Jimmy's ultimate roast beef sandwich Recipe

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This Jimmy’s ultimate roast beef sandwich is a cheesy and loaded recipe, which is made with leftover roast beef and sharp Cheddar cheese. It’s the ultimate comfort food recipe, ready in about 50 minutes.

Jimmy’s ultimate roast beef sandwich Ingredients

A perfect way to transform leftovers into a gourmet meal.

3 parsnips
6 carrots
Olive oil
2 sprigs of fresh rosemary
3 onions
1 knob of unsalted butter
180g Cheddar cheese
3 teaspoons English mustard
12 slices of sturdy bread (like sourdough or ciabatta)
400g sliced leftover roast beef
Sea salt

How To Make Jimmy’s ultimate roast beef sandwich

A step-by-step guide to the best hot roast beef sandwich.

Roast the Root Vegetables: Preheat the oven to 200ºC/400ºF/gas 6. Chop the parsnips and carrots into even-sized chips. Place them in a large roasting tray with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and a pinch of sea salt. Strip in the rosemary leaves, toss everything together, and roast for 20 to 25 minutes, until golden and tender.
Caramelize the Onions: While the vegetables roast, peel and finely slice the onions. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a non-stick frying pan over a medium-low heat. Add the onions, cover, and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are soft, sweet, and caramelized. Stir in the knob of butter for extra richness, then transfer the onions to a bowl.
Make the Cheese Sauce: Return the same pan to the heat. Grate the Cheddar cheese directly into the pan and add the English mustard. Stir continuously until the cheese melts into a bubbling, oozy sauce.
Assemble the Sandwiches: Toast all 12 slices of bread. Line up 6 slices on your work surface. Divide the caramelized onions evenly among them. Layer the sliced roast beef over the onions.
Finish and Serve: Pour the hot, bubbling cheese sauce over the beef on each sandwich. Place the remaining 6 slices of toast on top to complete the sandwiches. Slice them in half and serve immediately with the hot roasted root vegetable chips on the side.

Jimmy's ultimate roast beef sandwich Recipe — Jimmy’s ultimate roast beef sandwich Recipe

Recipe Tips

For the gooiest, most flavorful roast beef sandwich.

How to get the best caramelized onions? The key is low and slow heat. Don’t rush them. Cooking them covered over a medium-low heat allows them to steam and soften first, then they’ll sweeten and caramelize beautifully without burning.
What’s the best bread for this sandwich? You need a sturdy bread that can stand up to the hearty fillings and gooey cheese sauce without falling apart. Thick-cut sourdough, ciabatta, rye, or a rustic country loaf are all excellent choices.
Can I use a different kind of cheese? Yes! While sharp Cheddar is fantastic, this sandwich would also be delicious with a good melting cheese like Gruyère, Provolone, Swiss, or even a spicy pepper jack for a bit of a kick.
How do I make the cheese sauce smoother? If your cheese sauce seems too thick or stringy, you can whisk in a small splash of milk, cream, or even a dark beer (like a stout or porter) while it’s in the pan to create a smoother, more pourable consistency.

What To Serve With an ultimate roast beef sandwich

Classic pairings that complete this comforting meal.

This hearty sandwich with its built-in side of root vegetable chips is a full meal, but it also pairs well with:

A side of horseradish cream for dipping
A crisp, tangy dill pickle spear
A simple green salad with a sharp lemon vinaigrette to cut the richness
A bowl of creamy tomato soup

How To Store Leftovers

This sandwich is best enjoyed immediately.

Refrigerate: This sandwich is best made and eaten fresh for the best texture. However, you can store the components (cooked beef, caramelized onions, roasted vegetables) in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the components before assembling a fresh sandwich.

Jimmy’s ultimate roast beef sandwich Nutrition Facts

An estimated guide per sandwich.

Calories: 850 kcal
Carbohydrates: 75 g
Protein: 45 g
Fat: 40 g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Can I use fresh beef instead of leftovers?

Absolutely. Good quality, thinly sliced deli roast beef is a great shortcut. Just warm it gently with the onions before topping with the cheese sauce. You could also thinly slice a freshly cooked sirloin or ribeye steak.

Can I prepare the components ahead of time?

Yes, this is a great recipe for meal prep. You can roast the vegetables and caramelize the onions up to 2 days in advance. Store them in the refrigerator and simply reheat them while you make the cheese sauce and assemble the sandwiches.

Can I make this as a grilled cheese or panini?

Yes! Assemble the sandwich as directed (on untoasted bread), then butter the outside of the bread slices. Cook in a hot skillet or a panini press until the bread is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese sauce is hot and bubbly.

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