Dripping Roast Beef Sandwiches with Melted Provolone: A Decadent Delight

Craving a sandwich that’s a symphony of savory, rich, and utterly satisfying? Look no further than these Dripping Roast Beef Sandwiches with Melted Provolone. This isn’t your average deli sandwich; it’s an experience. Imagine tender, thinly sliced roast beef, practically melting in your mouth, soaked in flavorful drippings, and blanketed with gooey, melted provolone cheese. Served on a crusty roll that soaks up all that deliciousness, this sandwich is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

This recipe isn’t just about slapping some ingredients together. It’s about building layers of flavor, from the perfectly roasted beef to the expertly crafted jus. We’ll walk you through each step, ensuring you create a sandwich that’s worthy of restaurant status, right in your own kitchen. Whether you’re looking for a memorable lunch, a hearty dinner, or a show-stopping appetizer, these Dripping Roast Beef Sandwiches will not disappoint.

Why This Recipe Works

• Intense Flavor: The combination of slow-roasted beef and its rendered drippings creates an unparalleled depth of flavor.
• Texture Contrast: The tender beef, gooey cheese, and crusty roll provide a delightful textural experience.
• Customizable: You can easily adapt this recipe to your preferences by using different types of cheese, bread, or adding your favorite toppings.
• Impressive Yet Simple: While the sandwich tastes incredibly sophisticated, the recipe is surprisingly straightforward and achievable for home cooks of all skill levels.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Roast Beef: 3-4 pound boneless beef chuck roast (or sirloin tip roast) is ideal. Look for good marbling for maximum flavor and tenderness. A roast with a generous fat cap will contribute significantly to the richness of the drippings.
• Beef Broth: 4 cups of low-sodium beef broth. Using low-sodium allows you to control the salt level of the final jus. You can also use homemade beef stock if you have it.
• Onion: 1 large yellow onion, roughly chopped. The onion adds sweetness and depth to the drippings.
• Garlic: 4 cloves of garlic, minced. Garlic provides a pungent aroma and savory flavor.
• Worcestershire Sauce: 2 tablespoons. This adds umami and a subtle tang.
• Soy Sauce: 1 tablespoon. Soy sauce enhances the savory flavors and adds a depth of color to the jus.
• Dried Thyme: 1 teaspoon. Thyme adds an earthy and slightly peppery note.
• Dried Rosemary: 1/2 teaspoon. Rosemary complements the beef flavor with its piney and aromatic qualities.
• Bay Leaf: 1 bay leaf. Adds a subtle complexity to the broth. Remember to remove it before serving.
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons. For searing the roast.
• Salt and Black Pepper: To taste. Generously season the roast and the drippings.
• Provolone Cheese: Sliced provolone cheese. You’ll need enough to cover the roast beef on each sandwich. You can also use mozzarella, Swiss, or Gruyere if you prefer.
• Crusty Rolls: Good quality crusty rolls are essential. Ciabatta, French rolls, or Kaiser rolls work well. Choose rolls that are sturdy enough to hold the juicy filling without falling apart.
• Butter (Optional): For toasting the rolls.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Dutch Oven or Large Oven-Safe Pot: This is essential for searing the roast and braising it in the oven.
• Meat Thermometer: Crucial for ensuring the roast is cooked to the desired internal temperature.
• Cutting Board: For slicing the roast beef.
• Sharp Knife: A sharp carving knife is essential for thin slices of roast beef.
• Tongs: For handling the roast and transferring the beef to the rolls.
• Small Saucepan (Optional): For thickening the jus, if desired.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Part 1: Preparing and Searing the Roast Beef

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. Prepare the Roast: Pat the roast beef dry with paper towels. This helps to achieve a good sear. Season generously with salt and black pepper on all sides. Don’t be shy with the seasoning, as this is the foundation of the flavor.
3. Sear the Roast: Heat the olive oil in a Dutch oven or large oven-safe pot over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the roast in the pot. Sear for 3-4 minutes per side, until a deep brown crust forms. This step is crucial for developing rich flavor. Ensure all sides are nicely browned.
4. Remove Roast: Remove the roast from the pot and set it aside.

Part 2: Creating the Flavorful Drippings

1. Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, until softened and fragrant. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
2. Deglaze the Pot: Pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. These browned bits (fond) are packed with flavor and will add depth to the drippings.
3. Add Herbs: Stir in the dried thyme, dried rosemary, and bay leaf.

Part 3: Braising the Roast Beef

1. Return Roast to Pot: Place the seared roast back into the pot, nestled in the broth. The broth should come about halfway up the side of the roast. If necessary, add a little more beef broth to reach this level.
2. Braise in Oven: Cover the pot tightly with a lid and transfer it to the preheated oven. Braise for 3-4 hours, or until the roast is fork-tender and reaches an internal temperature of 190-200°F (88-93°C). The exact cooking time will depend on the size and shape of your roast.
3. Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the roast, avoiding any bones.
4. Rest the Roast: Once the roast is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest in the pot, covered, for at least 30 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful roast.

