This steak sandwich recipe is a simple and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any time you crave something hearty. With juicy, tender beef coupled with flavorful herb butter and melted cheese, you’ll have a crowd-pleasing dish ready in no time. It’s straightforward to prepare and makes for a delightful lunch or dinner option the whole family will enjoy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is ideal for families looking for quick, reliable meals. The steak sandwich is not only delicious but also allows for personalization based on your tastes. The use of fresh herbs and garlic adds a depth of flavor that elevates the simple ingredients. Plus, it’s an easy recipe to whip up for a casual gathering or a cozy night in.
Table of Contents
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need just a few simple ingredients to create this delicious steak sandwich.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 pound beef (your choice of cut)
- 1 tablespoon salt, adjust to taste
- 1 large yellow onion, sliced
- 4 slices Havarti cheese
- 1 baguette, sliced lengthwise
Ingredient Notes, Variations & Simple Swaps
Feel free to customize your sandwich based on your family’s preferences. If you don’t have Havarti cheese, you can swap it for any melting cheese like provolone or mozzarella. The beef can also be substituted with chicken for a lighter option, adjusting the cooking time slightly. For added crunch, consider adding fresh vegetables like lettuce or tomatoes inside the sandwich.
Equipment Needed
- Skillet
- Spatula
- Knife
- Cutting board
How to Make This Recipe
Step 1 – Prepare the Herb Butter
Start by making the herb butter. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, crushed garlic, and diced dill. Mix until everything is well incorporated, then set aside.
Step 2 – Cook the Beef
Slice the beef into thin strips. If you find it easier, you can freeze the beef for about 30 minutes before slicing. Preheat an oiled skillet over high heat. Add the beef to the skillet and season with salt. Cook the beef for about 3-5 minutes, or until it’s nicely browned but still tender. Once cooked, remove the beef from the skillet and keep it warm.
Step 3 – Sauté the Onions
Using the same skillet, add the sliced onions. Cook them over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 6-8 minutes, or until they are golden and caramelized. Remove them from the skillet.
Spread the prepared herb butter generously on both sides of the sliced baguette. Layer it with the cooked beef, sautéed onions, and top with Havarti cheese. Place the sandwich under a broiler for about 2 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and melted. Remove from the oven, let cool for a minute, and then slice into portions. Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Results
To ensure your steak sandwich turns out perfectly, here are some helpful tips:
- Ensure your skillet is at the right temperature before adding the beef for a good sear.
- Avoid overcooking the beef; it should be juicy and tender.
- Let the cooked onions caramelize well to enhance their sweetness.
- For a crispy bread, broil the sandwich just until the cheese melts, avoiding burning.
- You can mix in other herbs like parsley or chives for an extra flavor boost.
Flavor Variations
If you’re looking to mix things up, consider these tasty twists:
- Add a touch of horseradish sauce for a spicy kick.
- Experiment with different cheeses like cheddar or Swiss.
- Include some roasted red peppers for an extra layer of flavor.
- Top with avocado slices for creaminess.
- Drizzle balsamic glaze on top for added sweetness.
What to Serve With This Recipe
This steak sandwich pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it alongside:
- A crisp green salad
- Sweet potato fries
- Coleslaw
- Roasted vegetables
- A warm bowl of soup
Storage, Make-Ahead & Leftovers
You can store any leftover steak sandwich in the refrigerator for up to three days. Wrap it in foil or plastic wrap to keep it fresh. If you’d like to enjoy it later, you can freeze the sandwich as well, but it’s best to do this before broiling. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through and the cheese is melty again.
Steak Sandwich
Ingredients
Herb Butter Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened To make the herb butter
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, diced Fresh herbs enhance flavor
- 3 cloves garlic, crushed For herb butter
Sandwich Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon oil For cooking the beef
- 1 pound beef (your choice of cut) Can substitute with chicken
- 1 tablespoon salt Adjust to taste
- 1 large yellow onion, sliced For sautéing
- 4 slices Havarti cheese Can substitute with other melting cheeses
- 1 baguette sliced lengthwise For the sandwich base
Instructions
Preparation
- Combine softened butter, crushed garlic, and diced dill in a bowl to create herb butter. Mix until well incorporated and set aside.
- Slice the beef into thin strips. For easier slicing, freeze the beef for about 30 minutes, then cut.
- Preheat an oiled skillet over high heat, then add the sliced beef and season with salt. Cook for 3-5 minutes until browned and tender.
- Remove cooked beef from the skillet and keep warm.
Sauté
- In the same skillet, add sliced onions and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally for about 6-8 minutes until golden and caramelized.
- Remove onions from the skillet.
Assembly and Cooking
- Generously spread herb butter on both sides of the sliced baguette.
- Layer cooked beef, sautéed onions, and Havarti cheese inside the baguette.
- Place the sandwich under a broiler for about 2 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and melted.
- Remove from the oven, let cool for a minute, and slice into portions. Serve warm.
Notes
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken instead of beef?
Yes, you can swap the beef for chicken. Use chicken thighs or breasts and cook them until they reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
How can I make this sandwich vegetarian?
For a vegetarian option, replace the beef with grilled vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms. These add great flavor and texture.
What type of bread works best?
A baguette is excellent for this sandwich, but feel free to use ciabatta, sourdough, or any crusty bread that you enjoy.
Can I make the herb butter in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the herb butter ahead of time. Just store it in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze it for longer storage.
How do I know when the beef is done cooking?
The beef is done when it is browned on the outside and tender inside. It should take about 3-5 minutes, depending on the thickness of the slices.
