The sizzle of beef hitting a hot pan sends a delightful aroma wafting through the kitchen, instantly transforming your home into a comfort food haven. If you’re looking for a quick yet hearty meal that delights every taste bud, the Extra Juicy Shaved Steak Sandwich is just the ticket. Inspired by the beloved Philly cheesesteak, this sandwich showcases tender shaved steak and sweet caramelized onions, all melted together with gooey provolone cheese in a perfectly toasted hoagie roll. The best part? It’s not only easy to whip up, making it perfect for busy weeknights, but it also guarantees smiles at the dinner table. Ready to dive into a sandwich that’s a step above your usual dinner options? Let’s get cooking!
Why Is This Sandwich So Irresistible?
Quick Preparation: This shaved steak sandwich comes together in under 30 minutes, making it your go-to recipe for a fast yet delightful meal.
Hearty Ingredients: Packed with tender beef, sweet caramelized onions, and gooey provolone cheese, every bite offers a mouthful of comforting flavors.
Unmatched Versatility: Feel free to customize it! Experiment with different cheeses or add sautéed bell peppers for a unique twist to suit your taste.
Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re hosting friends or simply feeding the family, this sandwich is sure to impress. Pair it with air fryer French fries or a crisp salad for a complete meal!
Satisfying Comfort: The combination of textures—soft hoagie rolls, flavorful steak, and melty cheese—makes this sandwich a standout option for any occasion.
Shaved Steak Sandwich Ingredients
For the Steak Filling
• Oil – For sautéing the onions and beef; olive oil can be a lighter substitute.
• Yellow Onion – Adds sweetness and depth through caramelization; red onion can be used for a sharper flavor.
• Shaved Steak (2 lbs) – The highlight of this dish; ribeye offers the best taste, but thinly sliced leftover beef roast works too.
• Salt (1 tbsp) – Enhances the flavors; feel free to adjust according to your taste.
• Ground Black Pepper (1 tsp) – Optional seasoning; adjust based on preference.
For the Topping
• Provolone Cheese (1 lb) – Provides that rich melty goodness; substitute with mozzarella or cheddar for different flavor profiles.
For Serving
• Hoagie Rolls (6) – The essential vessel for our delicious filling; French rolls are a great alternative.
This shaved steak sandwich is not only filled with hearty ingredients, but it also comes together in no time, making it a perfect addition to your meal rotation!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Extra Juicy Shaved Steak Sandwich with Caramelized Onions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add about 2 tablespoons of oil and let it heat up. Once the oil shimmers, you’re ready to add the onions. Slice the yellow onion into half rings, aiming for uniform pieces so they cook evenly.
Step 2: Caramelize the Onions
Add the sliced onions to the hot skillet and reduce the heat to medium. Sauté the onions for about 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn a beautiful golden brown and become sweetly fragrant. Once caramelized, transfer the onions to a plate and set aside, ensuring you retain their wonderful flavor for the shaved steak sandwich.
Step 3: Cook the Shaved Steak
Increase the heat back to high and add the 2 lbs of shaved steak directly to the skillet. Season generously with 1 tablespoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper. Sauté the steak for approximately 3–5 minutes, stirring frequently until fully cooked and browned. You want it tender and juicy—keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Return the delicious caramelized onions to the skillet with the cooked shaved steak. Mix everything together, allowing the flavors to meld for another minute on the heat. Add slices of provolone cheese on top of the mixture, covering the skillet with a lid to let the cheese melt completely for about 2–3 minutes.
Step 5: Toast the Hoagie Rolls
While the cheese is melting, grab your hoagie rolls. In a separate skillet or under a broiler, toast the rolls for about 2–3 minutes until they are golden and crispy on the edges. This extra step adds an irresistible crunch, enhancing your shaved steak sandwich experience.
Step 6: Assemble the Sandwich
Once the cheese is beautifully melted and the rolls are toasted, it’s time to assemble your extra juicy shaved steak sandwich. Carefully spoon the steak and onion mixture into each toasted hoagie roll, ensuring you get an even distribution of the gooey cheese and savory toppings. Serve your sandwiches hot for maximum enjoyment and comfort!
How to Store and Freeze Shaved Steak Sandwich
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness; this makes for a quick reheat option.
Freezer: For longer storage, wrap sandwiches tightly in aluminum foil and freeze for up to 2 months; defrost in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid to keep the beef moist; this will preserve the juicy texture of your shaved steak sandwich.
Avoid sogginess: If possible, store the filling separately from the hoagie rolls to keep them crispy when reheated.
Shaved Steak Sandwich Variations
Feel free to give your sandwich a personal twist that tickles your taste buds!
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Cheese Swap: Use sharp cheddar or spicy pepper jack instead of provolone for a flavor boost.
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Veggie Delight: Add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
Mushrooms bring a hearty earthiness, while bell peppers add a sweet crunch. They can elevate your sandwich to a whole new level!
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Whole Wheat Rolls: Try whole wheat hoagie rolls for a healthier option that adds a nutty flavor.
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Herbed Mayonnaise: Spread a layer of herbed mayo on the inside of the rolls for an herby kick.
This simple addition enhances the sandwich’s flavor without overwhelming the other ingredients. You’ll love the freshness it brings!
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Hot & Spicy: Add jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to amp up the heat, perfect for spice lovers.
