French Dip Sandwich

Ingredients

• 2 lbbeef chuck roast$12.85
• 1 tspkosher salt$0.02
• 0.5 tspblack pepper$0.07
• 1 tbspolive oil$0.23
• 4 eachgarlic cloves$0.19
• 1 tspdried thyme$0.14
• 4 cupbeef broth$2.27
• 4 eachFrench rolls$3.40
• 4 eachProvolone cheese slices$2.83
• Total for 4 servings$22.00

Most of the cost is beef chuck roast ($12.85) and french rolls ($3.40). With oil, spices and staples already at home, the shop drops to about $16.08. Prices are estimated for the amount used, at average US grocery prices (November 2026).

Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Pat the beef chuck roast thoroughly dry with paper towels, then rub all surfaces evenly with the kosher salt and black pepper.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat on the stovetop until shimmering. Add the beef chuck roast and sear for 3 to 4 minutes per side until deeply browned on all sides.
3. Add the smashed garlic cloves, dried thyme, and beef broth to the pot, scraping up all browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon, and bring the liquid to a gentle simmer.
4. Cover the Dutch oven tightly with its lid, place it in the oven, and braise at 325°F (160°C) for 2 to 2.5 hours until the meat is fork-tender.
5. Transfer the beef chuck roast to a cutting board to rest for 15 minutes, then slice the beef thinly across the grain. Layer the sliced beef onto the bottom halves of the split French rolls, top each portion with 1 slice of the Provolone cheese slices, and arrange the open sandwiches on a baking sheet to broil on high for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the bread edges are lightly toasted.
6. Pour the hot braising liquid through a fine-mesh strainer into a bowl, skim off excess surface fat, and ladle the warm au jus into four individual small ramekins.
7. Close the French rolls over the melted cheese and beef, and serve warm immediately with the individual bowls of au jus for dipping.