Name: Straightforward French Dip Sandwiches (Ready in 15 Minutes!)
Yield: 4

straightforward French Dip Sandwiches are a weeknight favorite—deli roast beef, melty cheese, and toasty buttered buns. What more could you want?!

AUTHOR NOTE

My Ultimate Weeknight Dinner!

French Dip Sandwiches are a reliable hot sandwich. They’re so good! I’ve even created fun variations like French Dip Sliders and Foil Pack French Dip Sandwiches.

I’ve shared a reliable slow cooker French Dip Sandwich before, but it takes longer since the meat slow cooks for hours. So, here’s my quick and straightforward version. My mom made these all the time — they were one of her go-to meals that the whole family loved!

When I’m short on time or forget to set the meat in the slow cooker, this is my go-to recipe. These sandwiches are unbelievably good; I can’t wait to hear what you think!

Ingredients

Ingredient	Swap Or Tip
Deli roast beef	Ask the deli counter for the rarest roast beef they have. It will warm in the au jus and under the broiler, so starting rare helps keep it tender.
Beef consommé	This gives the au jus a rich beef flavor without needing from-scratch stock or pan drippings.
Yellow onion and garlic	Dice the onion small so it softens quickly. Jarred minced garlic works great for keeping this recipe extra straightforward.
Swiss or provolone cheese	Melts nicely and tastes great with beef. Use your favorite!
White sub rolls	Fresh bakery rolls are best. Look for rolls that are soft inside but sturdy enough to hold up when dipped in the au jus.

The onions being sauteed with the garlic and the roast beef being added in for these French Dip Sandwiches.

How To Make straightforward French Dip Sandwiches

Heat: Set oven to high broil.
Toast Buns: Slice buns, butter insides, sprinkle with garlic powder, and broil.
Cook Onions: Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil and butter until the edges turn golden and tender.
Make Sauce: mix in flour, then gradually add beef consommé. Simmer with thyme.
Add Beef: Coat roast beef in the sauce. Place beef on buns, top with cheese.
Melt Cheese: Broil until cheese melts (1-3 minutes). Serve with sauce for dipping.

The buns being toasted and the roast beef and cheese being layered in.

What To Serve Alongside French Dip Sandwiches

French Fries: Classic crispy fries are reliable for dipping in any leftover au jus. I buy frozen French Fries and pop them in my air fryer!
Coleslaw: Fresh and crunchy coleslaw adds a nice contrast to the warm sandwich.
Potato Chips: The reliable companion to really any sandwich!
Pickles: Adds a nice tangy flavor to complement the richness of the sandwich. It is satisfying to Grillo’s pickle spears!
Garden Salad: A light side to balance out the meal. I also love this Creamy Cucumber Salad on the side.

chelsea’s recipe tips

My Top Tips For Success

Fresh Ingredients: Good-quality roast beef makes a big difference. Ask for rare roast beef at the deli to keep it tender when heated.
Small Onion Pieces: Dice onions very small so they cook evenly and get tender quickly.
Soft Butter: Use butter that has sat at room temp for straightforward spreading on buns.
Watch the Broiler: Keep an eye on the buns while broiling to avoid burning.
Smooth Sauce: Stir flour well to keep the sauce smooth.

Storage

Eat Hot: Sandwiches taste best when eaten right away to avoid getting soggy.
Refrigerate: Store beef and sauce in separate containers for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm beef and sauce in a skillet on a low burner. Toast buns and melt cheese before putting the sandwich together.