The Ultimate Homemade French Dip Sandwich: Tender Beef, Melted Havarti & Savory Au Jus
Craving a classic French Dip Sandwich that’s even better than your favorite deli? Look no further! This recipe guides you through creating an incredibly flavorful homemade French Dip, featuring succulent, slow-cooked beef, a luscious creamy horseradish mustard sauce, and perfectly melted, gooey Havarti cheese, all nestled within a crusty French roll baguette. We particularly love serving this hot beef sandwich with the tangy kick of Italian Giardiniera (pickled vegetables) alongside its rich, savory French dip au jus. Prepare yourself for a sandwich experience that will become an instant family favorite!
While the French Dip stands out, the world of beef sandwiches offers a delightful array of options. If you love hearty, flavorful beef, you might also enjoy Arby’s classic Roast Beef sandwich on a French onion roll, our EASY Cheeseburger Sliders (perfect for ground beef lovers), the iconic Philly Cheesesteak featuring thinly shaved beef, or a juicy pastrami sandwich like our amazing Reuben Sandwich Recipe! These delicious sandwiches are sure to be a crowd-pleaser for any lunch or dinner gathering.
Watch How To Make This French Dip Sandwich:
What is a French Dip Sandwich? An American Classic
Despite its name, the French Dip Sandwich is an iconic American invention, not French! Its origins trace back to Los Angeles in the early 20th century. At its core, a French Dip features seasoned, oven-roasted beef cooked over a bed of aromatic vegetables and rich beef stock. The resulting tender meat is then sliced, carved, or shredded and traditionally served with a side of its savory cooking juices, known as Au Jus. This dipping method is what truly defines the sandwich, making each bite incredibly moist and flavorful. It’s often confused with the Italian beef sandwich, another regional American specialty, but they possess distinct characteristics.
The tale of the original “French Dipped Sandwich” is famously attributed to Philippe The Original restaurant in Los Angeles. Legend has it that in 1918, a French immigrant named Philippe Mathieu, the founder, accidentally dropped a French roll into the pan drippings from a roast. He served it to a customer, who, to his surprise, loved it so much that he returned the next day with friends to order the “dipped sandwich.” From this happy accident, a culinary legend was born! Today, countless variations of the French Dip exist, incorporating different roast beef preparations, but the fundamental appeal remains the same: exceptionally tender meat served with its flavorful beef drippings for dipping.
French Dip Sandwich vs. Italian Beef Sandwich: What’s the Difference?
While both the French Dip Sandwich and the Italian Beef Sandwich are legendary American beef sandwiches often served “wet,” they have distinct regional identities and flavor profiles. The key difference lies in their signature condiments and origins. A French Dip is traditionally served with a zesty, creamy horseradish mustard sauce and a side of Au Jus for dipping. It originated in Los Angeles, California, in the early 1900s.
In contrast, the Italian Beef Sandwich hails from Chicago, Illinois, around the same era. Its defining accompaniments are spicy Giardiniera (pickled vegetables in vinegar, often a mix of bell peppers, celery, and carrots) or mild green Italian cubanelle peppers. While both sandwiches involve slow-cooked, tender beef and are often dipped in their cooking liquids, the specific cuts of meat and seasoning blends used in their preparation can also differ, contributing to their unique tastes. Understanding these distinctions will help you appreciate the subtle nuances of each delicious beef creation.
What Is Au Jus? The Heart of Your French Dip
Au Jus is more than just a dipping sauce; it’s the very essence of a great French Dip Sandwich. In French, “au jus” literally translates to “with juice,” and in culinary terms, it refers to the flavorful meat broth or gravy that results from cooking meat. For a French Dip, the Au Jus is the rich, savory liquid collected from the slow roasting or braising of the beef. It’s typically strained and served alongside the sandwich, allowing you to dip each bite of bread and beef, infusing it with incredible depth of flavor and moisture. This luscious dipping broth is what prevents the sandwich from being dry and elevates it to a truly satisfying experience.
