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Tender French Dip Sandwich

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This juicy sandwich lets you enjoy tender beef cooked low and slow with beef consommé, soda, soy sauce, and spices. The meat is sliced, soaked in flavorful juices, piled onto toasted rolls, topped with melted provolone, and served with warm, savory au jus for dipping. It's the ultimate hands-off comfort meal for busy days or gatherings.
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Updated on Mon, 05 May 2025 15:19:30 GMT
A mouthwatering sandwich with melted cheese and beef on a wooden board. Pin it
A mouthwatering sandwich with melted cheese and beef on a wooden board. | tastefullyrecipe.com

Sink your teeth into the king of comfort food - this slow-cooked wonder turns humble beef into a flavor explosion that melts away on your tongue. Our French Dip sandwich features juicy chuck roast bathed in a delicious mixture of beef consommé, soy sauce, and a surprise splash of Coca-Cola, creating an amazing dipping sauce that'll make every mouthful something to remember.

I've made this dish so many times for my family I've lost count. Trust me, letting everything cook slowly really works wonders. As amazing smells fill your kitchen, you'll hardly be able to wait - and that first taste won't let you down.

Wonderful Ingredients Breakdown

  • Chuck roast: This showstopper cut has just the right fat running through it to become incredibly soft and tasty after slow cooking
  • Beef consommé: Packs more punch than regular broth, making your dipping sauce incredibly rich
  • Coca-Cola: Sounds weird but works magic - it softens the meat and adds a hint of sweetness you'll love
  • Provolone cheese: Melts beautifully and brings a tangy kick that goes perfectly with the rich meat
  • French rolls: Need to be tough enough for dipping but still have that perfect crunch outside and softness inside

Building Your Mouthwatering French Dip

Getting Ready:
Take your chuck roast out early so it warms up, then wipe it completely dry with paper towels for better browning
Browning Step:
Get that roast nice and brown in hot olive oil, making sure each side gets a beautiful dark crust
Slow Cooker Setup:
Move your browned meat to the slow cooker and pour in your tasty mix of seasonings and liquids
Patience Pays Off:
Let everything bubble away for hours while the meat soaks up all those amazing flavors
Cutting Right:
Once done, cut across the grain for the most tender bites
Putting It Together:
Get those rolls golden brown and stack them with just enough meat and cheese
Last Steps:
Melt your provolone on top and strain your dipping sauce till it's perfect
A delicious sandwich with meat and onions on a bun, accompanied by a bowl of soup. Pin it
A delicious sandwich with meat and onions on a bun, accompanied by a bowl of soup. | tastefullyrecipe.com

The dipping sauce is what my family can't get enough of. Through years of making these sandwiches, I've learned that beef consommé gives you a richness you just can't get from regular broth.

Tasty Side Dish Options

Take your meal up a notch with some garlic herb potato wedges on the side, or add a fresh coleslaw to balance the meaty richness. Want something extra special? Throw some caramelized onions on top for a sweet contrast.

Make It Your Own

Put your personal stamp on this dish by trying Swiss or sharp cheddar instead, or toss in some cooked mushrooms for an earthy flavor boost. Watching carbs? Skip the bread and pile that tender meat on some roasted veggies instead.

Smart Storage Solutions

Keep any leftover meat fully covered in the dipping sauce in a sealed container. This trick keeps everything juicy and flavorful for up to five days, making your next few lunches super quick and easy.

Two sandwiches with meat and cheese on a wooden cutting board. Pin it
Two sandwiches with meat and cheese on a wooden cutting board. | tastefullyrecipe.com

I've tweaked this recipe for years, and these French dip sandwiches now hit all my comfort food buttons - the meat falls apart, the flavors run deep, and there's something magical about that moment when toasted bread meets savory dipping sauce. We pull this recipe out for everything from casual weekend meals to our most special celebrations.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Is chuck roast the only option for this sandwich?
Not at all. Brisket or rump roast can also work, but be sure to keep the cooking time the same so the meat stays tender.
→ What if I can't find beef consommé?
No worries! Use regular beef broth instead. It'll still taste great, though the flavor may not be quite as deep.
→ Why should I add Coke into the mix?
Coke adds a balancing sweetness, helps tenderize, and softens the meat fibers thanks to its acidity.
→ Can I prep these sandwiches ahead of time?
Sure! Cook the meat, keep it in the juices, and reheat later. When you're ready, just make the sandwiches with fresh rolls and cheese.
→ How do I save leftovers properly?
Store the meat with the au jus in a container with a lid in the fridge. This keeps it moist and delicious for up to 3 days.

French Dip Sandwich

Juicy slow-cooked beef, gooey cheese, and warm au jus take this French Dip Sandwich to the next level. Perfect for dipping and super easy to make.

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
360 Minutes
Total Time
365 Minutes
By: Patricia


Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 6 Servings (6 hefty sandwiches)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Key Components

01 6 soft hoagie rolls or French buns
02 12 slices of provolone cheese
03 About 3 pounds of beef chuck roast, trimmed
04 1 tablespoon cooking oil, like vegetable oil

→ Rich Sauce Blend

05 1 bay leaf for that classic taste
06 1/3 cup of low-sodium soy sauce
07 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano
08 1/2 teaspoon salt to taste
09 1 cup of regular Coke (not diet)
10 1/4 cup of dried minced onions
11 2 cans (10.5 ounces each) beef consommé
12 1 teaspoon garlic powder for flavor
13 1/4 teaspoon ground thyme
14 1 tablespoon beef bouillon granules
15 1/2 teaspoon powdery onion seasoning
16 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Step 01

Warm up some oil in a sturdy skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef chuck on all sides so it gets a nice browned crust, then transfer it into the slow cooker.

Step 02

Dump the sauce components, like the consommé, Coke, soy sauce, and those awesome spices, right over the beef in your cooker. It’s all about adding that deep flavor as it simmers.

Step 03

Cook everything on LOW for about 4 hours. Once the beef is tender, take it out and slice it finely against the grain. Toss the sliced meat back in the cooker and let it absorb the juices for another 1-2 hours.

Step 04

Separate the fat from the cooking juices to make a dipping sauce. Pile the meat onto the split rolls, add 2 cheese slices on each, and bake at 350°F until the cheese melts beautifully. Serve with a small bowl of au jus for dipping.

Notes

  1. If beef consommé isn't available, beef broth works fine too. Just check with someone at the store if you're unsure where to find it.
  2. For a different method, roast in a covered dish at 425°F for 30 minutes, then at 300°F for 3-4 hours. Slice the meat after letting it rest for 15 minutes. Return it to a 200°F oven with the broth for 15 more minutes.
  3. Three pounds of beef is enough for six generously sized sandwiches.

Tools You'll Need

  • A slow cooker or crockpot
  • A sturdy pan or cast iron skillet
  • Two forks or a pair of sturdy tongs
  • A sharp slicing knife
  • Baking sheet for toasting sandwiches

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Includes dairy (cheese)
  • Bread contains gluten
  • Soy sauce is made with soy