Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I stood by the stove, the aroma of searing beef filled the kitchen, instantly transporting me to a bustling Parisian café. There’s something magical about crafting a homemade French Dip Sandwich that brings out my inner chef. This classic French Dip Sandwich Recipe combines tender beef with a creamy horseradish sauce, nestled in a crusty baguette, making it the ultimate comfort food. Not only is this recipe a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, but it’s also quick to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you’re craving something hearty. Each bite is an experience, with the rich Au Jus just waiting to elevate your sandwich to new heights. Are you ready to dive into a delicious world of flavors? Let’s get started! Why is this French Dip Sandwich a must-try? Irresistible Comfort: This classic French Dip Sandwich is a warm hug for your taste buds, perfect for cozy evenings. Customizable Options: Whether you prefer beef, turkey, or even pork, this recipe caters to all meat lovers and dietary preferences. Quick Prep Time: The Instant Pot method not only guarantees tender beef but also saves you precious time in the kitchen. Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Ideal for gatherings and family dinners, everyone will rave about this hearty sandwich! Try pairing it with Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches for a delightful dessert wrap-up. Flavor Explosion: The creamy horseradish sauce adds a kick that perfectly complements the savory Au Jus, ensuring every bite is a flavor bomb. French Dip Sandwich Ingredients • Get ready to savor the flavors of this classic dish! For the Beef Bottom Round Roast – The primary protein choice that’s affordable and easy to cook; chuck or prime rib also works well for a richer flavor. Salt – Enhances the savory flavor of the beef; consider garlic or onion powder as alternatives for added depth. Black Pepper – Use freshly ground for optimal spice and flavor impact. For the Bread French Baguettes – Essential for structure and perfect for dunking; look for crusty rolls, or swap with ciabatta if preferred. For the Cheese Havarti Cheese – Adds a creamy texture; baby Swiss is a great substitute for a similar taste experience. For the Au Jus Onion – Brings sweetness and depth; yellow or white onion can be substituted as well. Garlic – Imparts an aromatic flavor; you may use garlic powder as a quick alternative. Soy Sauce – Adds that rich umami flavor; tamari is a great gluten-free option. White Vinegar – Provides tanginess and enhances flavor; apple cider vinegar can be a suitable substitute. Oregano – Offers earthy notes; basil can be used if you don’t have oregano on hand. Dried Thyme & Rosemary – Enhances aroma; Italian seasoning blend is a perfect replacement if needed. Bay Leaf – Infuses additional flavor during cooking; remember to remove it before serving. Red Pepper Flakes – Let’s you adjust heat levels to your liking; add according to your spice preference. Beef Broth – Forms the flavorful base of the Au Jus; opt for homemade or low-sodium store-bought varieties. For the Creamy Mustard Sauce Sour Cream – Adds creaminess; can be adjusted for tanginess. Mayonnaise – Balances out the flavors, contributing to a smooth texture. Horseradish – Delivers that iconic kick; adjust to taste for the perfect heat level. Worcestershire Sauce – Introduces complex flavor notes; a must for depth. Stone-Ground Mustard – Offers a tangy bite that rounds out the sauce beautifully; feel free to substitute with Dijon if you prefer. This French Dip Sandwich recipe is not just about hearty ingredients—it’s an experience waiting to unfold, bringing warmth and satisfaction with each bite! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Classic French Dip Sandwich with Tender Beef and Creamy Horseradish Sauce Step 1: Prep the Beef Start by seasoning your bottom round roast generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Using the sauté mode on your Instant Pot, sear the roast for about 3 minutes on each side until a nice brown crust forms, which helps lock in the rich flavors essential for your French Dip Sandwich. Step 2: Cook the Roast Once the beef is beautifully browned, add the ingredients for the Au Jus—onions, garlic, soy sauce, vinegar, herbs, red pepper flakes, and beef broth—into the pot. Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 1 hour and 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the beef is fork-tender and the aromas fill your kitchen. Step 3: Shred the Beef Carefully remove the roast from the pot and set it on a cutting board. Using two forks, shred or slice the meat thinly for your sandwiches. Strain the broth from the pot to create a delicious Au Jus for dipping; this step is crucial for that mouthwatering experience in your Classic French Dip Sandwich. Step 4: Prepare the Rolls While the beef rests, slice your French baguettes open lengthwise and place them under the broiler for about 2-3 minutes until lightly toasted. To add an extra flavor punch, spread your creamy mustard sauce generously inside the rolls. This little detail elevates the classic taste of your French Dip Sandwich. Step 5: Assemble Sandwiches Fill each toasted baguette with a generous portion of the tender shredded beef, ensuring it’s packed with flavor. Top with slices of creamy Havarti cheese. Return the sandwiches to the broiler for another 2-3 minutes, just until the cheese melts beautifully, making your Classic French Dip Sandwich truly irresistible. Step 6: Serve with Au Jus Once the cheese is melted, slice the sandwiches in half and place them on plates. Serve your Classic