Which Cut of Beef Should I Use for the Best French Dip?
Choosing the right cut of beef is paramount to achieving a truly tender and flavorful French Dip Sandwich. Historically, and still used by renowned establishments like Philippe’s, the **bottom-round roast** is a top choice. This cut, typically from the hindquarters of a cow, is affordable, large, and becomes wonderfully tender when slow-cooked, making it ideal for slicing or shredding. Its lean nature also means it doesn’t contribute excessive fat to the Au Jus, keeping it clean and rich.
Other excellent options for creating the perfect roast beef for your French Dip include:
- Beef Chuck Roast: A fattier cut with excellent marbling, chuck roast becomes incredibly tender and flavorful through slow cooking. It’s a fantastic choice if you prefer a richer meat texture.
- Prime Rib Roast: For a more luxurious and indulgent French Dip, prime rib roast is an outstanding, albeit pricier, option. Its inherent tenderness and abundant marbling create a remarkably juicy and flavorful experience.
- Beef Tenderloin: While less common for French Dips due to its premium cost, beef tenderloin offers unparalleled tenderness and a delicate flavor. If you’re seeking a gourmet version, this cut won’t disappoint.
It’s generally best to avoid very lean, tough muscle cuts like beef brisket unless you are specifically adapting the recipe for a long, slow braise that breaks down its connective tissues. Focus on cuts that will yield fork-tender results, ensuring every bite of your sandwich melts in your mouth.
The Best Cheese For a French Dip Sandwich? Melting Perfection
While the beef and Au Jus are the stars, the cheese plays a crucial supporting role in a French Dip Sandwich, adding a layer of creamy, salty goodness. Traditionally, Swiss cheese is often associated with French Dips, offering a distinct, slightly nutty, and tangy flavor. However, not everyone enjoys the stronger, aged taste of some Swiss varieties.
For a milder and wonderfully melty option, we highly recommend **Havarti cheese**. This semi-soft Danish cow’s milk cheese boasts a buttery, mild flavor and exceptional melting qualities, creating that irresistible gooey texture without overpowering the delicate beef. If you prefer a more subtle Swiss flavor, **baby Swiss cheese** is another excellent alternative, as it’s much milder than its aged counterpart. Ultimately, the best cheese will be one that melts beautifully and complements the richness of the beef and sauce without competing for attention.
Best Bread for French Dip: The Foundation of Flavor
The bread is more than just a vessel for your French Dip; it’s an integral part of the experience. You absolutely need a roll or baguette that possesses a sturdy, crusty exterior to hold everything together, yet a soft, absorbent interior capable of soaking up that precious Au Jus without disintegrating. At Philippe’s, the classic French dip sandwich bread is simply warmed until crisp and crunchy.
For our homemade version, we love to broil open-faced rolls. This method allows the cheese to melt perfectly and the bread to achieve a golden, slightly crisp texture. You can toast them as lightly or as crisp as you prefer, whether you plan for a single dip, a double dip, or prefer to keep the Au Jus on the side. Excellent choices for your French Dip include:
- Crusty French Baguettes: A classic choice, these provide excellent structure and a great chew.
- Hoagie Rolls: Toasted hoagie rolls offer a softer interior with a good crust, perfect for soaking.
- Ciabatta Bread: As mentioned in some variations, ciabatta’s open crumb and sturdy crust make it a fantastic option for absorbing juices, much like the Costco French Dip sandwiches.
For those who enjoy making their own bread, a footlong Subway Bread Recipe or even Sourdough French Bread would work wonderfully, especially for mimicking classic Italian beef sandwiches which often use submarine-style bread.
Best Tips For Shredding or Slicing French Dip Meat: Achieve Perfect Tenderness
The key to a truly outstanding French Dip Sandwich is the tenderness and texture of the beef. Achieving perfectly shreddable or thinly sliceable meat requires a bit of technique. Restaurants often cool the roast first before using a deli slicer, as chilled meat is easier to cut into thin, uniform slices. At home, you can replicate thin slices with a very sharp knife, but for maximum ease and a rustic texture, shredding the beef while it’s still hot is often the simplest approach.
