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Pioneer Woman Roast Beef Sandwich

Pioneer Woman Roast Beef Sandwich - recipe card

A hearty sandwich loaded with slices of roast beef, creamy horseradish sauce, sharp cheddar, and crisp lettuce tucked into toasted rolls. The combination of tender beef, tangy sauce, and fresh crunch creates a satisfying, flavor-packed meal.

Ingredients

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  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced (about 1/2 cup)
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil (for onion marinade)
  • 4 hoagie rolls (68 inches each)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (optional, for toasting rolls)
  • 1 pound thinly sliced roast beef
  • 4 slices (3 ounces total) sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
  • 4 slices ripe tomato

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, prepared horseradish, Dijon mustard, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more horseradish if you prefer a spicier kick. Set the sauce aside to allow the flavors to meld while you prepare the other ingredients.
  2. Place the thinly sliced red onion in a medium shallow bowl. Add the red wine vinegar and extra-virgin olive oil, then toss to coat. Let the onions marinate for at least 5 minutes while you prepare the rolls and beef; this mellows the onion’s sharpness and infuses them with tangy flavor.
  3. Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. If using butter, spread a thin layer of softened unsalted butter onto the cut sides of each hoagie roll. This will create a golden, buttery crust when toasted.
  4. Place the rolls cut-side down onto the preheated skillet. Toast until they are golden brown and crisp, about 2 to 3 minutes. Keep an eye on them—they can burn quickly. Remove the toasted rolls to a cutting board and set aside.
  5. Reduce the heat to medium and add a little oil or butter if the pan is dry. Working in batches if needed, warm the sliced roast beef in the hot skillet just until warmed through and edges begin to sizzle, about 1 minute per side. Avoid overcooking, which can dry out the beef.
  6. If you prefer melted cheese, lay the cheddar slices over the beef in the pan during the last 30 seconds of warming, covering the skillet with a lid to help the cheese melt. Alternatively, you can skip this step and serve the cheese cold for a different texture.
  7. To assemble each sandwich, spread about 1 tablespoon of the horseradish sauce on the bottom half of each toasted roll. Distribute the warmed roast beef evenly among the four rolls, folding or layering the slices to fit.
  8. Top the beef with the marinated red onions, followed by the shredded lettuce and tomato slices. If the cheese was not melted on the beef, place a slice of cheddar on top of the lettuce.
  9. Spread another tablespoon of the horseradish sauce onto the top half of each roll, then place it over the sandwich. Press gently to help the sandwich hold together.
  10. Slice each sandwich in half diagonally using a serrated knife—this makes them easier to handle and looks appealing. Serve immediately while the beef is warm and the rolls are crisp.

Notes

Store leftover sandwich components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The horseradish sauce can be made up to 2 days ahead. To reheat leftover beef, place it in a skillet over low heat with a splash of beef broth to keep it moist, or microwave on medium power in 30-second intervals. Toast rolls again briefly if they have softened. Sliced roast beef from the deli counter is best, but you can use leftover homemade roast beef; slice it thinly against the grain.

Nutrition

Keywords: roast beef sandwich, pioneer woman style, deli sandwich, leftover roast beef, horseradish sauce, toasted hoagie roll, weeknight lunch, easy sandwich, classic American sandwich, beef sandwich recipe