French Dip Sandwich alongside the warm Au Jus for dipping. This finishing touch will bring an exceptional flavor and warmth to your meal, making it perfect for cozy nights in. Make Ahead Options These French Dip Sandwiches are a game changer for your meal prep strategy! You can prepare the slow-cooked beef up to 3 days in advance by following the initial steps and storing the shredded beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Additionally, the creamy horseradish mustard sauce can be mixed ahead of time and kept chilled overnight, saving you that precious prep time before serving. To maintain their deliciousness, keep the cooked beef separate from the baguettes until you’re ready to assemble. Simply broil the rolls, fill them with the shredded beef and cheese, and give them a quick broil to melt the cheese right before serving for that restaurant-quality finish! How to Store and Freeze French Dip Sandwich Fridge: Store any leftover cooked meat in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Keep the bread separate to prevent it from becoming soggy. Freezer: To freeze, wrap the shredded beef tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a zip-top bag. Use within 3 months for best flavor. Reheating: Thaw the beef in the fridge overnight. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of beef broth to maintain moisture before assembling your French Dip Sandwich. Assembling: It’s best to assemble your sandwiches fresh to enjoy the crusty baguette and melty cheese, so wait to combine ingredients until ready to serve! What to Serve with Classic French Dip Sandwich? Elevate your dining experience with delightful sides and drinks that enhance the heartiness of your French Dip Sandwich. Crispy French Fries: These golden fries add a satisfying crunch to each bite, perfect for dipping between bites of your sandwich. Refreshing Coleslaw: The crisp, tangy slaw contrasts beautifully with the rich flavors of the sandwich, providing a burst of freshness. Garlic Bread: Buttery, toasty garlic bread makes for a flavorful side that complements the savory Au Jus and adds extra indulgence to the meal. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Their caramelized edges and nutty flavor pair perfectly with the salty richness of the beef, offering a delightful texture variety. Pickled Vegetables: A tangy contrast to the sandwich, pickle spears or Giardiniera bring a light, zesty crunch that excites the palate. Minestrone Soup: This hearty soup offers a comforting warmth and vibrant flavors; perfect to sip alongside your sandwich for a cozy meal. Craft Beer or Red Wine: A cold craft beer or a glass of full-bodied red wine beautifully complements the flavors of the sandwich, enhancing your dining experience. Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: This sweet, juicy treat makes for a perfect, indulgent dessert to finish off the meal on a high note. Classic Potato Chips: The salty crunch of potato chips provides an easy, satisfying side to enjoy with your French Dip Sandwich, adding a bit of nostalgia. Iced Lemonade: A refreshing drink that cuts through the richness of the meal, leaving your palate cleansed and refreshed. Expert Tips for the Best French Dip Sandwich Choosing the Right Cut: Opt for bottom round roast for a balance of tenderness and flavor. Chuck roast can be used for an even richer taste. Searing Matters: Don’t skip the searing step! Browning the beef locks in juices and adds depth to your French Dip Sandwich; it’s essential for that gourmet touch. Avoiding Sogginess: Keep the beef and the baguettes separate until you’re ready to serve. This prevents your sandwich from getting soggy! Customize the Heat: Adjust the amount of horseradish in your creamy mustard sauce based on your preference. Start with a smaller amount and build up to your desired kick. Quick Leftover Option: If time is tight, use any leftover roast beef. Simply reheat it with the Au Jus for a speedy yet satisfying meal! Experiment with Cheeses: Feel free to swap Havarti for gouda or provolone for a different flavor experience in your French Dip Sandwich Recipe. French Dip Sandwich Variations & Substitutions Feel free to let your creativity blossom and customize this recipe to match your taste buds! Alternative Meats: Swap out the beef for tender pork, lamb, or turkey to explore new flavor profiles. Each option offers its own unique twist, providing delicious variety to your sandwich. Cheese Choices: Experiment with different types of cheese like gouda or provolone for a delightful change in taste. The new cheese can elevate the creamy experience of your French Dip Sandwich to something extraordinary. Gluten-Free Bread: Use gluten-free rolls or ciabatta if you need a gluten-free option without losing out on that perfect crust. It’s a great way to enjoy the sandwich without worry! Veggie Boost: Add a layer of sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions for extra depth and richness. These toppings bring an umami punch that complements the tender beef beautifully. Herb Infusion: Swap the dried thyme and rosemary with fresh herbs for a more vibrant flavor. Fresh herbs can give your Au Jus a heightened aroma that’s truly irresistible. Heat Kick: If you’re a spice lover, add jalapeños or increase the red pepper flakes in the Au Jus for a fiery touch. Adjusting spice levels can tailor this comforting sandwich to your preferences. Sauce Twists: Mix in some smoked paprika or lemon juice to your creamy horseradish sauce for an unexpected kick and zesty flavor. These additions can transform your sauce into a standout element. Broth Variations: Use chicken or vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a