Shredding Tip: To make the shredding process even easier, consider cutting the cooked beef into smaller chunks before you begin. This allows you to work with more manageable pieces and reduces effort. If you prefer, you can roast the beef whole until it’s exceptionally tender, then proceed with your preferred method of slicing or shredding. The goal is fork-tender beef that practically falls apart, ready to soak up all that incredible Au Jus.
How To Make French Dip Sandwiches: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide
This French Dip recipe is designed for ease and efficiency, making it one of the quickest and most straightforward methods, especially when using an Instant Pot pressure cooker. However, don’t worry if you don’t have one; this recipe is perfectly adaptable for a stovetop or slow cooker method, simply requiring a longer cooking time (3-4 hours on the stovetop or 8 hours on low in a slow cooker). The Instant Pot offers the convenience of both a sauté function and pressure cooking in a single unit, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor!
- Season the Beef: Start by generously seasoning your chosen beef roast with salt and freshly ground black pepper on all sides. This foundational seasoning is crucial for building deep flavor.
- Sear for Flavor: In a deep pot or your Instant Pot on sauté mode, sear the seasoned beef on all sides until a rich, golden-brown crust forms. This step locks in juices and creates complex flavors through the Maillard reaction.
- Add Aromatics and Liquid: Deglaze the pot, then add the beef broth along with a whole, peeled onion, whole garlic cloves, and a blend of aromatic spices. These ingredients infuse the beef and its drippings with incredible savory notes.
- Cook Until Fork-Tender: Cook the beef using your preferred method (Instant Pot for 1 hour 45 minutes on high, stovetop for 3-4 hours, or slow cooker for 8 hours on low) until it’s so tender it can be easily shredded with a fork.
- Prepare the Au Jus and Beef: Carefully remove the cooked beef and shred or thinly slice it. Strain the remaining beef juices through a fine-mesh sieve, reserving this flavorful Au Jus for dipping. Add a portion of this Au Jus back to the shredded beef to keep it moist and flavorful.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Slice your French Roll baguettes lengthwise, open side up, and broil them until they are lightly golden and toasted. Spread a generous layer of the creamy horseradish mustard sauce onto each half, then top with slices of Havarti cheese. Return to the broiler until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly.
- Final Touch & Serve: Pile the hot, shredded beef onto the cheesy, toasted rolls. Serve immediately with individual bowls of the reserved savory beef drippings (Au Jus) for dipping.
Chef’s Note: For an extra layer of flavor and texture, we highly recommend adding a spoonful of tangy, vinegar-pickled vegetables like Giardiniera to these tender beef sandwiches. The bright acidity cuts through the richness beautifully!
What To Serve With French Dip Sandwiches: Perfect Pairings
A hearty French Dip Sandwich is a meal in itself, but the right side dishes can elevate the experience even further. The tangy contrast of pickled vegetables is a classic pairing that cuts through the richness of the beef and cheese. Here are some of the best side dishes to complement your homemade French Dip:
- Pickled Vegetables: Beyond Italian Giardiniera (a mix of bell peppers, celery, cauliflower, and carrots), consider sour pickles (gherkins) or even pickled eggs for an unexpected, zesty kick. The vinegar-based flavors offer a wonderful balance.
- Coleslaw or Summer Slaw: A light, crisp, and refreshing coleslaw provides a cool, creamy contrast to the warm, savory sandwich.
- Potato Salad: A classic picnic side, a good potato salad offers comforting starch and a complementary creamy texture.
- Homemade French Fries or Potato Chips: You can’t go wrong with crispy, salty homemade French fries or your favorite bag of crunchy potato chips for a satisfying crunch.
