Shredded Beef Sandwiches
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These Shredded Beef Sandwiches rival your favorite sub shop and are so easy to make! With tender beef, gobs of melty cheese, fresh veggies, and your choice of two delicious sauces, this sandwich is worth raving about.
Looking for a party ready version of this sandwich? Try our Shredded Beef Sliders.
Easy Cheesy Shredded Beef Sandwich
Table of Contents
These Shredded Beef Sandwiches are my emotional support sandwich of choice. When I’m in need of some serious comfort food, this is the kind of sandwich I turn to.
The intensely savory, cheesy concoction hits just right on a crappy day, firing up the dopamine and warming me from the inside out.
I used to order sandwiches like this from a local takeout place all the time, but this homemade version is just as good, if not better than takeout.
Made from the leftovers of our beloved Shredded Beef recipe, these sandwiches come together in less than 15 minutes and are jam packed full of flavor.
We pile shredded beef with melted cheese then stack it high with fresh crunchy veggies for a sandwich that’s got it all: savory and tangy, gooey and crisp, toasty and buttery.
These make a great quick weeknight dinner, but would also be fabulous for a game day gathering. Get that sub shop experience at home with these easy Shredded Beef Sandwiches!
Key Ingredients + Substitutions
- Hoagie rolls or sub buns- Whatever you prefer here is fine. You could even swap out for an onion or everything burger bun if you prefer.
- Butter- The best sandwiches start with toasty, buttery bread! We slather the buns with salted butter and place them under the broiler to get the best crispy texture.
- Shredded beef– We start with the leftovers from a big ol’ batch of our Crock Pot Shredded Beef.
- Cheese- We recommend Swiss or provolone for beef sandwiches.
- LTO- Good old lettuce, tomato, and onion is key! I like to use gobs of thinly sliced iceberg lettuce for a crisp refreshing crunch.
- Sauce- Every great sandwich deserves a great sauce. We’ve got two fantastic options for you below. Switch them out based on your mood!
How to Make Shredded Beef Sandwiches
Step 1: Broil the buns. Spread both sides of the buns with butter and place on a baking sheet. Broil for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown.
Step 2: Add shredded beef and cheese and melt. Divide the shredded beef evenly between the four bottom buns. Top with cheese, then place back under the broiler for another 2-3 minutes, until melty.
Step 3: Add toppings. Pile on the tomato, onion, lettuce, and banana peppers, if using.
Step 4: Add sauce. Finish with a drizzle of olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, pepper, and oregano OR a horseradish mayo.
Let’s Talk Sauce: What Toppings to Use for Shredded Beef Sandwiches
We tested this recipe with two different topping options. We loved each of them for different reasons, so we decided to include both here and let you choose!
If you’re craving a traditional Italian Beef Sandwich, we recommend swapping the Swiss for provolone, adding banana peppers, and topping the sandwich with a drizzle of olive oil, red wine vinegar, and dried oregano or using our Homemade Italian Dressing.
If you prefer creamy over tangy, mix together a half cup of mayonnaise with a Tablespoon of prepared horseradish and then slather it all over the bread. Both options result in an absolutely delicious sandwich!
Serving and Make Ahead Instructions
- These sandwiches are best served right away, but you can absolutely get all of your ingredients chopped and prepped in advance.
- These only take about 10 minutes to prep if you’ve already got your shredded beef cooked, so we recommend assembling everything right before you’re ready to serve.
What to Eat with Shredded Beef Sandwiches
These would be absolutely fantastic with some fresh cut French fries, but if you really want sandwich shop vibes, a side of crunchy Kettle chips and a dill pickle is a must.
For a party, you could try pairing these with a range of appetizer-y bites, like Knorr Spinach Dip with fresh veggies, Veggie Pizza, and Chipped Beef Cheeseball.
More of our Favorite Sandwiches
Need more emotional support sandwiches to get you through the worst days? Try these!
- Brie Cheese Sandwiches
- Prime Rib Sandwich
- Spaghetti Grilled Cheese Sandwich
- Classic Scrambled Egg Sandwich
- Fluffernutter Sandwich
Shredded Beef Sandwiches
Ingredients
For the sandwiches:
- 4 hoagie or sub buns
- 4 Tablespoons salted butter (at room temperature)
- 3 cups shredded beef
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- 8 slices tomato
- ¼ red or white onion (thinly sliced in rings)
- ½ head iceberg lettuce (thinly sliced)
- ½ cup banana pepper rings (optional)
- Kosher salt
For the oil and vinegar topping:
- Olive oil
- Red wine vinegar
- Oregano
For the horseradish mayonnaise:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 Tablespoon horseradish (or more, to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat the broiler to 550 degrees. Spread both sides of the buns with butter and place on a baking sheet. Broil for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the oven, then remove the top buns from the baking sheet and set aside.
- Divide the shredded beef evenly between the four bottom buns. Top with Swiss cheese, then place back under the broiler for another 2-3 minutes, until melty.
- Top the cheese with tomato, onion, and lettuce, then sprinkle with salt.
- If using oil and vinegar: drizzle the lettuce with equal parts oil and vinegar, then sprinkle with oregano. Add the banana peppers on top, sandwich with the top bun, and enjoy!
- If using horseradish mayo: Combine horseradish and mayonnaise in a bowl, then spread a thick layer on the top bun. Sandwich the lettuce and enjoy!
Notes
- Swap the Swiss cheese for provolone and use the olive oil and vinegar topping for a traditional Italian Beef Sub.