Roast Beef Sandwich
Thinly sliced, tender roast beef piled high on crusty bread with sweet caramelized onions, sharp provolone cheese, and a zesty horseradish sauce. A classic deli-style sandwich perfect for a hearty lunch.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 30 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Horseradish Sauce
- b.In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, prepared horseradish, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.
- c.Season with 1/4 teaspoon of salt and the black pepper. Cover and refrigerate while you prepare the other ingredients.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Caramelize the Onions
- b.Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat.
- c.Add the sliced onions and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Stir to coat.
- d.Cook slowly for 20-25 minutes, stirring every few minutes, until the onions are soft, sweet, and a deep golden-brown color. If they start to stick, add a tablespoon of water to deglaze the pan.
- e.Once caramelized, remove the onions from the skillet and set aside.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Prepare the Sandwiches for Broiling
- b.Adjust your oven rack so it is about 6 inches from the broiler element and preheat the broiler on high.
- c.Slice the ciabatta rolls in half horizontally and place them cut-side up on a large baking sheet.
- d.Generously spread the prepared horseradish sauce on the inside of all roll halves.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Layer the Ingredients
- b.On the bottom half of each roll, pile approximately 6 oz of the thinly sliced roast beef.
- c.Top the beef with a quarter of the caramelized onions.
- d.Place two slices of provolone cheese over the onions, ensuring they cover the onions and beef.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Broil to Perfection
- b.Place the baking sheet with the open-faced sandwiches under the preheated broiler.
- c.Broil for 1-3 minutes, watching constantly, until the cheese is completely melted, bubbly, and just beginning to brown in spots. The top buns should be lightly toasted.
- d.Do not walk away, as the broiler can burn the sandwiches in seconds.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Final Assembly and Serving
- b.Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven.
- c.If using, place a small handful of fresh arugula on top of the melted cheese.
- d.Place the top half of the roll onto the sandwich. For easier eating, slice in half diagonally with a serrated knife. Serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best flavor, use high-quality deli roast beef. Ask for it to be sliced very thin.
- 2Patience is key for caramelizing onions. Low and slow heat prevents them from burning and brings out their natural sweetness.
- 3To prevent a soggy bottom bun, you can lightly toast the cut sides of the rolls under the broiler for 30-60 seconds before adding the sauce and toppings.
- 4The horseradish sauce's spiciness can vary. Adjust the amount of prepared horseradish to your personal preference.
- 5For an extra juicy sandwich, warm the roast beef slices in a skillet with a splash of beef broth or au jus before layering them on the roll.
Adapt it for your goals.
Cheese
Swap the provolone for Swiss, sharp white cheddar, Gruyère, or Havarti cheese.
BreadBread
Use other sturdy, crusty breads like a French baguette, sourdough slices, or kaiser rolls.
Add insAdd-ins
Add sautéed mushrooms, roasted red peppers, or banana peppers for extra flavor and texture.
SauceSauce
For a smoky kick, add 1/4 teaspoon of smoked paprika to the horseradish sauce. For a bit of heat, add a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
The roast beef provides a significant amount of high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle mass, and maintaining overall body function.
Rich in Iron and B Vitamins
Beef is a prime source of heme iron, which is easily absorbed by the body and helps prevent anemia. It's also packed with B vitamins, particularly B12 and B6, crucial for energy production and a healthy nervous system.
Frequently asked questions
Each sandwich contains approximately 750-850 calories, depending on the specific brands of ingredients used, the size of the roll, and the amount of sauce.