- Sweet Treats for Dessert: Balance the savory meal with something sweet like a classic Apple Pie, charming Apple Braids, or a creamy Cheesecake.
- Refreshing Beverages: Pair your sandwich with Homemade Fruit Juice or a crisp Lipton Iced Tea.
Key Ingredients for Your Delicious French Dip
- Bread: The right bread is essential! We’ve had great success with Kirkland Signature baguettes from Costco for their perfect crust and texture. For an even quicker soak of those beefy drippings, Aldi’s Take and Bake French Baguettes are also an excellent choice, often absorbing the Au Jus more readily than their crunchier counterparts.
- Beef: Our preferred cut is a **bottom round roast**. Sourced from the rear part of the cow, it’s not only affordable but also a substantial piece of beef that transforms into incredibly tender, flavorful meat when slow-cooked.
- Cheese: For that perfect melt and mild flavor that complements the beef, **baby Swiss cheese** or **Havarti** are ideal. They offer a creamy texture without overpowering the other elements of the sandwich.
- Au Jus: This is the flavorful foundation of the sandwich, comprising all the rich beef juices collected during the cooking process. To enhance its savory depth, we infuse it with whole onion, garlic cloves, and a blend of aromatic herbs, making it irresistible for dipping.
French Dip Sandwich FAQs
French Dip Sandwich Variations:
While a traditional French Dip Sandwich is typically made with tender roast beef, the concept of a “dipped sandwich” is incredibly versatile! You can absolutely adapt this recipe by seasoning and slow-cooking other proteins like pork, lamb, ham, or turkey until fork-tender, then assembling them into a delicious sandwich just like this. If you’re wondering what to put in a roast beef sandwich for extra flair, here are some fantastic ideas:
- Spicy French Dip Sandwiches: For those who love a bit of heat, simply add more red pepper flakes to your Au Jus as it simmers, or sprinkle them directly on top of your assembled sandwich before serving.
- Italian Relish Roast Beef Sandwiches: Give your French Dip an Italian twist! Incorporate 1/2 cup of finely chopped pickled Italian Giardiniera vegetables directly into the shredded beef or serve it on the side. You can use hot or regular Giardiniera based on your spice preference.
- Chicago Beef Sandwich Style: To mimic the flavors of a classic Chicago Italian beef, add pickled green sweet peppers or a vibrant Italian relish to your sandwich.
- Shredded Beef or Pulled Beef Sandwiches: This method requires no cooling overnight, making it ideal for a quicker preparation. Simply shred the beef with two forks immediately after it’s cooked and still hot. While many restaurants use commercial slicers for thin roast beef slices, at home, a sharp knife can also achieve thin carvings.
- Prime Rib French Dip: Elevate your sandwich by using a prime rib roast, either boneless or bone-in. This premium cut will result in an exceptionally rich and tender French Dip.
- French Onion Dip Sandwich: Infuse deep onion flavor by making your own dry French onion soup mix recipe and using it to enhance the onion and beef broth in your Au Jus.
- French Dip Sliders: Perfect for feeding a crowd or for appetizers! Assemble smaller sandwiches using French steak rolls or Hawaiian rolls, then bake them in the oven until the cheese is beautifully melted.
- Drippy Beef Sandwiches: While we often prefer a “dry dipped” approach (where the Au Jus is served on the side), for a truly “wet” French Dip, submerge your assembled sandwiches in the hot beef stock (Au Jus) once or even twice (double-dipped) before serving.
Can I Make French Dip In the Crockpot (Slow Cooker)?
Absolutely! A crockpot French Dip Sandwich is a fantastic option for a hands-off, all-day cooking experience, typically taking anywhere from 4 to 8 hours. To make slow cooker French Dip sandwiches, first brown the seasoned meat in a large skillet with a couple of tablespoons of oil. This crucial step develops a rich, savory crust. Then, transfer the browned beef roast into your slow cooker. Add all of the Au Jus seasonings and beef broth. Cook the French Dip meat in the crockpot for 4 hours on HIGH or 8 hours on LOW, until it’s incredibly tender and easily shreddable. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a deeply savory Au Jus.
