Name: Delicious Hot Beef Sandwich
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h 30 min
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Ingredients: 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)

Prepare yourself for an unforgettable culinary experience with this Hot Beef Sandwich, a dish that’s nothing short of a flavor spectacle. Whether you’re drawn to its mouth-watering aroma or its hearty, comforting presence on your dining table, this sandwich is a triumph of taste and texture. Imagine juicy, tender beef mixed with savory gravy, melted Swiss cheese, and served on a soft, toasted roll. It’s not only a sandwich; it’s a feast that turns any meal into an occasion. The secret to its success? The efficient magic of the Instant Pot, allowing slow-cooked taste to meet modern-day convenience. But it doesn’t stop there; a smattering of Dijon mustard adds an extra layer of tangy goodness you won’t want to miss.

This Hot Beef Sandwich isn’t just about great taste—it’s incredibly easy to prepare too. With straightforward steps and ingredients likely already in your kitchen, it transforms a busy evening into a gourmet indulgence. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity; while the Instant Pot takes care of the heavy lifting, you can relax and simply look forward to the rewarding flavors. What better way to celebrate the aroma of a well-cooked meal than with a sandwich that delivers so much satisfaction? Gather your family around because this meal serves not just a good meal but creates cherished memories.

Why You’ll Love This Hot Beef Sandwich

Flavorful: Juicy beef, rich gravy, and creamy cheese create an irresistible combo.
Quick and Convenient: With the Instant Pot, enjoy slow-cooked flavor without hours of waiting.
Simple Ingredients: Uses readily available pantry items without compromising taste.
Versatile: Easily customizable with cheese or condiments of your choice.
Family Favorite: A surefire hit for gatherings or a casual weeknight dinner.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before you jump into making this delightful dish, let’s set the stage for a seamless cooking experience. Begin by organizing your kitchen workspace—clear the counters and ensure your Instant Pot is in good shape. Plug it in and set it to sauté mode, preparing it for that all-important initial searing of the beef. Gather your key ingredients: beef, onions, garlic, broth, and of course, the perfect seasoning blend. Have a mixing bowl and utensils ready for making the gravy, as well as a sharp knife and cutting board for slicing the onion.

Cooking this Hot Beef Sandwich means enjoying both simplicity and precision. Apart from the Instant Pot, grab a pair of tongs for turning and removing the beef chunks, and a whisk for creating a smooth gravy. Make sure you have a pair of forks handy for shredding the beef once cooked. Lastly, have a baking sheet or toaster ready to warm your rolls to perfection. The right tools will make your cooking smooth and the outcome delectable. Your sandwich adventure is about to kick off, so let’s get these tools in motion!

Ingredients

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)

Instructions

Step 1: Season and Sear

Begin by generously seasoning your beef chunks with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. With your Instant Pot set to sauté mode, add vegetable oil. Once the oil is shimmering hot, sear the beef chunks, allowing a deep color to develop on all sides. This step locks in flavor and creates texture. Remove the beef and set it aside once the searing is complete.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

In the same pot, add sliced onions and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions are soft and translucent, ensuring all the brown bits from searing are deglazed and incorporated into the mixture. This adds rich layers of flavor to your stew base.

Step 3: Pressure Cooking

Reintroduce the seared beef to the pot. Incorporate beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and rosemary. Stir the mixture well to ensure everything is combined. Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to high pressure. Cook for 90 minutes, letting the savory magic unfold. After the pressure cooking, allow natural pressure release for 15 minutes, then manually release any remaining pressure.

Step 4: Thicken & Shred

Once the lid is safely removed, take out the beef and shred it using two forks. Ready your gravy by mixing flour with water to form a paste. Gradually whisk this mixture with about ½ cup of the cooking liquid. Return to sauté mode, slowly adding this paste to the pot while stirring, watching it thicken beautifully. Once done, reincorporate the shredded beef, stirring to coat it evenly with gravy.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

Set your rolls aside for a quick toast in the oven or toaster until crisp. Pile the shredded beef mixture generously on each roll and finish with a slice of Swiss cheese. Optionally, add a smooth layer of Dijon mustard for an extra flavor punch. Serve immediately to enjoy the optimal blend of textures and warmth.

Variations

Protein: Substitute beef with lamb for a different savory experience or use chicken thighs for a lighter version.
Vegetables: Add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for extra depth of flavor and color.
Spices: Feel free to spice it up with a pinch of cayenne or a splash of hot sauce for some heat.

Cooking Notes

Ensure the beef is well-seared; this step adds significant depth of flavor to the dish.
Allowing natural pressure release enriches the tenderness of the beef.
The gravy can be as thick as preferred; adjust by adding more flour-water paste or diluting with cooking liquid.

Serving Suggestions

This sandwich pairs well with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
For an elevated dining experience, serve with a glass of your favorite red wine or a refreshing iced tea.

Tips

For a richer texture, consider introducing a few tablespoons of cream to the gravy.
Don’t have an Instant Pot? Use a slow cooker but adjust cooking time to achieve similar texture.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Nutritional Information

Calories: Approximately 550 per serving
Protein: 45g per serving
Sodium: 800mg per serving

FAQs

Can I prepare this recipe without an Instant Pot?

Yes, you can use a slow cooker. Simply sear the beef and sauté the onions and garlic in a pan first, then transfer to the slow cooker. Adjust cooking time accordingly to ensure the beef becomes tender.

Can I make this sandwich gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free thickener and use gluten-free bread rolls to accommodate dietary needs.

Is this sandwich freezer-friendly?

You can freeze the shredded beef and gravy for later use, but avoid freezing with the bread as it may become soggy. Simply reheat and assemble when ready to serve.

What cheese works best with this sandwich?

While Swiss cheese is recommended for its mild flavor and excellent melting properties, provolone or cheddar are great alternatives. Choose based on your cheesy preference!

Conclusion

The Hot Beef Sandwich brings together effortless preparation and indulgent flavors in perfect harmony. It’s a quintessential comfort dish, ideal for warming hearts and households any time of year. Impress your friends and family with a meal that’s as simple to make as it is to enjoy, encouraging everyone to savor each bite. Don’t be surprised if your guests ask for seconds or the recipe to recreate this scrumptious delight!
We’ve shared our tips and variations, but now it’s your turn to craft a signature version. Comment below your ideas or tweaks, share the love by posting, or simply bask in the satisfaction of a delightful home-cooked meal. Let the world join in on the joys of this delicious creation, transforming ordinary days into extraordinary moments.