lighter option while still enjoying robust flavor from the Au Jus. It’s a fantastic way to cater to different taste preferences without sacrificing heartiness. Explore these variations, and don’t hesitate to take your French Dip Sandwich experience to new delicious heights! For a little extra fun after your meal, try serving it alongside some Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches as a delightful dessert. Classic French Dip Sandwich Recipe FAQs What is the best way to select a good quality bottom round roast? Absolutely! Look for a roast that has a nice layer of fat on the outside, which will keep the meat tender and juicy during cooking. The beef should be bright red with minimal dark spots. If there are any dark spots all over, it might not be the freshest option. You can have a chat with your butcher who can better guide you on the perfect cut! How should I store leftover French Dip Sandwich ingredients? Very good question! Store any leftover cooked meat in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Keep it separate from the bread to prevent sogginess. For the creamy horseradish sauce, it will last in an airtight container for about a week in the fridge, so you can enjoy it on different sandwich variations. Can I freeze the ingredients for the French Dip Sandwich? Absolutely! To freeze your shredded beef, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible. It’s best to consume it within 3 months for optimal flavor. When you’re ready to use it, thaw the beef in the refrigerator overnight and gently reheat on the stovetop with a splash of beef broth to maintain moisture. What are some common troubleshooting tips for making French Dip Sandwiches? If your beef isn’t shredding easily, it may need a bit more time in the Instant Pot. You want it to be fork-tender, so don’t hesitate to cook for an additional 15-20 minutes if needed. To avoid a soggy sandwich, assemble your sandwiches only when you’re ready to serve, keeping the meat and bread separate until the very end. This will ensure that the baguettes remain crispy and delightful! Are there any dietary considerations for this French Dip Sandwich recipe? Yes, indeed! If you have soy allergies, you can use coconut aminos as a substitute for soy sauce. For gluten-free options, use gluten-free bread and tamari in place of regular soy sauce. Also, the horseradish sauce may be too spicy for some—adjust the amount of horseradish to cater to your taste preferences. Enjoy customizing this recipe to fit your dietary needs! How can I make the French Dip Sandwich vegetarian or vegan? Great idea! Substitute the beef with hearty vegetables like mushrooms or jackfruit for a meat alternative. You can infuse the flavor with vegetable broth and use vegan Worcestershire sauce to create a savory Au Jus that’s just as delicious! The creamy horseradish sauce can also be made with vegan mayo and non-dairy sour cream to keep it dairy-free. Mouthwatering French Dip Sandwich Recipe for Cozy Nights Delicious French Dip Sandwich Recipe featuring tender beef, creamy horseradish sauce, and crusty baguette, ideal for cozy nights. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 1 hour hr 45 minutes minsTotal Time 2 hours hrs Servings: 4 sandwichesCourse: DinnerCuisine: FrenchCalories: 550 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Beef3 pounds Bottom Round Roast Chuck or prime rib also works well.1 teaspoon Salt Garlic or onion powder can be alternatives.1 teaspoon Black Pepper Use freshly ground for optimal flavor.For the Bread4 pieces French Baguettes Crusty rolls or ciabatta can be used.For the Cheese8 slices Havarti Cheese Baby Swiss is a good substitute.For the Au Jus1 medium Onion Yellow or white can be substituted.4 cloves Garlic Garlic powder can be used as a quick alternative.1/4 cup Soy Sauce Tamari is a gluten-free option.2 tablespoons White Vinegar Apple cider vinegar can be substituted.1 teaspoon Oregano Basil can be used if not available.1 teaspoon Dried Thyme May substitute with Italian seasoning.1 teaspoon Dried Rosemary Optional, for added aroma.1 leaf Bay Leaf Remove before serving.1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes Adjust according to spice preference.4 cups Beef Broth Homemade or low-sodium store-bought.For the Creamy Mustard Sauce1/2 cup Sour Cream Adjust for tanginess.1/4 cup Mayonnaise Balances flavor.2 tablespoons Horseradish Adjust to taste.1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce For depth of flavor.2 tablespoons Stone-Ground Mustard Dijon can be used as substitute. Equipment Instant Pot Method PreparationSeason the bottom round roast generously with salt and black pepper. Using the sauté mode, sear the roast for about 3 minutes on each side until browned.Add onions, garlic, soy sauce, vinegar, herbs, red pepper flakes, and beef broth into the pot. Seal and cook on high pressure for 1 hour and 45 minutes.Remove the roast and shred the beef. Strain the broth to create Au Jus for dipping.Slice the baguettes open and toast them under the broiler for 2-3 minutes. Spread creamy mustard sauce inside the rolls.Fill each baguette with shredded beef and top with slices of Havarti cheese. Broil for another 2-3 minutes until cheese is melted.Slice sandwiches in half and serve with warm Au Jus. Nutrition Serving: 1sandwichCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 30gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 1200mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 3mg NotesKeep the beef and baguettes separate until ready to serve to prevent sogginess. Adjust horseradish to your preferred heat level. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
