Are you craving that juicy, tender roast beef sandwich you get from your favorite deli? The kind piled high with thinly sliced meat, melted cheese, and all the fixings? Well, get ready to ditch the takeout and create your own delicious masterpiece at home! This recipe will guide you through making an unbelievably satisfying deli roast beef sandwich, a quick dinner idea perfect for busy weeknights, or a satisfying weekend lunch. It’s easier than you think to achieve that authentic deli taste, and the homemade satisfaction is unbeatable. Let’s dive into this incredibly flavorful and easy recipe!
Ingredients:
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For the Roast Beef:
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1 cup beef broth
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For the Sandwich:
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 8 hoagie rolls
- 8 slices provolone cheese (or your favorite cheese!)
- Mayonnaise
- Dijon mustard
- Horseradish sauce (optional, but highly recommended!)
- Lettuce
- Tomato
Instructions:
Preparing the Roast Beef:
- Season the Roast: Pat the beef chuck roast dry with paper towels. Generously rub the olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder all over the roast.
- Sear the Roast: Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the roast on all sides until nicely browned (about 2-3 minutes per side). This step adds fantastic flavor!
- Roast in the Oven: Pour the beef broth into the skillet. Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C). Roast for 2-2.5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 190-200°F (88-93°C) for medium-rare. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
- Rest and Slice: Remove the roast from the oven and let it rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender roast beef.
Assembling the Sandwiches:
- Sauté the Veggies: While the roast rests, sauté the sliced onions and bell peppers in a separate pan with a little olive oil until softened. This adds a burst of sweetness and color to the sandwiches.
- Prepare the Rolls: Slice the hoagie rolls lengthwise.
- Layer the Ingredients: Spread mayonnaise and Dijon mustard on both halves of each roll. Add a generous amount of thinly sliced roast beef, followed by the sautéed onions and peppers, provolone cheese, horseradish sauce (if using), lettuce, and tomato.
- Melt the Cheese: You can either broil the sandwiches briefly to melt the cheese perfectly, or use a panini press for a perfectly toasted and melted sandwich.
Tips for the Best Deli Roast Beef Sandwich:
- Don't Overcook the Roast: Overcooked roast beef will be dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure you achieve your desired level of doneness.
- Thinly Slice the Roast: Thin slices are key for a true deli-style sandwich. Use a sharp knife or a meat slicer for best results.
- Get Creative with Toppings: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, vegetables, and condiments to create your perfect sandwich. Try adding pickles, pepperoncini, or even a spicy aioli.
Variations:
- Cheddar Cheese Roast Beef: Substitute sharp cheddar cheese for provolone.
- Swiss Cheese Roast Beef: Use Swiss cheese for a classic combination.
- Add Some Heat: Include sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Nutritional Information (per sandwich, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 500-600 (depending on ingredients and portion size)
- Protein: High
- Fat: Moderate
- Carbohydrates: Moderate
This recipe for a homemade deli roast beef sandwich is a delicious and satisfying meal that showcases the joy of homemade cooking. It’s a perfect example of how easy and rewarding it can be to create restaurant-quality food in your own kitchen. Enjoy!