How To Toast Bread for French Dip Sandwiches?
The bread for a French Dip needs to be perfectly toasted – crisp enough to hold its shape, but still soft enough to soak up the Au Jus. At Philippe’s, the rolls are typically warmed and heated whole in an oven until they become wonderfully crisp. Since we’re adding melted cheese to our French Dips, we opt for a slightly different approach:
- With Cheese: Slice your rolls open lengthwise and place them face up on a sheet pan. Broil them on high heat until the edges are golden and lightly toasted. Then, spread with the mustard sauce and top with cheese before returning them to the broiler until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Without Cheese: If you’re omitting the cheese, you can toast split rolls open face down on a hot skillet for about 30 seconds over high heat for a quick crisp. Alternatively, you can leave them whole and toast them in the oven over low heat until warmed through and crisp on the outside.
How To Store French Dip Sandwiches?
To ensure the best quality and prevent soggy bread, it’s always best to store the components of your French Dip Sandwich separately. The cooked and marinated beef can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Keep the Au Jus in a separate container. The bread rolls should be stored at room temperature or in a bread box. Storing them separately prevents the bread from soaking up too much of the beef juices and becoming overly soft or mushy.
If you’re fortunate enough to have leftovers, reheating is simple. The fastest way to reheat the beef filling is in the microwave. Alternatively, you can quickly warm the beef in a skillet on the stovetop. For a more gentle reheat, wrap the beef and some reserved drippings in aluminum foil and bake it in the oven until warm. Once the filling is hot, you can assemble fresh sandwiches as directed, toasting new rolls if needed, for a delicious second meal.
Can I Make Slow Cooked French Dip on The Stovetop?
Yes, absolutely! While this recipe focuses on the speed and convenience of an Instant Pot French Dip, the traditional method for many French Dip recipes involves slow-cooking on the stovetop to develop that incredibly rich and flavorful Au Jus. The pressure cooker simply offers a significant shortcut.
Stovetop Directions: To make an easy French Dip recipe on the stovetop, begin by browning your seasoned meat in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven – the same pot you’ll use for cooking. After searing, add all of the Au Jus seasonings and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for approximately 3-4 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender. This slow simmering process ensures the meat breaks down beautifully and the Au Jus concentrates into a truly delicious dipping broth.
French Dip Calories?
These French Dip Sandwiches are made using 2 long baguettes, calculated to yield 8 equal servings. Based on our recipe, one serving of this French Dip Sandwich (approximately a 4-inch sandwich piece) contains around 561 calories. Please note that nutritional information can vary based on specific ingredients, portion sizes, and preparation methods. This estimate provides a general guideline for those mindful of their caloric intake.
Best French Dip Tips: Unlock Maximum Flavor and Convenience
- Enhance Your Au Jus: For an even deeper, more complex Au Jus, consider adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce or a splash of soy sauce to the beef broth as it simmers. These ingredients introduce umami notes that elevate the overall flavor profile.
- Traditional Au Jus Concentration: A classic French Dip recipe often involves simmering the beef stock with the pan drippings for up to 24 hours to significantly reduce and concentrate it. While time-consuming, this process creates an incredibly rich and potent Au Jus. For a quicker version, a shorter simmer or using an Instant Pot will still yield delicious results.
- Alternative Bread Choices: Don’t have traditional French rolls on hand? Don’t fret! Ciabatta bread, with its airy texture and sturdy crust, makes an excellent substitute, much like the popular Costco French Dip Sandwiches. Hoagie rolls, sourdough baguettes, or even firm sandwich rolls can work well.
- Creative Uses for Leftover Meat: If you find yourself with leftover French Dip meat, don’t let it go to waste! It’s incredibly versatile. Use it for delicious whole wheat pinwheels, mini sliders on Hawaiian rolls, stuff it into Crescent Rolls Dough, serve it on slices of Sourdough French Bread, or even pile it onto warm Biscuits for a comforting meal.
