French Dip Sandwich with Thin-Sliced Roast Beef and RUB PRIME STEAK Au Jus
A classic French Dip made with a seasoned oven-roasted beef, thinly sliced for tender, melt-in-your-mouth sandwiches and a deeply savory RUB PRIME STEAK–forward au jus. Quick tips for searing, resting and a light chill ensure paper-thin slices, while a simple deglazed jus enriches every dip.
Ingredient Spotlight
RUB PRIME STEAK
RUB PRIME STEAK appears to be a commercial steak seasoning/rub (often sold under brand names or by butchers) used to season roasts and steaks; it’s essentially a Western/American-style steak rub. It usually tastes savory and salty with peppery, smoky, and umami notes depending on the blend (common components include kosher salt, cracked black pepper, garlic and onion powders, smoked paprika, and sometimes sugar or MSG). You can find it at supermarkets, specialty butcher shops, or online; substitute with a homemade mix of coarse kosher salt, cracked black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika and a little brown sugar (plus optional dried herbs) to mimic the flavor.
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Jake's note
"This recipe focuses on a well-seasoned roast and an easy, rich au jus — perfect for casual dinners or game-day sandwiches. Home cooks will love the slicing hack that turns a roast into delicate deli-style slices."
French Dip Sandwich with Thin-Sliced Roast Beef and RUB PRIME STEAK Au Jus
There’s something comforting and slightly theatrical about a French Dip: the tactile pleasure of tearing into a warm roll, the whisper-thin ribbons of beef folding under a melty slice of provolone, and that shiny, savory pool of au jus that makes every bite sing. This version leans into two reliable truths: a lean top round roast properly seared and rested will yield deli-style slices without the expense of prime cuts, and a jus built from the pan’s fond, a hit of Worcestershire and a knob of butter brings a deep, meaty gloss that makes even a simple roll feel indulgent. The RUB PRIME STEAK seasoning pulls the flavor forward without masking the beef, so the sandwich reads as honest roast beef, not just dressed-up bread.
If you want deli-quality texture at home, the small technique adjustments here are the key: a hot, even sear to build fond, an intentional rest followed by a brief chill to allow paper-thin slicing, and a gentle reduction of stock rather than a frantic boil so the jus stays bright and clean. This sandwich is ideal for a casual dinner that feels elevated, a weekend game-day spread, or anytime you want something easy to share that rewards good technique more than fancy ingredients.
Plan your timing
Ingredients
Instructions
Season, sear and roast the beef
For this step
- 2.5 lbBeef top round roast
- 2 tbspRUB PRIME STEAK
- 1 tspKosher salt
- 2 tbspOlive oil
Rest and thin-slice for deli-style meat
Make the RUB PRIME–seasoned au jus
For this step
- 4 cupLow-sodium beef stock
- 1 smallShallot (minced)
- 1 tbspWorcestershire sauce
- 2 tbspUnsalted butter
Toast, assemble and serve with au jus
For this step
- 4 countFrench rolls
- 4 slicesProvolone cheese slices
Tips from the kitchen
Pat Dry First
Thoroughly drying the roast before seasoning ensures a deep brown crust; moisture on the surface steams and prevents proper searing.
Use High Heat Sear
Sear the roast in a very hot skillet for 2–3 minutes per side to build the fond you’ll later deglaze into the jus.
Rest Then Chill
Rest the roast 15–20 minutes, then refrigerate or freeze 20–30 minutes to firm the meat so you can slice it paper-thin against the grain.
Deglaze with Stock
Add a splash of beef stock to the hot pan to lift browned bits—this is where most of your jus’s character comes from.
Finish With Butter
Whisking in cold butter off heat adds sheen and rounds the flavors of the jus without over-reducing it.
Warm, Not Boil
Keep the jus at a gentle simmer while reducing; a hard boil can concentrate bitterness and evaporate too much liquid too fast.
Variations & substitutions
Use a Different Cut
Substitute top sirloin or eye of round if top round isn’t available; adjust roasting time by one-size up or down and target the same internal temp for doneness.
Red Wine Jus Twist
Add 1/2 cup dry red wine when deglazing and reduce slightly before adding beef stock for a deeper, slightly tannic jus that pairs well with provolone.
Mushroom Vegetarian Dip
Sauté cremini and shiitake with shallot and Worcestershire (use vegetarian version), deglaze with stock and finish with butter or vegan butter for a hearty plant-forward dip.
Cheese and Roll Swaps
Swap provolone for Gruyère or sharp cheddar and use a crusty baguette or hoagie roll to vary texture and flavor without changing technique.
Storage & make-ahead
Store leftover sliced roast and cooled au jus separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. To make ahead, roast and slice the beef, then refrigerate; rewarm briefly in the hot jus or under a low oven (275°F/135°C) to avoid overcooking. Reheat sandwiches assembled by briefly broiling until cheese melts and dipping into warmed jus to revive moisture.
What to serve with it
Serve with crisp, acidic sides that cut through the richness — a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, quick pickled cucumbers, or deli-style coleslaw. For drinks, pair with a hoppy lager, a dry rosé, or a full-bodied iced tea; the effervescence or acidity will balance the savory jus. Present each sandwich with a shallow ramekin of au jus for dipping and a small fork for drizzling.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use a different roast?
Yes—top sirloin, eye of round or even a trimmed chuck roast can work; choose a roast that slices well and adjust cook time to reach the same internal temperature for your preferred doneness.
How do I know when the roast is done?
Use an instant-read thermometer: 125°F (52°C) for medium-rare and 135°F (57°C) for medium. Remember the roast will rise a few degrees during resting.
Why chill the roast before slicing?
Cooling the roast briefly firms the muscle fibers so you can slice extremely thin, which gives the sandwich the tender, almost melt-in-your-mouth texture of deli meat.
Can I make the jus ahead of time?
Yes—the jus can be made a day ahead and refrigerated; reheat gently and whisk in a little water or extra stock if it has reduced too much to restore the right dipping consistency.
How do I keep the beef from drying when reheating?
Warm slices briefly in the heated jus or steam them under a low oven to prevent overcooking; avoid microwaving uncovered, which dries thin slices quickly.
Is the RUB PRIME STEAK seasoning necessary?
It’s not mandatory but it provides a balanced, savory profile that complements the beef; you can substitute with a mix of coarse black pepper, garlic powder, and a touch of smoked paprika if needed.
About the author
JakeHello, I'm Jake. I started this recipe site with the idea that I hated recipe websites that overwhelm you with long stories and ads just to see plain content that's not helpful. My goal is to provide you with quality recipes, simple ideas and a fun cooking experience. There's lots of fun things to cook, and I think as you browse the site you'll find that TopShelf.Recipes is the place for quality recipes on the web.
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Ingredients
- Beef top round roast2.5 lb
- 🛒 BuyRUB PRIME STEAK2 tbsp
- Kosher salt1 tsp
- Olive oil2 tbsp
- Low-sodium beef stock4 cup
- Shallot (minced)1 small
- Worcestershire sauce1 tbsp
- Unsalted butter2 tbsp
- French rolls4 count
- Provolone cheese slices4 slices
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Nutrition Facts
Per serving: 1 sandwich with 1/2 cup au jus (710g)
Nutrition values are estimated from USDA ingredient data and may vary based on preparation, brands, and portion sizes. Values are provided for informational purposes only.
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