Hot Roast Beef Sandwiches Get Classic, Old-Fashioned Flavor When You Cook The Meat In This Rich Liquid

There are many different variations on the roast beef sandwich. If you're looking to up the game and put roast beef into your hot-meal rotation, there's a foolproof way to make flavorful, juicy, hot sandwiches with one simple ingredient: a jar of beef gravy.

Enhancing deli roast beef with gravy is the quickest way to turn a potentially drab sandwich into a hot meal bursting with flavor. You can heat a jar (or can) of beef gravy in a saucepan with the roast beef for a few minutes to infuse the flavors into the meat. The longer you simmer (don't boil), the more depth you'll achieve, and the beef will take on a more supple texture. This trick is great for deli roast beef, and if you have leftover pot roast that's perhaps lost its moisture, gravy will revive it.

If you're looking for an easy solution to supper, heating roast beef with gravy until it's hot makes quick work of a meal. Depending on the type of gravy used, you can adjust the flavors to your liking. It's also an easy opportunity to go in with some earthy herbs like rosemary or thyme — perfect complements to roast beef. Want a little piquant? Add your favorite hot sauce or a dash of Worcestershire.

Pulling together a meal with hot roast beef sandwiches has so many options. The first order of business is the bread or rolls. Choose a sturdy bread that can hold up to the moisture of the cooking liquid. A crusty French bread or a kaiser roll are each up for the job. The absolute best bread to serve with a pot roast dinner will make this sandwich feel more like a meal. You can also use a bread with flavors that complement the beef, such as onion or rye.

Accompaniment for the bread can be a smear of whatever condiment you like, but grainy mustard, horseradish sauce, or a roasted red pepper aioli will add zing and keep the bread moist. Got leftover gravy? Add it to the hot roast beef sandwich or simply put it on the side for dipping. You can also throw together a quick au jus by heating beef broth (or bouillon) with some butter and a splash of red wine.

Round out the meal with heartier sides that complement the roast beef, like mashed potatoes or sweet potato fries. You can also opt for lighter, acidic pairings such as coleslaw or this crunchy pickled brussels sprouts recipe. The woody flavors of sauteed mushrooms pull the umami notes out of the beef, and we love the smoky/sweet flavors of peppadew peppers. If you want next-level, pour some more gravy over your hot roast beef sandwich, and knife and fork it!