If you’re lucky enough to have leftover prime rib, congratulations—you’re about to make the best French dip sandwich of your life. This is not a sad leftovers situation. This is a glorious glow-up.
Tender slices of prime rib, melty cheese, crusty bread, and rich au jus for dipping… this sandwich is fast, comforting, and dangerously good.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❤️
- Uses leftover prime rib
- Ready in under 30 minutes
- Restaurant-quality at home
- Perfect for holiday leftovers
- Dip-friendly (the best kind of friendly)
Ingredients for French Dip Sandwich with Prime Rib
This French Dip Sandwich with Prime Rib uses simple, flavorful ingredients that come together for a rich, comforting sandwich. You’ll need tender prime rib, crusty rolls, and a savory au jus made with beef broth and seasonings. A little butter, garlic, and onion add depth, while melted cheese (optional, Beef Au Jus encouraged 😉) makes each bite extra satisfying.
** You can find the full recipe ingredients and instructions on the printable recipe card below.
For the Sandwiches
- 1 lb leftover prime rib, thinly sliced
- 4 Hoagie rolls or French rolls, sliced lengthwise
- 4–6 slices provolone cheese (Mozzarella or Swiss works too!)
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced (optional but excellent)
- Creamy Horseradish Sauce (optional but tasty!)
For the Au Jus
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 Tbsp butter
- ½ cup leftover prime rib drippings, au jus (or use all beef broth if needed)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce (optional)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
How to Make French Dip Sandwich with Prime Rib
** You can find the full recipe ingredients and instructions on the printable recipe card below.
Step 1: Make the Au Jus
In a saucepan [paid link] over medium heat, add:
Beef broth
Prime rib drippings
Worcestershire sauce
Soy sauce
Garlic powder
Bring to a gentle simmer. Taste and season with salt and pepper if needed.
Keep warm on low.
Note: This is not gravy—don’t thicken it! We want it dunk-able.
Step 2: Warm the Prime Rib (Gently!)
In a skillet over low heat, melt the butter.
Add sliced onions (if using) and cook until soft and golden.
Add the sliced prime rib and just warm it through—do not cook it.
We’re keeping that beef tender and juicy, not turning it into shoe leather. 😉
Step 3: Assemble the Sandwiches
Slice rolls lengthwise (don’t cut all the way through)
Fill with warm prime rib
Top with provolone cheese
Place under the broiler for 1–2 minutes, just until the cheese melts and the bread gets lightly toasty.
Step 4: Serve & Dip!
Serve sandwiches hot with small bowls of warm au jus on the side.
⚠️ Warning: Double-dipping may occur.
Why this Recipe Works
This recipe works because it keeps things simple, flavorful, and stress-free—three things busy families love. The ingredients are easy to find, the steps are straightforward, and the flavors play nicely together without being fussy.
It’s one of those recipes where everything just makes sense. No weird techniques. No mystery steps. Just good food that turns out right every time. Plus, it’s forgiving. If you’re a little heavy-handed with seasoning or swap an ingredient, it still tastes great. That’s a weeknight win.
Recipe Tips and Kitchen Tricks
- A few little tricks can take this recipe from “good” to “wow, who made this?”
- Read the recipe once before starting. It sounds obvious, but it really helps avoid surprises halfway through.
- Prep first, cook second. Chop, measure, and set everything out before you turn on the heat. It makes cooking calmer and faster.
- Taste as you go. Minor adjustments can make a big difference.
- Don’t rush the cooking time. Let the flavors do their thing—patience pays off.
- Use what you have. If you’re missing one ingredient, there’s usually an easy swap.
- Pro tip: Clean as you cook. Your future self will thank you. 😉
Family-Friendly Side Dishes
This recipe pairs well with sides that are simple, cozy, and kid-approved:
- Buttery rice or fluffy mashed potatoes – Always a hit.
- Steamed or roasted veggies like broccoli, green beans, or carrots.
- Simple pasta or noodles with a little butter or olive oil.
- Fresh fruit or a light salad for balance.
- Warm dinner rolls or garlic bread (because bread = happiness).
