Craving a delicious yet hassle-free dinner? Try this gluten-free French dip sandwich recipe, made with thinly sliced deli roast beef, provolone cheese, and a simple homemade au jus dipping sauce. Perfect for a quick lunch or a satisfying weeknight meal, all in under 30 minutes!
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Why You'll Love this Recipe
This super simple recipe is perfect for busy weeknight dinners. It comes together in less than 30 minutes yet looks and tastes like a slow roasted meal!
This dinner is made with simple ingredients that are easy to find at any grocery store and is sure to hit the spot for anyone who loves a roast beef sandwich!
I love a slow roasted Italian beef sandwich as much as the next person, but if you simply don't have the time to create a classic French dip, this shortcut recipe is the perfect way to go!
What is a French Dip Sandwich?
A French dip sandwich is a hot sandwich made with thinly sliced roast beef on a French roll or baguette. It's typically served plain or topped with cheese, onions, and a side of beef broth for dipping, known as au jus. Despite its name, the sandwich is actually an American invention.
What is French Dip Sauce?
The sauce served with French dip is au jus. In its most simple form, au jus is simply the juices created during the process of making roast beef. You can also make au jus from scratch, without actually roasting beef; all you need is a little cornstarch, beef bouillon, some seasonings, and water.
Ingredients
- Gluten-Free Au Jus Mix: Simple to make, just like the packets, this au jus mix is a mixture of cornstarch, gluten-free beef bouillon, and other spices. You can add some gluten-free Worcestershire sauce to the au jus as well for an extra umph of flavor.
- Deli-Sliced Roast Beef: Use your favorite gluten-free roast beef from the deli counter or pre-packaged. Many people love Boar's Head deli meats as they are known to be gluten-free.
- Gluten-Free French Bread or Sub Rolls: Some of my favorite gluten-free breads for this sandwich are sliced Schar French baguettes, sandwich rolls, or ciabatta rolls or the Canyon Bakehouse Sub Rolls. You can easily find many of these options in the grocery store.
- Provolone Cheese
Variations and Substitutions
- Swap the meat: To accommodate those who may prefer ham, you can substitute the roast beef in this recipe. For the ultimate meat lover's sandwich, try using both roast beef and ham.
- Swap the cheese: Use mozzarella, Swiss cheese, or a dairy-free cheese if desired.
- Sauté some veggies: Sauté some sliced onions and/or bell pepper in the pan before creating your au jus. Pile the sautéed vegetables on your sandwiches along with the roast beef and cheese.
- Add more flavor: Slather your gluten-free brioche buns with mayo before toasting or add a swipe of horseradish sauce for an extra kick.
How to Make Easy French Dip Sandwiches
Make Gluten-Free Au Jus
- Whisk the dry au jus mix ingredients together in a small bowl until well combined.
- Place the dry au jus mix in a medium saucepan. Slowly add 3 cups of cold water and whisk until combined. Add the Worcestershire sauce.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, whisking frequently.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
Assemble the Sandwiches
- Add the sliced deli roast beef to the pan with the au jus.
- Let the roast beef warm in the au jus for just a minute or two.
- Pile the roast beef on to buttered and toasted gluten-free rolls.
- Top with provolone cheese, if desired. Pop under the broiler to melt the cheese.
Serve the sandwiches with a side of the au jus sauce for dunking and enjoy! This meal could not be easier!
What to Serve with French Dip Sandwiches
If you'd like to round out this easy meal, check out these simple ideas, perfect for weeknights or even a party!
- Keep it simple with chips and gluten-free dip.
- Or just bake up some frozen gluten-free French fries or sweet potato fries.
- Veggies and homemade ranch without mayo are always a perfect side.
- Serve with a simple gluten-free pasta salad.
- If you're serving these sandwiches for a crowd, make this cheesy gluten-free potato casserole to go with it!
How to Store Leftovers
To store leftovers, place the roast beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. Extra au jus can be stored separately, if desired. Reheat on the stovetop just until warmed through.
FAQ
Some French dip recipes call for beef consommé, but many store-bought options contain wheat, including Campbell's. If you can find a gluten-free alternative, you could use that instead of making au jus.
Yes, you can use your favorite cornstarch substitute such as potato starch, arrowroot starch, or tapioca starch.
To make this recipe ahead, simply prepare the au jus in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you're ready to serve, reheat the au jus on the stovetop and add the roast beef to warm it through.
More Gluten-Free Dinners
I hope you enjoy this easy Gluten-Free French Dip Sandwich recipe! Follow along for more easy gluten-free meals, like gluten-free sloppy joes, gluten-free taco casserole, and tasty gluten-free chili!
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Recipe
Easy Gluten-Free French Dip Sandwiches
Ingredients
- 4 gluten-free rolls
- 1 pound thinly sliced deli roast beef
- 4 slices provolone cheese
Au Jus Sauce Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 Tablespoon gluten-free beef bouillon
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon celery salt
- 3 cups cold water
- 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 4 Tablespoons butter, for toasting the rolls
Instructions
- In a large skillet, whisk together the cornstarch, gluten-free beef bouillon, onion powder, parsley, garlic powder, black pepper, and celery salt.
- Slowly add 3 cups of cold water and Worcestershire sauce to the skillet while whisking to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, whisking frequently.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Add the roast beef to the skillet and let it warm in the au jus for a minute or two.
- Meanwhile, set the oven broiler to high.
- Slice the gluten-free rolls lengthwise and spread with butter.
- Toast the rolls under the broiler until golden.
- Pile the roast beef onto the rolls and top each sandwich with a slice of provolone cheese.
- Broil until cheese is melted taking care not to burn the rolls.
- Serve with individual cups of au jus for dipping.
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