There’s nothing more satisfying than a hearty sandwich piled high with tender roast beef, savory gravy, and melted cheese.
This Hot Roast Beef Sandwich is rich, cheesy, and comforting, making it the perfect meal for a quick dinner or cozy weekend lunch.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
It’s a warm, hearty sandwich that feels like comfort food in every bite.
The savory mushroom-onion gravy pairs perfectly with tender beef.
It’s quick to prepare with leftover roast beef or steak.
Melted provolone and a creamy horseradish sauce add the perfect finishing touch.
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Roast beef provides the hearty protein base—leftover steak or pot roast works too.
Cremini mushrooms and onions add depth and richness.
Beef stock creates a flavorful gravy that soaks into the bread.
Provolone cheese melts beautifully for gooey texture.
Horseradish sauce brings tangy heat to balance the richness.
Pro Tips Before You Start
Use ciabatta rolls or another sturdy bread to hold the gravy without falling apart.
Slice onions thinly for faster caramelization.
Whisk the flour into the veggies thoroughly to avoid lumps in the gravy.
Broil just until the cheese melts to prevent burning.
How to Make Hot Roast Beef Sandwich
Step 1 – Sauté mushrooms and onions
Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add mushrooms and onions, cooking until softened and caramelized.
Step 2 – Season and thicken
Sprinkle flour, thyme, and garlic powder over the vegetables.
Stir well and cook for 1–2 minutes.
Step 3 – Add stock and cream
Whisk in beef stock. Reduce heat to low and cook until slightly thickened.
Stir in half and half and simmer for 1 more minute.
Step 4 – Add the beef
Stir roast beef into the gravy until heated through, then turn off the heat.
Step 5 – Assemble the sandwiches
Preheat the broiler. Divide the beef mixture among the bottom halves of the rolls.
Top with provolone cheese.
Step 6 – Melt the cheese
Place sandwiches on a baking sheet and broil for 1–2 minutes until the cheese is melted.
Step 7 – Finish and serve
Spread horseradish sauce on the top halves of the rolls.
Close the sandwiches and serve hot.
What to Serve Them With
Pair with French fries or potato wedges for a diner-style meal.
Serve with a simple green salad for balance.
Add a cup of tomato soup or beef broth for dipping.
Variations / Substitutions
Swap provolone for Swiss or mozzarella cheese.
Use sourdough or baguette instead of ciabatta.
Add sautéed bell peppers for extra flavor and color.
Storage & Leftovers
Store beef and gravy mixture separately in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop.
Assembled sandwiches are best enjoyed fresh.
FAQs
Can I use deli roast beef?
Yes, but leftover pot roast or steak adds more flavor.
Can I make the gravy ahead of time?
Yes, it reheats well and makes sandwich prep even faster.
What’s the best cheese for this sandwich?
Provolone melts smoothly, but Swiss or mozzarella work too.
Can I skip the horseradish sauce?
Yes, but it adds a tangy kick that balances the richness.
Can I freeze the beef mixture?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, though you can freeze it for up to 2 months without the cream added.
What bread works best?
Ciabatta is sturdy and absorbs gravy well, but baguette or hoagie rolls are also great.
Final Thoughts
This Hot Roast Beef Sandwich is warm, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying.
With savory gravy, tender beef, and melty cheese, it’s a meal you’ll want to come back to again and again.

Hot Roast Beef Sandwich
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 8 ounces sliced cremini mushrooms
- 1 cup sliced onions
- 2 tablespoons flour
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1½ cups beef stock
- ¼ cup half and half
- 1 pound sliced roast beef leftover steak or pot roast works too
- 4 ciabatta rolls sliced in half
- 8 slices provolone cheese
- 1 cup horseradish sauce
Method
- Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add mushrooms and onions, sauté until softened.
- Sprinkle flour, thyme, and garlic powder over veggies. Stir and cook 1–2 minutes.
- Whisk in beef stock. Reduce heat and simmer until slightly thickened.
- Stir in half and half, cook 1 minute.
- Add roast beef and heat through. Turn off heat.
- Preheat broiler. Divide beef mixture among roll bottoms. Top with provolone.
- See full steps with tips & photos → https://theboatshedcafe.com/hot-roast-beef-sandwich/
Notes
- Swap ciabatta with hoagie rolls or French bread for variety.
- Leftover pot roast works beautifully in this recipe.
- Add sautéed peppers for extra flavor.