These sides keep the meal familiar while letting the main dish shine.
Recipe Variations
- One of the best things about this recipe? You can change it up without breaking it.
- Make it lighter: Reduce oil or use leaner ingredients.
- Make it heartier: Add extra protein or serve it over rice, pasta, or potatoes.
- Turn up the flavor: Add a little spice, fresh herbs, or extra seasoning.
- Kid-friendly version: Go easy on bold flavors and keep it mild.
- Make-ahead option: Prep parts of the recipe to save time.
- Every trip is totally customizable! Want to swap ingredients, add a twist, or make it work for picky eaters? I’ll tailor it to fit your dream dinner! 😄
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this recipe hot and fresh for the best flavor and texture. It’s perfect for:
- Busy weeknight dinners
- Casual family gatherings
- Potlucks or shared meals
- Meal prep for the week ahead
- Garnish with something simple like fresh herbs, a squeeze of lemon, or a sprinkle of cheese to make it look extra inviting—without extra effort.
Storing, freezing, and reheating instructions
Let the food cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Pro tip: Shallow containers help food cool faster and keep it fresh longer. Plus, you can actually see what’s inside—no mystery leftovers.
How to Freeze This Recipe
This recipe freezes beautifully (future you will be very happy).
- Let the food cool completely.
- Place it in a freezer-safe container or zip-top freezer bag.
- Label it with the name and date (because freezer amnesia is real).
- Freeze for up to 2–3 months.
If freezing in portions, you’ll have easy grab-and-go meals ready for busy nights.
How to Reheat
Reheat gently so the food stays flavorful and not dried out.
- Stovetop: Warm over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water, broth, or sauce if needed.
- Microwave: Reheat in short intervals, stirring between each round to heat evenly.
- From frozen: Thaw overnight in the fridge when possible, then reheat as usual.
Avoid cranking up the heat—slow and steady wins the dinner race.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! This recipe works great as a make-ahead meal. You can prepare it earlier in the day or even the night before, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Best make-ahead tip
If possible, wait to add any fresh toppings or garnishes until just before serving for the best flavor and texture.
How do I store leftovers?
Let the recipe cool completely, then transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator.
How long do leftovers last?
Properly stored, leftovers will keep well for 3 to 4 days.
Can I freeze this recipe?
Yes, this recipe freezes well and is perfect for meal prep.
How to freeze
Allow the food to cool completely, then place it in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 to 3 months.
What substitutions work best?
This recipe is flexible and forgiving. Similar ingredients can usually be swapped based on what you have on hand.
Substitution tip
Try to keep textures similar when swapping ingredients to maintain the best results.
Leftover Prime Rib French Dip Sandwich
Ingredients
- 1 lb Leftover prime rib , thinly sliced
- 4 Hoagie rolls or French rolls
- 4 Slices of provolone cheese (Swiss works too!)
- 1 Small onion , thinly sliced (optional but amazing)
- 1 tbsp butter
For the Au Jus
- 2 cups beef broth
- ½ cup leftover prime rib drippings , au jus, or beef stock
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper , to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Au Jus.
- In a saucepan [paid link] over medium heat, add: beef broth, prime rib drippings, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and garlic powder. Bring to a gentle simmer. Taste and season with salt and pepper if needed. Keep warm on low. 💡 This is not gravy—don’t thicken it! We want it dunk-able.
Step 2: Warm the Prime Rib (Gently!)
- Pre-heat oven broiler (for step 3). In a skillet over low heat, melt the butter. Add sliced onions (if using) and cook until soft and golden. Add the sliced prime rib and just warm it through—do not cook it. We’re keeping that beef tender and juicy, not turning it into shoe leather. 😉
- Step 3: Assemble the Sandwiches
- Slice rolls lengthwise (don’t cut all the way through). Fill with warm prime rib and top with provolone cheese. Place under the broiler for 1–2 minutes, just until the cheese melts and the bread gets lightly toasty.
Step 4: Serve & Dip!
- Serve sandwiches hot with small bowls of warm au jus on the side. ⚠️ Warning: Double-dipping may occur.