This Grilled Roast Beef Sandwich recipe combines tender roast beef with sautéed vegetables and gooey melted cheese, all pressed together between two slices of crusty bread. The addition of brandy-cooked veggies and the perfect combination of mozzarella and cheddar cheeses makes this sandwich a hearty and flavorful meal. It’s a perfect choice for a satisfying lunch or dinner!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
For the Sauteed Vegetables:
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1 large red onion, thinly sliced
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2 green bell peppers, cored and sliced into batons
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3 garlic cloves, roughly chopped
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Olive oil
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Seasoned salt
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¼ cup brandy
For the Sandwiches:
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8 slices of good French boule bread (or any rustic bread)
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Unsalted butter, softened
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8 slices mozzarella cheese
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6 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
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1 lb thinly sliced rare roast beef (deli roast beef works fine)
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1 large tomato, sliced
Optional:
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Fresh thyme leaves for garnish
Directions
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Prepare the Vegetables:
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté for 5 minutes. Then, add the green bell peppers, garlic, and a dash of seasoned salt. Continue sautéing for another 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the onions begin to caramelize. Add the brandy and cook until it evaporates. Remove from heat and set aside. -
Prepare the Bread and Cheese:
Lightly butter one side of each bread slice. To assemble the sandwiches, take one slice of bread and layer one slice of mozzarella and some shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Then add the sautéed vegetables, followed by the roast beef and a slice of tomato. Top with more cheddar and another slice of mozzarella. Close the sandwich with the remaining slice of bread. -
Grill the Sandwiches:
Grill the sandwiches in a panini grill, electric plate grill, or a stove-top grill for 2-4 minutes until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden brown. If using a stove-top grill, flip the sandwiches midway and press with a spatula. -
Serve:
Once grilled, remove the sandwiches from the grill and serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh thyme leaves. Pair with chips, beer, or a side of Giardiniera (Italian pickled vegetables) for extra flavor.
Nutrients (per serving)
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Calories: 576 kcal
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Carbohydrates: 34g
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Protein: 37g
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Fat: 34g
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Saturated Fat: 13g
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Cholesterol: 60mg
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Sodium: 835mg
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Potassium: 548mg
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Fiber: 4g
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Sugar: 7g
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Vitamin A: 10% DV
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Vitamin C: 60% DV
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Calcium: 30% DV
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Iron: 15% DV
Sautéed Vegetables: The Perfect Flavor Base
The vegetables in this sandwich are the true secret to its depth of flavor. Red onions, green bell peppers, and garlic are sautéed in olive oil, allowing them to soften and caramelize, bringing out their natural sweetness. Seasoned salt adds a nice touch of seasoning, while the addition of brandy helps create a rich, aromatic finish. The brandy also deglazes the pan, picking up any flavorful bits left from the sautéing process, which further enhances the overall taste of the vegetables.
Once the brandy evaporates, the vegetables become tender and flavorful, offering a savory and slightly sweet foundation for the sandwich. These vegetables are the perfect contrast to the savory roast beef and melted cheese, adding complexity to each bite.
The Bread and Cheese: A Golden, Melty Combination
For a sandwich this hearty, the bread and cheese are just as important as the filling. A good French boule or any rustic bread is ideal for grilling. The bread should have a thick, crispy crust that will hold up to the filling and grilling process while providing the perfect crunch when you bite into it. The lightly buttered exterior ensures that the bread crisps up beautifully on the grill, making each bite a satisfying combination of crispy and tender.
The cheese in this sandwich is a winning combination of mozzarella and sharp cheddar. The mozzarella gives the sandwich its characteristic meltiness and mild flavor, while the sharp cheddar provides a rich, tangy bite that pairs perfectly with the roast beef and vegetables. The combination of the two cheeses ensures that the sandwich is both gooey and flavorful, with every bite offering a satisfying blend of textures and flavors.
The Roast Beef: Tender and Flavorful
The thinly sliced rare roast beef is the star of this sandwich. Its tender, juicy texture complements the crispy bread, sautéed vegetables, and melty cheese. The savory roast beef adds a richness to the sandwich that perfectly balances the sweetness of the sautéed vegetables and the sharpness of the cheese. Deli roast beef works perfectly for this recipe, as it is already thinly sliced and flavorful, making it easy to layer in the sandwich.
Assembling the Sandwich: Layering for Maximum Flavor
Assembling this sandwich is a simple yet rewarding process. Start by lightly buttering each slice of bread to ensure that it toasts to a perfect golden brown. Layer the mozzarella and sharp cheddar cheese, followed by the sautéed vegetables and tender roast beef. Top with another slice of mozzarella and cheddar cheese, and finish with the second slice of buttered bread.
The cheese acts as a binder for all the ingredients, ensuring that the vegetables and roast beef stay perfectly in place as the sandwich is grilled.
Grilling the Sandwich: Crispy and Golden
The sandwiches are grilled in a panini press, electric plate grill, or on a stove-top grill. The key is to grill the sandwich long enough to melt the cheese and crisp the bread without burning it. Grilling for 2-4 minutes is usually enough to achieve the perfect balance of crispy bread and melty cheese.
If using a stove-top grill, be sure to flip the sandwich halfway through and press it down with a spatula to ensure even grilling on both sides. The result should be a beautifully golden sandwich with a crispy exterior and a warm, gooey interior.
Serving the Sandwich: Delicious Pairings
Once grilled, remove the sandwiches from the grill and serve them hot. For added flavor, garnish with fresh thyme leaves or parsley for a burst of freshness and color. You can also serve the sandwich with a side of chips, beer, or even some Giardiniera (Italian pickled vegetables) to enhance the savory flavors of the sandwich.
This sandwich is filling enough to be served on its own, but it can also be paired with a side salad for a lighter meal. The crisp freshness of the salad will complement the richness of the sandwich, balancing the flavors beautifully.
Nutritional Information: Hearty and Satisfying
Each serving of Grilled Roast Beef Sandwich contains approximately 576 calories, making it a hearty and satisfying meal. With 37g of protein, it provides a significant amount of the daily recommended intake, thanks to the lean roast beef and cheese. The fat content is 34g, including 13g of saturated fat, which comes from the cheese and butter, adding richness and flavor to the sandwich.
The sandwich also contains 11g of carbohydrates, with 4g of fiber from the vegetables and bread, making it a balanced meal. The 22g of sugar comes from the natural sugars in the apple jelly, vegetables, and honey, contributing to the sandwich’s savory-sweet profile. With 600mg of sodium per serving, it’s important to be mindful of the salt content, but the sandwich is otherwise nutrient-dense, offering vitamins and minerals like vitamin A, C, calcium, and iron.
Conclusion: A Flavorful and Hearty Sandwich
Grilled Roast Beef Sandwich is the ultimate comfort food, offering a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors. The combination of tender roast beef, sautéed vegetables, melty cheese, and a crispy golden crust creates a sandwich that is both filling and delicious. Whether you enjoy it for lunch, dinner, or a casual gathering, this sandwich is sure to satisfy your cravings and impress your guests.
With its simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, Grilled Roast Beef Sandwich is the perfect choice for a quick, flavorful meal that’s both hearty and satisfying. Enjoy it with your favorite sides or on its own for a delicious, filling experience.