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Grilled Veggie Version: Use grilled zucchini and eggplant instead of beef for a satisfying vegetarian option.
This variation is filled with smoky flavors, making it an excellent choice even for meat lovers!
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BBQ Twist: Drizzle BBQ sauce over the beef for a smoky-sweet barbecue flavor. Perfect if you’re craving that flavor nostalgia!
If you’re looking for more exciting ideas, consider making a Chicken Caesar Sandwich or exploring the delicious flavors in our Grilled Steak Bowl. Happy cooking!
Make Ahead Options
These Extra Juicy Shaved Steak Sandwiches are ideal for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time during busy weekdays! You can caramelize the onions and cook the shaved steak mixture up to 24 hours in advance; simply store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To maintain the quality, let the mixture cool before sealing it and reheating gently to prevent the beef from toughening. When it’s time to serve, just reheat the steak and onions on the stovetop, add the provolone cheese to melt, and toast your hoagie rolls for that irresistible crunch. You’ll enjoy a delicious sandwich with minimal effort and maximum flavor, just as if you made it fresh!
What to Serve with Extra Juicy Shaved Steak Sandwich
There’s nothing quite like a hearty meal to complement the delightful flavors of your sandwich creation, creating a satisfying dining experience.
- Crispy French Fries: The golden crunch contrasts beautifully with the soft sandwich, enhancing each savory bite.
- Tangy Coleslaw: This refreshing side offers a zesty crunch that cuts through the richness of the steak and cheese. Just right for a balance of flavors!
- Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal veggies roasted until tender adds a nutritious and colorful touch to your meal.
- Potato Chips: For the crunch lovers, a side of salty, crispy chips perfectly complements the sandwich’s gooeyness. They make the meal feel like a fun treat!
- Sweet Potato Wedges: Their natural sweetness plays off the caramelized onions, bringing a delightful twist to your dining experience. Bright and full of flavor!
- Classic Caesar Salad: The creamy dressing and crunchy croutons provide a fresh contrast to the warm steak sandwich, creating a well-rounded meal.
- Iced Tea or Lemonade: A refreshing drink such as iced tea or lemonade enhances the meal experience with something cool to sip on.
- Chocolate Chip Cookies: End your meal on a sweet note! Soft, gooey cookies offer a comforting finish to a rich sandwich feast, leaving everyone smiling.
- Beer Pairing: A light lager or hoppy IPA complements the bold flavors while providing a refreshing palate cleanser. Perfect for a casual gathering!
Tips for the Best Shaved Steak Sandwich
Choose the Right Cut: Use ribeye or sirloin for the best flavor; these cuts ensure tenderness and juiciness in your shaved steak sandwich.
Don’t Rush Caramelization: Patience is key! Take your time with the onions; overcooking them can lead to a burnt taste instead of sweet goodness.
Season Generously: Don’t skimp on salt and pepper—season your beef to ensure each bite of your sandwich is bursting with flavor.
Melt Cheese Properly: Covering the pan while the cheese melts allows it to become perfectly gooey, making your sandwich irresistibly delicious.
Serve Hot: Enjoying the sandwich immediately after assembling keeps it juicy; reheating can cause the beef to toughen, so savor it fresh!
Extra Juicy Shaved Steak Sandwich with Caramelized Onions Recipe FAQs
What kind of onions are best for caramelizing?
Absolutely! Yellow onions are my go-to for their sweetness when caramelized, but you can also use red onions for a sharper flavor. Just slice them evenly to ensure they cook uniformly and reach that lovely golden brown color.
How should I store leftover shaved steak sandwiches?
For optimal freshness, place any leftover sandwich in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to separate the filling from the hoagie rolls if possible to prevent sogginess.
Can I freeze shaved steak sandwiches?
Yes, you can! Wrap each sandwich tightly in aluminum foil and freeze them for up to 2 months. To reheat, first defrost the sandwich in the fridge overnight. Then warm it in a skillet over low heat, covering it with a lid to keep the beef moist and juicy.
What if my shaved steak is tough after cooking?
If you find your beef a bit tough, it might be due to overcooking. Ensure you sauté the beef only until it’s fully cooked—about 3 to 5 minutes. If you need to salvage a tough sandwich, try thinly slicing the beef and lightly steaming it with a bit of broth or water covered in a pan for a few minutes to restore tenderness.
Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind?
Definitely! If you have dietary restrictions, consider alternatives like low-fat cheese or using olive oil instead of regular oil for sautéing. For those with allergies, check your cheese for any dairy residues, and feel free to substitute with a dairy-free product or enjoy it as a beef and onion sandwich without cheese.
What type of hoagie rolls work best for this sandwich?
While traditional hoagie rolls are perfect, you can also use French rolls or even ciabatta and baguette for different textures. A good roll should hold up well against the juicy filling without becoming soggy.
Ultimate Shaved Steak Sandwich with Melty Provolone Bliss
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add about 2 tablespoons of oil.
- Slice the yellow onion into half rings and sauté for 8–10 minutes until golden brown.
- Increase the heat to high and add 2 lbs of shaved steak, seasoning with salt and pepper, and cook for 3–5 minutes.
- Return caramelized onions to the skillet, mix, and add slices of provolone cheese, covering the skillet for 2–3 minutes to melt.
- Toast the hoagie rolls for 2–3 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Assemble the sandwich by spooning the steak and onion mixture into each toasted roll and serve hot.
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