Roast Beef Sandwiches Au Jus: A Quick & Easy Comfort Classic
The scent of simmering beef and toasted garlic takes me straight back to weekend lunches with my dad. He wasn’t a fancy cook, but he had a knack for creating simple, satisfying meals that always hit the spot. These Roast Beef Sandwiches Au Jus were a particular favorite – warm, cheesy, and endlessly comforting. The savory aroma would fill the house, a promise of deliciousness that made even the most mundane Saturday feel special. He always made extra au jus for dipping, and there were never any leftovers.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Yield: 4 sandwiches
- Dietary Type: Not specified
Ingredients
- 1 (10 ounce) can French onion soup
- 1 (10 ounce) can beef consommé
- ½ – 1 lb thinly sliced deli roast beef
- 8 slices provolone cheese or 8 slices swiss cheese
- 4 hoagie rolls
- Garlic powder
- Mayonnaise
Equipment Needed
- Medium pot
- Knife
- Toaster or Oven
Instructions
- In a medium pot, combine the thinly sliced deli roast beef, beef consommé, and French onion soup.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Allow the roast beef to cook until it is heated through, and the flavors have melded together, about 5 minutes.
- While the roast beef mixture is simmering, prepare the hoagie rolls. Slice each hoagie roll in half lengthwise.
- Sprinkle the cut sides of the hoagie rolls with garlic powder to taste.
- Toast the hoagie rolls until they are golden brown and slightly crispy. You can use a toaster or place them under a broiler for a few minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
- Once the roast beef has heated through and the sauce has reduced slightly, use tongs to carefully transfer the roast beef to the bottom half of the toasted hoagie rolls.
- Top the roast beef with provolone cheese or swiss cheese, using as many slices as needed to cover the meat.
- Place the assembled sandwiches under the broiler until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 1-2 minutes. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Spread mayonnaise on the other half of the hoagie rolls (the top half).
- Top the sandwiches with the mayonnaise-covered half of the hoagie rolls.
- Cut each sandwich in half diagonally and serve immediately.
- Serve the sandwiches with the remaining au jus from the pot on the side for dipping.
Expert Tips & Tricks
- For a richer flavor, consider browning the roast beef in a skillet with a little olive oil before adding it to the pot with the consommé and soup.
- If you don’t have hoagie rolls, you can use other types of bread, such as French bread or ciabatta rolls. Just make sure the bread is sturdy enough to hold the meat and sauce.
- To add a bit of heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the au jus while it’s simmering.
- For a cheesier sandwich, use a blend of different cheeses, such as provolone, swiss, and mozzarella.
- If you want to make the sandwiches ahead of time, you can assemble them and wrap them in foil. Then, when you’re ready to serve, bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and the cheese is melted.
Serving & Storage Suggestions
Serve these Roast Beef Sandwiches Au Jus hot, with the extra au jus on the side for dipping. A side of coleslaw or potato salad complements the rich flavors of the sandwich perfectly.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap the sandwich in foil and bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can also microwave the sandwich, but the bread may become a bit soggy. Store any leftover au jus in a separate container in the refrigerator.
Nutritional Information
(Note: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.)
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 450 kcal | 23% |
| Total Fat | 25g | 38% |
| Saturated Fat | 12g | 60% |
| Cholesterol | 90mg | 30% |
| Sodium | 2500mg | 104% |
| Total Carbohydrate | 30g | 10% |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugars | 4g | – |
| Protein | 30g | 60% |
Variations & Substitutions
- Spicy Au Jus: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the simmering au jus for a spicy kick.
- Mushroom and Onion Au Jus: Sauté sliced mushrooms and onions in butter before adding the consommé and soup for a more complex flavor.
- Garlic Bread Upgrade: For extra garlicky flavor, make homemade garlic bread by spreading garlic butter on the hoagie rolls before toasting.
- Creamy Horseradish Sauce: Instead of mayonnaise, try spreading a creamy horseradish sauce on the hoagie rolls for a tangy twist.
- Different Cheese Options: Experiment with different types of cheese such as Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a creamy Havarti.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: Can I use a different cut of beef?
A: While deli roast beef is convenient, you could use leftover roast beef from a Sunday dinner. Slice it thinly and follow the recipe as directed.
Q: Can I make the au jus from scratch?
A: Absolutely! This recipe uses canned soup and consommé for convenience, but you can find recipes online for homemade au jus. It will add more time to the overall preparation.
Q: Can I use different rolls?
A: Yes, but choose rolls that are sturdy enough to hold the filling without falling apart. French rolls or ciabatta rolls are good alternatives.
Q: How do I keep the bread from getting soggy?
A: Toasting the rolls before adding the meat and cheese helps create a barrier against the moisture. Also, don’t assemble the sandwiches too far in advance.
Q: Can I add vegetables?
A: Sautéed onions and peppers would be a delicious addition to these sandwiches. Add them to the pot with the beef and simmer until tender.
Final Thoughts
These Roast Beef Sandwiches Au Jus are a testament to the fact that simple doesn’t have to mean boring. They’re quick, easy to make, and utterly satisfying – perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual weekend lunch. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and bring a little bit of comfort food magic to your table. Don’t be afraid to experiment with variations and make it your own. And if you have any tips or tricks of your own, be sure to share them in the comments below!
