavor to the broth. If the onions start to burn, reduce the heat slightly.
2. Add Garlic and Brown the Beef: Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will become bitter. Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef. Break up the beef with a spoon and cook until browned, about 6-8 minutes. Drain off any excess grease. I like to use a potato masher to really break up the ground beef into small pieces.
3. Season the Beef: Stir in the dried thyme, dried rosemary, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for another minute, allowing the spices to bloom and release their flavors. This step is crucial for infusing the beef with aromatic goodness.
4. Create the Au Jus: Pour in the beef broth and water. Add the Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 1 hour, or up to 2 hours. The longer it simmers, the more flavorful the au jus will become. I often let it simmer for 90 minutes for the best results.
5. Adjust Seasoning: After simmering, remove the bay leaf. Taste the au jus and adjust the seasoning with salt as needed. Remember that the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce already contain salt, so add it gradually.

Preparing the Hoagie Rolls and Assembling the Sandwiches

1. Preheat Oven (Optional): If you want to toast the hoagie rolls, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is optional, but toasting the rolls helps them hold up better when dipped in the au jus.
2. Toast the Rolls (Optional): Split the hoagie rolls lengthwise. If toasting, place them cut-side up on a baking sheet and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. Watch them carefully to prevent burning.
3. Assemble the Sandwiches: While the rolls are toasting (or if you’re skipping the toasting step), use a slotted spoon to remove the ground beef from the au jus. Divide the beef evenly among the hoagie rolls.
4. Add Cheese: Top each sandwich with slices of provolone cheese.
5. Melt the Cheese (Optional): If you want the cheese to be melted and gooey, you have a few options:
   • Oven Method: Place the assembled sandwiches back on the baking sheet and bake for another 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
   • Broiler Method: Place the sandwiches under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
   • Microwave Method: Microwave each sandwich individually for 15-20 seconds, or until the cheese is melted. This is the quickest method, but the rolls may become slightly soggy.

Serving the Ground Beef French Dip

1. Strain the Au Jus (Optional): For a smoother au jus, you can strain it through a fine-mesh sieve before serving. This will remove any small bits of beef or onion. I personally prefer to leave it unstrained for a more rustic feel.
2. Serve Immediately: Serve the Ground Beef French Dip sandwiches immediately with small bowls of the au jus for dipping.
3. Offer Optional Toppings: Offer optional toppings such as caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, or horseradish sauce for added flavor and customization. A little bit of horseradish really kicks it up a notch!

Tips and Variations:

• Beef Broth: Using a high-quality beef broth will significantly impact the flavor of the au jus. I recommend using a low-sodium broth so you can control the salt level.
• Ground Beef: An 80/20 blend of ground beef is recommended for its flavor and moisture content. You can use a leaner blend if you prefer, but the au jus may be less rich.
• Cheese: Provolone cheese is the classic choice for French Dip sandwiches, but you can also use Swiss, mozzarella, or even pepper jack cheese for a spicier kick.
• Bread: Hoagie rolls are the traditional choice, but you can also use French bread, sourdough rolls, or even ciabatta bread. Make sure the bread is sturdy enough to hold up to the au jus.
• Slow Cooker Version: This recipe can easily be adapted for a slow cooker. Brown the ground beef and sauté the onions and garlic as directed. Then, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.
• Instant Pot Version: For a quicker version, use an Instant Pot. Brown the ground beef and sauté the onions and garlic using the sauté function. Then, add the remaining ingredients and cook on high pressure for 20 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for 10 minutes.
• Make Ahead: The au jus can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.
• Freezing: The au jus can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the au jus for a spicier kick.
• Add Vegetables: Sauté some sliced bell peppers or mushrooms along with the onions for added flavor and nutrients.

Serving Suggestions:

Ground Beef French Dip sandwiches are delicious on their own, but they also pair well with a variety of sides, such as:

• French fries
• Onion rings
• Coleslaw
• Potato salad
• Green salad
• Pickles

Nutritional Information (approximate, per sandwich):

Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

• Calories: 600-800
• Fat: 30-40g
• Saturated Fat: 15-20g
• Cholesterol: 100-150mg
• Sodium: 1000-1500mg
• Carbohydrates: 40-50g
• Fiber: 2-4g
• Sugar: 5-10g
• Protein: 40-50g

Enjoy your delicious homemade Ground Beef French Dip sandwiches! I hope you love this recipe as much as I do.

Conclusion:

This Ground Beef French Dip recipe isn’t just another sandwich; it’s a weeknight dinner champion, a party-pleaser, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser all rolled into one delicious, au jus-soaked package. I truly believe this is a must-try recipe for anyone looking for a comforting, flavorful, and relatively quick meal. The savory ground beef, simmered in that rich, aromatic broth, combined with the melted cheese and crusty bread… honestly, what’s not to love?

Why You Absolutely Need to Make This

I know there are a million and one sandwich recipes out there, but trust me on this one. The simplicity of the ingredients belies the depth of flavor you achieve. We’re not talking about bland, boring ground beef here. We’re talking about a symphony of savory goodness, enhanced by the slow simmer in that incredible au jus. And the best part? It’s so much easier than making a traditional French Dip with roast beef, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Plus, it’s incredibly budget-friendly!

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Now, let’s talk about how you can make this Ground Beef French Dip your own. First, the classic serving suggestion is with a side of the au jus for dipping, of course! But don’t stop there. Consider pairing it with a simple side salad for a lighter meal, or some crispy fries or onion rings for a more indulgent experience.

Want to kick things up a notch? Try adding some caramelized onions to the sandwich before melting the cheese. The sweetness of the onions will perfectly complement the savory beef. Or, for a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the au jus while it’s simmering.

Another great variation is to use different types of cheese. While provolone is my go-to, Swiss, mozzarella, or even pepper jack would all be delicious. You could even try a combination of cheeses for a truly decadent experience.

And don’t forget about the bread! While I love using a crusty baguette, you could also use hoagie rolls, ciabatta bread, or even sourdough. Just make sure it’s sturdy enough to hold all that delicious filling and au jus.

For a lighter option, consider serving the ground beef mixture over mashed potatoes or rice instead of on a sandwich. This is a great way to enjoy the flavors of the recipe without all the bread. You could even use the ground beef mixture as a filling for stuffed bell peppers or zucchini boats. The possibilities are endless!

Your Turn!

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe. I truly believe it will become a new family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, put on some music, and get ready to create something truly delicious.

Once you’ve made it, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you make any variations? What did you serve it with? What did your family think? Share your photos and stories in the comments below! I can’t wait to see what you create. Happy cooking, and enjoy your amazing Ground Beef French Dip! I am confident that you will love this recipe as much as I do.