Part 4: Slicing and Assembling the Sandwiches

1. Remove Roast from Pot: Carefully remove the roast from the pot and place it on a cutting board.
2. Strain the Drippings: Strain the drippings through a fine-mesh sieve into a separate bowl or saucepan. This will remove any solids and create a smooth, flavorful jus.
3. Defat the Drippings (Optional): If desired, you can defat the drippings using a fat separator or by chilling the strained drippings in the refrigerator for a few hours, allowing the fat to solidify and be easily skimmed off.
4. Thicken the Jus (Optional): If you prefer a thicker jus, you can simmer the strained drippings in a saucepan over medium heat for 10-15 minutes, or until it reaches your desired consistency. You can also whisk in a slurry of cornstarch and water (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to thicken the jus more quickly.
5. Slice the Roast Beef: Using a sharp carving knife, thinly slice the roast beef against the grain. Thin slices are key to a tender and easy-to-eat sandwich.
6. Prepare the Rolls: If desired, lightly butter the inside of the crusty rolls and toast them under a broiler or in a skillet until golden brown. This adds extra flavor and texture.
7. Assemble the Sandwiches: Dip the sliced roast beef into the warm jus, ensuring each slice is thoroughly soaked. Pile the dripping roast beef onto the bottom half of each roll.
8. Add Cheese: Top the roast beef with slices of provolone cheese.
9. Melt the Cheese: Place the assembled sandwiches under a broiler for a minute or two, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Watch carefully to prevent burning. Alternatively, you can use a kitchen torch to melt the cheese.
10. Serve Immediately: Top with the other half of the roll and serve the Dripping Roast Beef Sandwiches immediately.

Tips for Success

• Choose the Right Cut of Beef: A chuck roast is a great option because it’s relatively inexpensive and becomes incredibly tender when braised. Sirloin tip roast is another good choice. Look for a roast with good marbling for the best flavor.
• Don’t Skip the Sear: Searing the roast is crucial for developing a rich, flavorful crust. Make sure the pot is hot and the roast is dry before searing.
• Braise Low and Slow: Braising the roast at a low temperature for a long time allows the meat to become incredibly tender and flavorful.
• Rest the Roast: Resting the roast after cooking is essential for allowing the juices to redistribute throughout the meat. This will result in a more tender and juicy roast.
• Strain the Drippings: Straining the drippings creates a smooth, flavorful jus. Don’t skip this step!
• Thinly Slice the Roast Beef: Thin slices are key to a tender and easy-to-eat sandwich. Use a sharp carving knife and slice against the grain.
• Soak the Beef in the Jus: Dipping the roast beef in the warm jus ensures each slice is packed with flavor.
• Use Good Quality Rolls: A good quality crusty roll is essential for holding the juicy filling. Choose rolls that are sturdy enough to hold their shape without falling apart.
• Don’t Overcook the Cheese: Watch the sandwiches carefully when melting the cheese under the broiler to prevent burning.

Variations and Additions

• Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as mozzarella, Swiss, Gruyere, or even pepper jack for a spicy kick.
• Bread Variations: Try using different types of rolls or bread, such as sourdough, pretzel rolls, or even garlic bread.
• Add Toppings: Add your favorite toppings, such as caramelized onions, roasted red peppers, sautéed mushrooms, or horseradish sauce.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the drippings for a spicy kick.
• Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs, such as oregano, basil, or parsley.
• Wine: Add a splash of red wine to the drippings for a richer flavor. Add it after sauteing the aromatics and before adding the beef broth, allowing it to reduce slightly.
• Au Jus Seasoning Packet: If you are short on time, you can add an Au Jus seasoning packet to the broth for extra flavor. Be careful with the salt content if using this method.

Serving Suggestions

These Dripping Roast Beef Sandwiches are delicious on their own, but they also pair well with a variety of sides. Here are a few suggestions:

• French Fries: A classic pairing for a reason!
• Onion Rings: Crispy and flavorful, onion rings are a perfect complement to the rich sandwich.
• Coleslaw: A creamy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the savory sandwich.
• Potato Salad: A classic summer side dish that pairs well with roast beef.
• Green Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing adds a touch of freshness.
• Pickles: Dill pickles or cornichons provide a tangy counterpoint to the richness of the sandwich.
• Soup: A cup of tomato soup or French onion soup is a comforting addition to the meal.

Make-Ahead Instructions

You can prepare the roast beef and drippings ahead of time. The roast beef can be cooked and sliced a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator. The drippings can also be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat the roast beef and drippings and assemble the sandwiches.

Storage Instructions

Leftover roast beef and drippings can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Store the roast beef and drippings separately in airtight containers.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Per Sandwich – Based on estimated values and may vary depending on specific ingredients used)

• Calories: 600-800
• Protein: 40-50g
• Fat: 30-40g
• Carbohydrates: 40-50g

Disclaimer: Nutritional information is an estimate and should be used as a general guideline only.

Conclusion

These Dripping Roast Beef Sandwiches with Melted Provolone are a truly decadent and satisfying meal. The combination of tender roast beef, flavorful drippings, and gooey cheese is simply irresistible. With a few simple steps and high-quality ingredients, you can create a restaurant-worthy sandwich in the comfort of your own home. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to indulge in a sandwich that will have you coming back for more!

Enjoy!