Craving a delicious, comforting meal that's surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further! This French Dip recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a satisfying weekend lunch. Forget takeout – this homemade version is far superior and surprisingly quick to prepare, making it one of the best recipes for busy weeknights. Get ready to dive into juicy, tender roast beef, perfectly complemented by a rich and flavorful au jus dipping sauce.
Ingredients:
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For the Roast Beef:
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup red wine (optional, can substitute with more broth)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
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For the Au Jus:
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1/4 cup red wine (optional)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
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For Serving:
- 1 baguette, sliced
- Provolone cheese slices (optional)
Instructions:
Preparing the Roast Beef:
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Sear the beef: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Season the roast beef generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the beef on all sides until nicely browned. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
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Sauté vegetables: Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Combine and braise: Return the beef to the pot. Pour in the beef broth, red wine (if using), Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and rosemary. Bring to a simmer, then cover the pot and transfer it to the preheated oven.
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Slow cook to perfection: Braise the beef for 2-2.5 hours, or until it's fork-tender. Remove the beef from the pot and let it rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing.
Making the Au Jus:
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Strain the broth: Strain the braising liquid from the pot into a separate bowl, discarding the vegetables. Skim off any excess fat from the surface.
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Thicken the sauce: In a saucepan, whisk together the strained broth, red wine (if using), and Worcestershire sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour (and cornstarch if using) with 2 tablespoons of cold water to form a slurry. Slowly whisk the slurry into the simmering broth, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens.
Assembling the French Dip:
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Slice the beef: Once the beef has rested, slice it thinly against the grain.
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Toast the bread: Lightly toast the baguette slices.
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Assemble the sandwiches: Place the sliced roast beef on the toasted baguette slices. Top with provolone cheese (optional) and broil for a minute or two until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Serve with au jus: Serve the French dip sandwiches immediately with the warm au jus for dipping.
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor, use bone-in beef chuck roast.
- If you don't have red wine, you can substitute with more beef broth.
- Add other vegetables to the braising liquid, such as mushrooms or potatoes.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the au jus.
- Try different cheeses, such as Swiss or Gruyere.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 450-550 (depending on serving size and ingredients)
- Protein: 30-40g
- Fat: 25-35g
- Carbohydrates: 20-30g
This easy French Dip recipe is a perfect example of delicious and healthy meals that don’t require hours in the kitchen. Enjoy your homemade culinary masterpiece! This quick dinner idea is sure to become a family favorite, showcasing the best of homemade cooking. It’s a truly satisfying and flavorful dish, proving that simple food recipes can be extraordinary.