- Don’t Skimp on the Horseradish Mustard Sauce: This creamy, zesty sauce is a crucial component that adds a fantastic counterpoint to the rich beef. Make sure to prepare it generously; it truly makes the sandwich!
- Quick French Dip with Deli Roast Beef: Short on time but craving that French Dip flavor? You can create a delicious shortcut version using high-quality deli roast beef slices. Skip the homemade roast beef cooking process, but use the same excellent bread, melted cheese, and the essential horseradish mustard sauce for a speedy, satisfying meal. Simply warm the deli beef in some beef broth before assembling.
- Utilize Leftover Au Jus: Don’t discard any leftover Au Jus! It’s a goldmine of flavor. Use it as a rich beef stock for future slow cooker meals, gravies, or as a base for hearty soups and stews.
More Delicious Beef Sandwich Recipes to Explore:
If you’ve loved this French Dip, you’ll surely enjoy these other fantastic beef sandwich creations:
- Ultimate Burger Recipe: A classic for a reason, learn how to make the perfect juicy burger.
- Philly Cheesesteak: Experience the iconic flavors of thinly sliced beef, melted cheese, and sautéed onions and peppers.
- Reuben Sandwich Recipe: A delightful blend of savory pastrami, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing on rye bread.
How To Make French Dip Sandwiches: Full Recipe Details
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French Dip Sandwich Recipe
Equipment
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1 Instant Pot pressure cooker (can use a pot for the stovetop or slow cooker)
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8 4-oz dipping bowls (for dipping Au Jus)
Ingredients
Beef:
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2 lb bottom round roast
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2 tsp salt
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1 Tbsp black pepper
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2 French Baguettes (cut into 4-inch pieces)
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8 slices Havarti cheese
Au Jus Seasoning:
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1 onion (whole and peeled)
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6 cloves of garlic (peeled and whole)
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2 tbsp soy sauce
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2 tbsp white vinegar
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1 tbsp oregano
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1 tsp dried thyme
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1 tsp dried rosemary
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1 bay leaf
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1/8 tsp red pepper flakes
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4 1/2 cups beef broth*
Horseradish Mustard Sauce:
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1/3 cup sour cream
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1/2 cup mayonnaise
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1/4 cup horseradish
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1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
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2 tsp stone-ground mustard
Instructions
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Whisk all the mustard sauce ingredients together. Set aside. -
Season the beef with 2 tsp salt and 1 Tbsp black pepper. -
Sear the meat on both sides over high heat until browned (about 3 minutes per side in an Instant Pot using saute mode.) -
Add all the Au Jus Seasoning ingredients. Cook at high pressure for 1 hour and 45 minutes. Then depressurize. (See notes for the slow cooker and stovetop instructions.) -
Remove the roast and shred or slice the beef. -
Strain the beef stock through a sieve and add 1 cup to the beef pieces. Reserve the rest for dipping. -
Slice open the rolls and broil until toasted. Smear a tablespoon of mustard sauce into each roll and top with Havarti cheese. Broil until cheese melts. -
Top with beef and serve with 4 oz of Au Jus from the meat juices, per serving.
Notes
- Beef Broth: you can substitute 1 teaspoon or cube of beef bouillon diluted in 4 1/2 cups of water.
- Slow Cooker Instructions: brown meat in a skillet and add to crockpot. Cook meat in au jus seasoning for 4 hours on HIGH or 8 hours on LOW.
- Stovetop Instructions: brown the meat in a large pot and add all the au jus seasoning. Bring to boil and then reduce the heat and simmer for 3-hours over medium-low heat until tender.
- Variation: We love to add 1/2 cup of chopped Giardiniera vegetables to the assembled sandwiches. Or serve with pickles, French fries, or potato chips.
Nutrition per serving