French Dip Burgers – Platings + Pairings

Flavorful onion au jus compliments these delectable French Dip burgers topped with melted Gruyere cheese and horseradish sauce.

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Why you’ll love them

French dip burgers are a twist on a classic recipe: the French dip sandwich. A French dip sandwich is a hot sandwich consisting of thinly sliced roast beef on a “French roll” or baguette. Usually served plain with a dipping container of beef broth.

If you have ever eaten at a chain restaurant such as Cheesecake Factory, you may have seen a French Dip Burger on the menu. This homemade recipe includes onion au jus for drizzling on top of the burgers as well as dipping, which really sets it apart.

Add in creamy horseradish to really bring this burger to the next level.

Wondering what to serve with them? Try my German Potato Salad, Instant Pot Corn on the Cob or Air Fryer Zucchini Fries. Or, check out my full post of 35+ Sides for Burgers!

Interested in more burger recipes? Try my Red Wine Burgers, Lamb Burgers, Green Chile Cheeseburgers, Air Fryer Burgers, or Cheeseburger Salad with Special Sauce.

Side view of french dip burger next to bowl of horseradish.

Onion Au Jus ingredients

Butter
Onion
Sugar
Garlic
Thyme
Bay leaf
Beef broth
Worcestershire sauce
Red wine vinegar

Burger ingredients

Ground beef
Burger buns, split and toasted
Gruyere cheese
Creamy horseradish
Arugula

How to make the au jus

In a saucepan, melt the butter. Add the onion and cook over medium heat, stirring, until it begins to brown, about 10 minutes. Then, add the sugar, garlic, thyme and bay leaf and continue to cook until the onion is deep golden, about 20 minutes.
Add the broth, Worcestershire and vinegar and simmer, 30 minutes.

How to make the burgers

Divide the meat into 4 equal portions and shape into patties. Season with salt and pepper.
Heat the oil in a large cast-iron skillet over high heat. Once hot, add the burgers and cook, flipping once, until golden brown on both sides and cooked through, about 8 minutes total.
Top each burger with a slice of cheese and cover the skillet. Heat for about 1 minute, until the cheese melts.

How to serve

Remove the thyme sprigs and bay leaf from the au jus.
Place the burgers on the buns along with creamy horseradish and arugula. Using a slotted spoon, remove some of the onions and top the burgers with them.
Serve the remaining au jus on the side for dipping.

Wine pairings

Garnacha (Grenache)
Beer – burgers and beer always pair nicely

What to serve with them

More burger recipes

Did you try this French Dip Burger recipe?

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Burgers

1½ pounds ground beef (80 percent lean)
kosher salt and pepper
1 Tablespoon vegetable oil (or canola oil )
4 burger buns (split and toasted )
4 slices Gruyere cheese

In a saucepan, melt the butter. Add the onion and cook over medium heat, stirring, until it begins to brown, about 10 minutes. Add the sugar, garlic, thyme and bay leaf and continue to cook until the onion is deep golden, about 20 minutes.
Add the broth, Worcestershire and vinegar and simmer, 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, make the burgers.
Divide the meat into 4 equal portions and shape into patties. Season with salt and pepper.
Heat the oil in a large cast-iron skillet over high heat. Once hot, add the burgers and cook, flipping once, until golden brown on both sides and cooked through, about 8 minutes total.
Top each burger with a slice of cheese and cover the skillet. Heat for about 1 minute, until the cheese melts.

This post was originally published in 2021. It was updated in 2024 to add new information. The French Dip Burger recipe remains the same. Enjoy!