There’s something undeniably comforting about a hot roast beef sandwich, with its tender, juicy meat and crispy, toasted bread. While it may seem like a dish best left to the experts, making hot roast beef sandwiches in a crock pot is surprisingly easy and requires minimal effort. In this article, we’ll take you through the steps to create the perfect slow-cooked roast beef sandwiches that are sure to become a family favorite.
The Benefits of Using a Crock Pot
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about the benefits of using a crock pot to make hot roast beef sandwiches. A crock pot, also known as a slow cooker, is a countertop electrical cooking device that allows you to cook a variety of dishes over a long period of time at a low temperature. Here are just a few reasons why using a crock pot is ideal for making hot roast beef sandwiches:
- Convenience: A crock pot allows you to cook your roast beef while you’re busy with other tasks, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend lunch.
- Tender meat: The low heat and moisture of a crock pot break down the connective tissues in the meat, resulting in tender, fall-apart roast beef.
- Easy to serve: With a crock pot, you can cook and serve your hot roast beef sandwiches straight from the pot, making it easy to feed a crowd.
Choosing the Right Cut of Meat
When it comes to making hot roast beef sandwiches, the right cut of meat is essential. You want a cut that’s tender, flavorful, and has a good balance of fat and lean meat. Here are a few options to consider:
- Top round: This is a lean cut of meat that’s perfect for slicing thin and serving on a sandwich.
- Rump roast: This cut has a bit more fat than top round, making it tender and juicy.
- Prime rib: This is a more indulgent option, with a rich, beefy flavor and a tender, velvety texture.
Seasoning the Meat
Once you’ve chosen your cut of meat, it’s time to season it. You can use a variety of seasonings and spices to add flavor to your roast beef, including:
- Salt and pepper: These are the basics, but they’re essential for bringing out the natural flavor of the meat.
- Garlic and onion powder: These add a savory, slightly sweet flavor to the meat.
- Dried thyme and rosemary: These herbs add a slightly bitter, earthy flavor to the meat.
The Crock Pot Recipe
Now that we’ve covered the basics, it’s time to move on to the recipe. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2-3 pound roast beef (top round, rump roast, or prime rib)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 cup beef broth
- 4-6 hoagie rolls
- Provolone or cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Season the roast beef: Rub the roast beef all over with the olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and rosemary.
- Sear the roast beef: Heat a skillet over high heat and sear the roast beef on all sides until it’s browned. This will add a rich, caramelized flavor to the meat.
- Add the roast beef to the crock pot: Place the roast beef in the crock pot and add the beef broth.
- Cook the roast beef: Cook the roast beef on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours.
- Slice the roast beef: Once the roast beef is cooked, slice it thin against the grain.
- Assemble the sandwiches: Place the sliced roast beef on the hoagie rolls and top with cheese (if using).
Tips and Variations
Here are a few tips and variations to help you take your hot roast beef sandwiches to the next level:
- Add some acidity: A splash of vinegar or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can add brightness and balance out the richness of the meat.
- Spice it up: Add some red pepper flakes or sliced jalapenos to give your roast beef a spicy kick.
- Get creative with the cheese: While provolone and cheddar are classic choices, you can also try using gouda, Swiss, or even blue cheese.
Serving Suggestions
Here are a few ideas for serving your hot roast beef sandwiches:
- With au jus: Serve the sandwiches with a side of au jus (the juices from the crock pot) for dipping.
- With horseradish sauce: Mix some prepared horseradish with sour cream or mayonnaise for a spicy, creamy sauce.
- With caramelized onions: Cook some sliced onions in a skillet until they’re caramelized and sweet, then top the sandwiches with them.
Conclusion
Making hot roast beef sandwiches in a crock pot is a simple and delicious way to feed a crowd. With its tender, juicy meat and crispy, toasted bread, this sandwich is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal, this recipe is sure to hit the spot.
What is the best cut of beef to use for hot roast beef sandwiches in a Crock Pot?
The best cut of beef to use for hot roast beef sandwiches in a Crock Pot is a tougher cut that becomes tender with slow cooking, such as a chuck roast or a round roast. These cuts have a lot of connective tissue that breaks down during the cooking process, resulting in a tender and flavorful roast.
When selecting a cut of beef, look for one that is at least 2-3 pounds in size. This will ensure that you have enough meat for a crowd, and that the roast cooks evenly. You can also use a rump roast or a sirloin roast, but these may be slightly leaner and require a bit more attention to prevent drying out.
How do I season the roast beef for hot roast beef sandwiches?
To season the roast beef for hot roast beef sandwiches, you can use a variety of spices and herbs to add flavor. Some popular options include salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme. You can also add some beef broth or stock to the Crock Pot to add moisture and flavor to the roast.
When seasoning the roast, be sure to rub the spices and herbs all over the surface of the meat, making sure to coat it evenly. You can also let the roast sit for a few minutes before cooking to allow the seasonings to penetrate the meat. This will help to create a flavorful and aromatic roast that is perfect for hot roast beef sandwiches.
How long does it take to cook a roast beef in a Crock Pot?
The cooking time for a roast beef in a Crock Pot will depend on the size and type of roast, as well as the desired level of doneness. Generally, a 2-3 pound roast will take 8-10 hours to cook on low or 4-6 hours to cook on high.
It’s best to cook the roast on low for a longer period of time to ensure that it is tender and falls apart easily. You can check the roast for doneness by inserting a fork or knife into the meat. If it slides in easily, the roast is done. If not, cover the Crock Pot and cook for another 30 minutes to an hour.
Can I cook the roast beef on high in the Crock Pot?
Yes, you can cook the roast beef on high in the Crock Pot, but it’s not recommended. Cooking on high can result in a roast that is tough and dry, rather than tender and juicy.
If you do need to cook the roast on high, be sure to check it frequently to prevent overcooking. You can also add some extra liquid to the Crock Pot, such as beef broth or stock, to help keep the roast moist. However, it’s generally best to cook the roast on low for a longer period of time to ensure the best results.
How do I shred the roast beef for hot roast beef sandwiches?
To shred the roast beef for hot roast beef sandwiches, you can use two forks to pull the meat apart into shreds. This is easiest to do when the roast is still warm, as the meat will be more tender and easier to shred.
Alternatively, you can use a stand mixer with a paddle attachment to shred the roast beef. Simply place the roast in the mixer bowl and beat it with the paddle attachment until it is shredded to your liking. This method is quick and easy, and can be a big time-saver if you’re making a large batch of hot roast beef sandwiches.
What type of bread is best for hot roast beef sandwiches?
The type of bread that is best for hot roast beef sandwiches is a crusty bread that can hold up to the juices of the roast. Some popular options include a French baguette, a hoagie roll, or a crusty sub roll.
When selecting a bread, look for one that is sturdy and can hold up to the filling. You can also toast the bread before assembling the sandwiches to add some extra crunch and texture. This will help to create a hot roast beef sandwich that is both flavorful and satisfying.
Can I make hot roast beef sandwiches ahead of time?
Yes, you can make hot roast beef sandwiches ahead of time, but it’s best to assemble them just before serving. The roast beef can be cooked and shredded ahead of time, and stored in the refrigerator or freezer until you’re ready to assemble the sandwiches.
When assembling the sandwiches, be sure to use a warm roast beef and a toasted bread to create a hot and satisfying sandwich. You can also add some extra toppings, such as cheese, horseradish sauce, or sautéed onions, to add some extra flavor and texture to the sandwiches.