Beef & Cheddar Meltdown Sandwich
Ingredients:
- Thin deli roast beef slices
- Onion buns
- Cheddar cheese sauce
- Beef broth or au jus
- Butter
Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
- Preheat a skillet over medium heat. Add a generous pat of butter and let it melt until it starts to sizzle.
- Slice the onion buns in half horizontally. Place the cut sides down in the skillet with the melted butter. Toast them until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove and set aside.
2. Warm the Beef:
- In the same skillet, pour a little beef broth or au jus. Place the thin deli roast beef slices into the warm broth to heat them up gently. Allow them to soak for a minute or two, absorbing the flavors of the broth.
3. Prepare the Cheddar Cheese Sauce:
- In a separate saucepan, heat the cheddar cheese sauce over low heat, stirring constantly until it’s smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash of beef broth to thin it out.
4. Assemble the Sandwich:
- Take each toasted onion bun half and layer it with the warm, juiced-up roast beef slices.
- Drizzle a generous amount of the hot cheddar cheese sauce over the roast beef, allowing it to ooze down the sides.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
- Put the top half of the bun on the cheesy beef layers to create the sandwich.
- Serve your Beef & Cheddar Meltdown Sandwich immediately, perhaps with a side of au jus or more cheddar cheese sauce for dipping.
Optional Additions:
- For added crunch, consider adding some fresh lettuce, sliced tomatoes, or pickles to your sandwich.
- Spice it up with a dollop of horseradish sauce or some thinly sliced jalapeños.
- Pair your sandwich with a simple side salad, coleslaw, or a handful of crispy french fries for a complete meal.
Q1: Can I use a different type of cheese for the sandwich?
A1: Absolutely! While cheddar cheese adds a rich, sharp flavor, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Swiss, provolone, or even a spicy pepper jack for a different taste experience.
Q2: Is it necessary to use thin deli roast beef slices, or can I use leftover roast beef?
A2: Thin deli roast beef slices are convenient and work well for this recipe, but you can definitely use leftover roast beef. Just make sure to slice it thinly for easier melting and a better texture in the sandwich.
Q3: Can I make the cheddar cheese sauce from scratch?
A3: Certainly! To make a homemade cheddar cheese sauce, melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour to create a roux, then slowly add milk while whisking constantly until the mixture thickens. Finally, stir in shredded cheddar cheese until it melts and becomes smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices.
Q4: How can I store leftover Beef & Cheddar Meltdown Sandwich?
A4: If you have leftovers, store the components separately. Place the roast beef and cheese sauce in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Reheat the beef gently in a microwave or stovetop with a bit of beef broth to keep it moist. Reheat the cheese sauce slowly over low heat, stirring constantly until it’s creamy again. Assemble the sandwich just before serving for the best taste and texture.
Q5: Can I make this sandwich ahead of time for a party or picnic?
A5: While it’s best to assemble the sandwich just before serving to maintain its freshness, you can prepare the components ahead of time. Toast the buns, warm the beef, and prepare the cheese sauce separately. Assemble the sandwiches right before your event to ensure they’re warm, gooey, and delicious.
Q6: How do I prevent the buns from getting soggy from the beef broth or au jus?
A6: To prevent the buns from getting too soggy, you can lightly toast the cut sides before assembling the sandwich. Additionally, you can drain excess liquid from the warm beef slices before placing them on the buns. This will help maintain the bun’s texture while still allowing the flavors to meld.
Q7: What are some good side dishes to serve with Beef & Cheddar Meltdown Sandwich?
A7: Classic sides like crispy french fries, sweet potato fries, coleslaw, or a side salad work well with this sandwich. Pickles, potato wedges, or even a light soup could also complement the richness of the Beef & Cheddar Meltdown Sandwich nicely.
The carbohydrate content of a Beef & Cheddar Meltdown Sandwich can vary based on the specific ingredients used and their quantities. Let’s break down the main sources of carbohydrates in the sandwich:
- Onion Buns: Traditional onion buns are made with flour and can be relatively high in carbohydrates. If you are looking to reduce carbs, you might want to consider using low-carb or keto-friendly bread alternatives. There are many recipes and products available that use almond flour, coconut flour, or other low-carb flours.
- Cheddar Cheese Sauce: Cheese itself contains minimal carbohydrates, but some commercial cheese sauces may include thickeners or additives that contribute to carb content. If you’re making your cheese sauce from scratch, you can control the ingredients and keep it low-carb.
- Deli Roast Beef: Deli roast beef usually contains negligible carbohydrates. However, always check the packaging for any added sugars or preservatives that might increase the carb content.
- Beef Broth or Au Jus: Beef broth generally contains very few carbs, especially if it’s homemade or doesn’t have added sugars or thickeners.
