The Classic French Dip Sandwich from Marie Callender's features tender, slow-roasted beef nestled in a toasted hoagie roll, served with a savory au jus dipping sauce, delivering a juicy and flavorful handheld meal with a rich, aromatic broth.
Equipments
- Slow cooker or roasting pan
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet
- Oven or toaster oven
- Saucepan
- Ladle
- Tongs
- Slotted spoon
- Serving plates
- Small bowls (for au jus)
Ingredients
- 3 lbs (1.36kg) beef chuck roast
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion
- 4 cloves garlic
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt
- Black pepper
- 6 hoagie rolls
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
When preparing the Classic French Dip Sandwich from Marie Callender's, choose a high-quality beef chuck roast weighing about 3 lbs (1.36 kg) for optimal tenderness and flavor. Use fresh garlic and a large onion to enhance the savory depth of the au jus broth, which is made with 3 cups of beef broth, 1 cup of water, and a blend of soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce for a rich, umami taste. Season the roast with dried thyme, rosemary, oregano, and a bay leaf for aromatic complexity, adjusting salt and black pepper to your taste preferences. Toast the 6 hoagie rolls and brush them with softened unsalted butter to add a golden crispness that complements the juicy roast beef. Your Classic French Dip Sandwich from Marie Callender's copycat recipe will deliver the iconic juicy, flavorful experience with a savory au jus perfect for dipping.
Instructions
- Preheat the slow cooker or oven.
- Season beef chuck roast with salt and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet; sear roast on all sides.
- Slice onion and mince garlic.
- Place seared roast, onion, and garlic in the slow cooker or roasting pan.
- Add beef broth, water, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, oregano, and bay leaf.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours (slow cooker) or 3–4 hours at 325°F (oven), until beef is tender.
- Remove roast from liquid; let rest, then slice thinly.
- Strain the cooking liquid into a saucepan for au jus.
- Simmer au jus on low; skim fat.
- Preheat oven or toaster oven to 375°F.
- Split hoagie rolls and brush insides with melted butter.
- Toast the rolls on a baking sheet until golden.
- Layer sliced beef onto toasted hoagie rolls.
- Ladle hot au jus into small bowls for dipping.
- Serve sandwiches immediately with au jus on the side.
Substitution
The Classic French Dip Sandwich from Marie Callender's copycat menu relies on slow-roasted beef chuck for its tender, juicy texture, but you can substitute brisket or sirloin roast if chuck is unavailable. If you don't have a slow cooker, a roasting pan in the oven at low heat for several hours achieves similar results. You can replace hoagie rolls with baguettes or sturdy sandwich buns to maintain structure while holding the au jus. To adjust for dietary preferences, use low-sodium beef broth and reduced butter, ensuring your sandwich remains flavorful yet lighter. Your au jus can be enhanced by adding a splash of red wine or a dash of balsamic vinegar for deeper complexity.
Tips
Ensure you sear the beef chuck roast on all sides to lock in juices and enhance flavor before slow cooking or roasting. When slicing the roast, let it rest for at least 10 minutes to redistribute the juices, which keeps the meat tender and moist. Strain and skim the cooking liquid carefully to remove fat, ensuring a clean, rich au jus that complements your sandwich without greasiness. Toasting the hoagie rolls with butter not only adds flavor but prevents them from becoming soggy when dipped in the au jus, improving the overall handheld experience.
Nutritions
The Classic French Dip Sandwich provides a balanced source of protein from the slow-roasted beef chuck, essential for muscle repair and maintenance. Your meal includes olive oil and unsalted butter, supplying healthy fats and enhancing nutrient absorption. The beef broth and herbs contribute minerals and antioxidants while keeping the sandwich flavorful without excessive calories. Enjoying this sandwich offers a hearty blend of macronutrients and savory satisfaction ideal for a satisfying lunch or dinner.
Storage
Store leftover Classic French Dip Sandwich beef and au jus separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain flavor and freshness. Keep the hoagie rolls in a sealed bag at room temperature to avoid sogginess, or freeze for up to 1 month if you plan to use them later. When reheating, warm the beef and au jus gently on the stove, and toast the rolls before assembling to retain your sandwich's delicious texture.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute the beef chuck roast with a boneless brisket for a slightly different texture and flavor profile. Instead of slow cooking, try braising the beef in a Dutch oven on the stovetop at low heat to deepen the flavors and reduce cooking time. For a twist, add a splash of red wine to the au jus for added richness and complexity. Consider topping the sandwich with caramelized onions or provolone cheese to enhance the overall taste experience.
Allergies
The Classic French Dip Sandwich may pose allergy risks due to wheat in the hoagie rolls, which contains gluten, and soy in the soy sauce used in the broth. The beef broth and Worcestershire sauce might contain additional allergens or preservatives that could affect sensitive individuals. Your best approach is to check ingredient labels carefully or consult with the manufacturer if you have specific food allergies before enjoying this sandwich.
Why this recipe?
The Classic French Dip Sandwich from Marie Callender's restaurant stands out for its tender, thinly sliced roast beef served on a toasted French roll, paired with a rich, flavorful au jus for dipping. Its perfect balance of juicy meat and savory broth creates a satisfying combination that appeals to a wide range of taste buds. Making a copycat version allows you to enjoy this iconic comfort food at home with control over ingredients and customization to your preferences. You gain the experience of recreating a beloved dish known for quality and taste, bringing restaurant-level satisfaction to your dining table.