Craving a comforting, flavorful meal that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than this hot roast beef sandwich with gravy. This recipe transforms leftover roast beef into a gourmet sandwich experience, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying weekend lunch. It's one of those incredibly satisfying, healthy meals that's surprisingly quick to prepare. Let's dive into this easy recipe and elevate your homemade cooking game!
Ingredients:
For the Roast Beef: (If using leftover roast beef, adjust quantities accordingly)
- 1.5 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
For the Gravy:
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup beef broth (from the roast beef)
- 1 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sandwich:
- 4 crusty rolls or hoagie buns
- 8 slices of your favorite cheese (provolone, Swiss, cheddar all work well)
Instructions:
Making the Roast Beef:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Season the beef chuck roast generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the roast on all sides until nicely browned.
- Pour in the beef broth, ensuring the roast is partially submerged.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast for approximately 2-2.5 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender.
- Remove the roast from the oven and let it rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.
Making the Gravy:
- Once the roast is removed, strain the pan juices into a saucepan, reserving the solids.
- Melt butter in the saucepan over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the reserved beef broth, ensuring no lumps form.
- Bring the gravy to a simmer, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to your desired consistency.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assembling the Sandwiches:
- Spread a generous amount of gravy on the bottom halves of the rolls.
- Layer the thinly sliced roast beef and cheese on top of the gravy.
- Top with the remaining roll halves.
- You can either serve the sandwiches as they are or broil them briefly in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Tips for Delicious Results:
- For extra flavor, add some chopped onions and carrots to the roasting pan with the beef.
- If you don't have beef broth, you can substitute with chicken broth or even water. Beef broth adds depth of flavor, however.
- Don't overcrowd the pan when searing the beef; work in batches if necessary to ensure proper browning.
- For a richer gravy, add a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce.
- If your gravy is too thick, add a little more broth; if it's too thin, simmer it uncovered for a few minutes longer.
Variations:
- Add sautéed mushrooms or peppers to your sandwiches for extra vegetables.
- Use different types of cheese to experiment with various flavor combinations.
- Try adding horseradish to your gravy for a spicy kick.
- Serve with a side of crispy fries or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the size of your sandwich and the type of ingredients used. However, a serving will likely be a good source of protein, and the recipe can be adapted to fit various dietary needs. For precise nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator after inputting your specific ingredients and quantities.
This hot roast beef sandwich with gravy recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It's a perfect example of how simple, delicious dishes can be created with readily available ingredients. It’s a quick dinner idea, perfect for busy weeknights and special occasions alike! Enjoy!