This Hot Beef Sandwich is the ultimate comfort food for a hearty and satisfying meal. Made with tender chuck roast, rich gravy, and melty Swiss cheese, it’s a dish that brings the best of both worlds: flavorful and filling. Perfect for a cozy dinner, it brings the warmth of slow-cooked beef in a fraction of the time, thanks to the Instant Pot. It’s everything you crave in a sandwich—juicy beef, savory gravy, and a soft roll—served up in no time!
With its comforting texture and rich flavors, this Hot Beef Sandwich is an easy yet indulgent dish that will soon become a family favorite. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or just need a quick dinner, this recipe provides a simple way to get that melt-in-your-mouth goodness without hours of preparation. Add a layer of Swiss cheese and some tangy Dijon mustard to take it to the next level!
Full Recipe:
-
2 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into two 1-pound chunks
-
½ teaspoon kosher salt
-
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
-
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
-
1 large onion, thinly sliced
-
2 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 cup low-sodium beef broth
-
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
-
1 teaspoon dried thyme
-
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
-
¼ cup all-purpose flour
-
¼ cup water
-
4 slices French bread or sandwich rolls
-
4 slices Swiss cheese (or provolone/cheddar, optional)
Directions:
-
Season the beef chunks generously with salt and pepper.
-
Set the pressure cooker to sauté mode. Add vegetable oil, and once hot, sear the beef chunks on all sides until browned. Remove the beef and set aside.
-
In the same pot, sauté the onions and garlic until soft and translucent.
-
Return the seared beef to the pot. Add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and rosemary. Stir to combine.
-
Secure the lid and cook on high pressure for 90 minutes. Let pressure release naturally for 15 minutes, then manually release remaining pressure.
-
Remove the beef and shred using two forks.
-
In a small bowl, mix flour with water to create a paste.
-
Add ½ cup of cooking liquid to the flour-water mixture and stir until smooth. Gradually whisk this paste into the pot to thicken the gravy.
-
Switch the pot to sauté mode, stirring the gravy until it thickens.
-
Stir the shredded beef into the gravy and season to taste.
-
Serve on toasted rolls, topped with Swiss cheese and optional mustard.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 1 hour 45 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
Kcal: 763 kcal | Servings: 4 sandwiches
Origins and Influences of Hot Beef Sandwiches
Hot Beef Sandwiches have long been a staple in comfort food culture. The idea of a beef sandwich smothered in gravy traces back to classic American dishes, especially from Midwestern and Southern cuisines. The concept of slow-cooking beef, allowing it to become tender and juicy, is a time-honored tradition. This method ensures that the beef soaks up all the flavors of the broth and herbs, creating a flavorful filling that pairs perfectly with a soft roll.
In the past, preparing a hot beef sandwich was a long and labor-intensive process, often requiring hours of slow roasting or braising. But with the introduction of the Instant Pot, this dish has been revolutionized. The pressure cooker allows you to create all the same flavors in a fraction of the time, making it more accessible for busy families and weeknight meals.
The Appeal of Hot Beef Sandwiches
What makes Hot Beef Sandwiches so universally loved is their comforting nature and mouthwatering flavors. The combination of juicy, tender beef with rich gravy and melty cheese on a toasted roll is simply irresistible. Here’s why this sandwich is the perfect comfort food:
-
Tender Beef: Beef chuck roast is the go-to choice for this dish because it’s rich in fat, which makes it tender and juicy when cooked slowly. The pressure cooker method ensures the beef cooks perfectly, with all its flavors locked in.
-
Savory Gravy: The gravy adds a layer of richness and moisture to the sandwich, making every bite comforting and satisfying. It’s thickened with a flour paste, which gives it a smooth, luscious texture.
-
Cheese: Topping the sandwich with Swiss cheese (or your preferred variety) adds a creamy, melty finish. The cheese complements the beef and gravy, making it a truly indulgent meal.
-
Rolls: The choice of bread is important, and French rolls or sandwich buns work best for holding all the juicy goodness while adding texture.
Why This Hot Beef Sandwich Recipe is Ideal for Busy Weeknights
Despite its indulgent nature, this Hot Beef Sandwich recipe is surprisingly quick and easy to make, thanks to the Instant Pot. Here’s why it’s perfect for busy nights:
-
Speed: Traditional methods of making hot beef sandwiches take hours to slow-cook the meat. But using the Instant Pot, you can have a delicious, tender beef sandwich in under 2 hours.
-
Minimal Effort: Aside from the searing and sautéing, the bulk of the work is done by the pressure cooker, which means you don’t have to spend a lot of time hovering over the stove.
-
Great for Meal Prep: You can make a big batch of beef and store leftovers for up to 4 days in the fridge or freeze them for later use. This makes it an excellent option for meal prep or leftovers that taste just as good the next day.
Customizing Hot Beef Sandwiches
One of the best things about Hot Beef Sandwiches is how customizable they are. Here are a few ways to make this recipe your own:
-
Bread: If you prefer a different bread, feel free to swap out the French rolls for something like baguettes, hoagie rolls, or even sourdough for a tangier twist.
-
Cheese: While Swiss cheese is traditional, you can experiment with different varieties like cheddar, provolone, or even pepper jack for a spicier kick.
-
Additional Toppings: Some like to add extra toppings such as sautéed mushrooms, onions, or pickles to enhance the flavor. If you like a bit of heat, consider spreading some Dijon mustard or hot sauce on the bread before adding the beef.
-
Gravy Variations: You can adjust the consistency of the gravy by adding more or less flour to the mixture. For a lighter gravy, you can also swap in low-fat milk or half-and-half instead of using the full amount of heavy cream.
Perfect Pairings for Hot Beef Sandwiches
To round out your meal, consider pairing this hearty sandwich with sides that balance its richness. Here are a few ideas:
-
Pickled Vegetables: The tanginess of pickled cucumbers or beets pairs well with the rich, savory beef and gravy.
-
Coleslaw: A fresh, crunchy coleslaw with a tangy dressing provides a great contrast to the tender beef.
-
French Fries or Potato Chips: For a classic pairing, serve your hot beef sandwich with crispy fries or chips.
-
Salad: A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette can help cut through the richness of the sandwich and balance the meal.
Conclusion: Why You Should Make Hot Beef Sandwiches
In conclusion, this Hot Beef Sandwich recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves hearty, comforting meals. It’s simple to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a special weekend meal. The Instant Pot takes the hassle out of the traditional slow-cooked method, making this sandwich accessible and quick without sacrificing any of its deliciousness.
This recipe is an easy way to indulge in a classic comfort food with minimal effort, and it’s sure to become a family favorite in your household.