Ground Beef French Dip: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

Ground Beef French Dip sandwiches are a weeknight dinner game-changer! Forget spending hours slow-cooking a roast; this recipe delivers all the savory, satisfying flavors of a classic French Dip in a fraction of the time. Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, crusty roll piled high with seasoned ground beef, melty provolone cheese, and then taking a plunge into a rich, flavorful au jus. Are you drooling yet? I know I am!

While the traditional French Dip, believed to have originated in Los Angeles in the early 20th century, typically features thinly sliced roast beef, this Ground Beef French Dip version offers a delicious and budget-friendly alternative. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and accessibility. It’s perfect for busy families who crave a comforting and flavorful meal without the fuss.

People adore French Dip sandwiches for their incredible combination of textures and tastes. The tender, juicy meat, the gooey cheese, and the crisp bread create a symphony of sensations in every bite. And let’s not forget the star of the show: the au jus! That savory, beefy broth is the perfect complement to the sandwich, adding depth and richness that elevates the entire experience. This ground beef version captures all of that magic, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Get ready to experience a new family favorite!

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 salt, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup water
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 bay leaf
• 6 hoagie rolls, split
• 6 slices provolone cheese
• Optional: butter, for toasting rolls

Preparing the Ground Beef Base:

Okay, let’s get started! This Ground Beef French Dip is surprisingly easy to make, and the flavor is just incredible. The key is building a rich, savory base with the ground beef and aromatics. Trust me, it’s worth the little bit of effort!

1. Sauté the Onions and Garlic: First, grab a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven. Heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are softened and lightly caramelized. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Don’t rush this step; the caramelized onions add a wonderful sweetness to the overall flavor. Once the onions are ready, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
2. Brown the Ground Beef: Now, increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef to the pot. Break it up with a spoon and cook until it’s browned all over. Drain off any excess grease. Nobody wants a greasy French Dip!
3. Add the Herbs and Seasonings: Once the beef is browned, stir in the dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper. Make sure everything is well combined. The herbs will release their aroma as they heat up, making your kitchen smell amazing!
4. Simmer in Broth: Pour in the beef broth and water. Add the Worcestershire sauce and the bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 1 hour, or even longer if you have the time. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together and deepen. I usually let mine go for about 2 hours for maximum flavor. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Preparing the Au Jus:

While the beef is simmering, it’s actually creating the Au Jus! But we can enhance it a bit to make it even more flavorful. Here’s how:

1. Skim the Fat: After the beef has simmered for the desired amount of time, use a spoon to skim off any excess fat that has risen to the surface. This will give you a cleaner, richer Au Jus.
2. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the Au Jus and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add a little more salt, pepper, or even a dash of Worcestershire sauce. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away!
3. Strain (Optional): If you prefer a smoother Au Jus, you can strain it through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any small bits of beef or herbs. I usually don’t bother, but it’s up to you!

Assembling the French Dips:

Alright, the moment we’ve been waiting for! Time to assemble those delicious French Dips. This is where the magic happens!

1. Preheat Oven (Optional): If you want to toast your rolls, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is totally optional, but I think it adds a nice texture to the sandwiches.
2. Toast the Rolls (Optional): If toasting, split the hoagie rolls and spread a little butter on the cut sides. Place them on a baking sheet and toast in the preheated oven for about 5-7 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. Watch them carefully so they don’t burn!
3. Fill the Rolls: Using a slotted spoon, remove the ground beef from the pot and divide it evenly among the hoagie rolls. Don’t overcrowd the rolls; you want to be able to dip them easily.
4. Add the Cheese: Top each roll with a slice of provolone cheese.
5. Melt the Cheese: You have a couple of options here. You can either place the assembled sandwiches back in the oven for a minute or two until the cheese is melted and gooey, or you can use a kitchen torch to melt the cheese. I personally love using a kitchen torch – it’s quick and easy, and it gives the cheese a nice, slightly browned top.
6. Serve Immediately: Serve the Ground Beef French Dips immediately with the Au Jus for dipping. Make sure everyone has a bowl or cup of Au Jus for each sandwich.

Tips and Variations:

Want to customize your Ground Beef French Dip? Here are a few ideas:

• Use Different Cheese: Provolone is classic, but you could also use Swiss, mozzarella, or even pepper jack for a little kick.
• Add Some Heat: Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture for a spicy version.
• Caramelized Onions: For an even deeper onion flavor, caramelize the onions for a longer period of time. The darker they get, the sweeter and more intense the flavor will be.
• Garlic Bread Rolls: Instead of plain butter, make garlic butter to spread on the rolls before toasting.
• Slow Cooker Option: You can easily adapt this recipe for the slow cooker. Simply brown the ground beef and then transfer it to the slow cooker along with the other ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
• Instant Pot Option: For a super quick version, use an Instant Pot. Brown the ground beef using the sauté function, then add the other ingredients. Cook on high pressure for 20 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for 10 minutes.

Serving Suggestions:

These Ground Beef French Dips are delicious on their own, but they also pair well with a variety of sides:

• French Fries
• Onion Rings
• Coleslaw
• Potato Salad
• A Simple Green Salad

Storage Instructions:

If you have any leftover ground beef mixture, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. The Au Jus can also be stored separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The assembled sandwiches are best eaten immediately, as the bread can get soggy if stored.

Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy this Ground Beef French Dip recipe as much as I do! It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for game day, family dinners, or any time you’re craving a hearty and satisfying sandwich.

Conclusion:

This Ground Beef French Dip recipe isn’t just another sandwich; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen, and trust me, you absolutely need to experience it. The rich, savory broth, the tender, perfectly seasoned ground beef, and the crusty bread all come together in a symphony of deliciousness that will have you craving it again and again. It’s quick enough for a weeknight meal but impressive enough to serve to guests. What more could you ask for?

But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! While I’ve outlined my favorite way to prepare this delectable dip, feel free to experiment and make it your own.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Cheese, Please! While I love it as is, adding a slice of provolone, Swiss, or even a sharp cheddar to the sandwich before dipping elevates it to a whole new level of cheesy goodness. Just pop it under the broiler for a minute or two until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
* Spice it Up: If you’re a fan of a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the ground beef mixture or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the au jus. A little goes a long way!
* Veggie Boost: Sneak in some finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms into the ground beef mixture for added flavor and nutrients. They’ll cook down beautifully and add a subtle sweetness.
* Bread Matters: While a crusty baguette is my go-to, don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of bread. Ciabatta rolls, sourdough, or even a hearty rye would all be fantastic choices.
* Au Jus Amplified: For an even richer au jus, consider adding a splash of red wine or a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar to the broth while it simmers. This will add depth and complexity to the flavor. You can also add a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce for an umami punch.
* Side Dish Sensations: Serve your Ground Beef French Dip with a side of crispy fries, a fresh salad, or some creamy coleslaw for a complete and satisfying meal. Onion rings are also a classic pairing!
* Slow Cooker Option: If you’re short on time, you can easily adapt this recipe for the slow cooker. Simply brown the ground beef, then transfer it to the slow cooker along with the broth and seasonings. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. Shred the beef before serving.
* Make it a Slider: Use smaller rolls to create Ground Beef French Dip sliders, perfect for parties or appetizers.

I truly believe this recipe will become a staple in your household, just as it has in mine. It’s comforting, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make. The key to a truly exceptional French Dip is the quality of the ingredients, so don’t skimp on the beef broth or the bread.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the ultimate Ground Beef French Dip. I’m confident you’ll love it as much as I do.

And most importantly, I want to hear about your experience! Did you try any of the variations I suggested? Did you add your own special twist? Share your photos and comments below – I can’t wait to see what you create! Happy cooking!