Bring the flavors of New Orleans home tonight with the absolute best hot roast beef sandwich ever. It's roast beef done right in a slow cooker and served up Po' boy style.
Hot, crusty French bread slathered with mayonnaise, and loaded with a generous helping of steamy, succulent roast beef drenched in its own gravy, accompanied by an onslaught of pickles, fresh, sliced tomatoes, along with the crisp, cool bite of shredded lettuce. And, it is without a doubt, the kind of sandwich foodie dreams are made of.
THE BEST HOT ROAST BEEF SANDWICH. EVER.
If you have yet to visit the Creole comfort food capital of the South, it might be high time you took a trek on over to New Orleans. From gumbo to etouffee, chargrilled oysters, red beans and rice, and fresh Gulf shrimp, NOLA is by far one of the greatest cities a Southerner could ever eat their way through.
And it just so happens to be the inspiration behind this hot roast beef sandwich, otherwise known in New Orleans as the remarkable roast beef po'boy.
Po'boys are staples in New Orleans. Hot, crusty French bread piled high with your choice of fried oysters, fried fish, fried alligator, boudin, sausage, and by far the most popular choice, fried shrimp. However, if you happen to be seated in the vicinity of anyone who had the brains to order the roast beef po'boy, you'll likely leave knowing you made a grave mistake.
HOW TO MAKE A HOT ROAST BEEF PO'BOY
This hot roast beef sandwich begins with the obvious: Roast beef. For this po'boy, we use a roast beef recipe that is not only simple to make and full of flavor, but one that actually cooks in its own gravy. Yes, please.
- Prep the chuck shoulder and sear over high heat.
- Remove beef and cook onion in the same pan.
- Add flour, followed by beef broth, and simmer.
- Transfer the beef and sauce to a slow cooker.
- Cook until tender, about 5-½ hours, and shred.
- Split the bread loaf (or hoagie rolls), add shredded beef and desired toppings.
If these roast beef sandwiches are your fave, we've got another to add to your lineup that is just as tasty: brisket sandwiches.
START WITH CHUCK SHOULDER ROAST
Chuck shoulder roast is the cut of beef most commonly used for roast beef. It's a tough cut by nature, but when cooked for a long period of time on a low heat setting, it breaks down and becomes fall-apart tender. Your slow cooker is absolutely perfect for this task. We use our slow cooker for the same reasons in our rump roast recipe, too.
For an easier riff on a roast beef sandwich, try these roast beef sliders. They're made with deli roast beef, but have that same juicy, meaty flavor in a buttery, crowd-friendly package.
SEAR THE BEEF + THROW IN SOME ONIONS
However, to get as much flavor into the po'boy sandwich as possible, certain measures need to be taken prior to the beef going into the slow cooker. To help build flavor, the chuck shoulder needs to undergo a quick sear on the stovetop before being transported to the slow cooker.
This, in addition to a quick sauté of yellow onions, will help to impart major flavor to the roast beef.
IT'S ALL GRAVY, BABY.
Another goal for this hot roast beef sandwich recipe is for the roast beef to not only braise in a flavorful liquid but (essentially) create its own gravy. On the stovetop is the perfect way to kick this off.
Once the onions soften, in goes the flour (which serves as the thickener), followed by half of the beef broth. The beef broth gets slowly incorporated, making for a smooth and silky roast beef sauce perfect for smothering your po'boy sandwich.
SLOW COOK AND REDUCE
All that's left for the beef is to transfer it and the gravy to the slow cooker, cover it, and let it braise until you can cut it with a fork. (We talk a lot about braising in our pot roast recipe, too.)
Toward the end of the cooking time, the lid comes off, allowing the sauce to reduce and the beef to tenderize even further, making for a hot roast beef sandwich filling that could hold its own alongside the best-of-the-best in New Orleans.
THE BREAD MATTERS, GUYS.
If we were talking about just any ol' hot roast beef sandwich here, you could use any bread you had lying around. But we're not. We're talking a NOLA style roast beef po' boy, and for this sandwich, you're going to need white bread that's crusty on the outside and perfectly soft on the inside.
For this, you'll need to take on a "fresh is best" mentality and hit up the bakery section of your grocery store. A French loaf, the skinny French loaves (that come in pairs), or hoagie rolls are absolutely perfect for this sandwich. If you want a less "bread-y" sandwich, feel free to gently tear away at some of the bread's interior before filling.
If meaty sandwiches are your jam, we highly recommend you add prime rib sandwiches to the meal docket (especially if you have lots of leftover prime rib from a holiday or event!).
ALL THE TOPPINGS (AND DON'T FORGET THE PICKLES)
Part of the beauty of a roast beef po'boy is the contrast between the toppings and the roast beef. The acidity of the tomatoes and the crisp bite of cool, shredded lettuce add contrast in both flavor and texture to an otherwise soft and savory sandwich is a beautiful thing.
And the pickles. Don't skimp out on the pickles. The crunchy bite of the pickles with their sharp, vinegary flavor against that hot roast beef is magical, folks. Pure. Magic.
This baby is a perfect replica of New Orleans roast beef po'boy, and there is no better way to serve up a hot roast beef sandwich. It's the cure for all your Southern comfort food cravings. Please, enjoy.
5 MORE DINNER RECIPES YOU'LL LOVE
- Crawfish Etouffee has never been so easy! With a simple, step-by-step process for making perfect Etouffee at home, this no-fuss recipe comes together quickly and tastes authentically amazing!
- Crawfish Pie is loaded with savory crawfish cooked in a Creole sauce and baked in a buttery, flaky pie crust, this dish is a true masterpiece of flavor and textures. It's where Crawfish Etouffee and Pot Pie collide, and it is absolutely glorious.
- Beef Tips and Rice is a hearty comfort food classic featuring tender beef tips slow-cook on the stovetop in a savory, rich gravy, building flavor with every passing minute.
- Slow Cooker Spare Ribs are as close to ribs hot off the pit as you’ll get, and although cooked indoors and in a crock-pot, they yield the perfect bite with a burst of big BBQ flavor.
- BBQ Pulled Pork in the Slow Cooker is a budget-friendly easy dinner idea and a total life-saver for busy weeknights!
Hot Roast Beef Sandwich | Po Boy Style
Ingredients
- 2 ½ - 3 pound beef chuck shoulder roast
- 1 tablespoon TAK House Seasoning or your favorite beef seasoning
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour separated
- ¼ cup canola oil
- 1 yellow onion diced
- 3 cups unsalted or low sodium beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh white bakery bread for sandwiches (French loaf, French sticks, or hoagie rolls will do fine)
For the Toppings:
- Tomatoes seeded and sliced ¼" thick
- Sliced dill pickles
- Finely shredded Iceberg lettuce
- Mayonnaise
Instructions
- Pat the roast dry with a paper towel and sprinkle with seasoning and 2 tablespoons of flour. Rub all over to evenly adhere.
- Add the oil to a very large, rimmed sauté pan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat and allow to come to temperature. Add the roast to the pan and sear for about 4 minutes on both sides, or until it develops a nice crust. Remove from the pan and set aside on a plate.
- Reduce the heat to medium, add the diced onion to the pan and sauté, stirring often. Cook the onion for 3-4 minutes, or until just softened. Sprinkle the remaining 2 tablespoons of flour over the onions and stir to coat.
- Add about half of the beef broth one big splash at a time, stirring until completely incorporated after each addition. Once half of the broth has been incorporated, add the salt and pepper and allow to come to a simmer. Simmer for a few minutes, or until thickened slightly.
- Add the beef, along with all of its juices, to your slow cooker. Pour over the sauce, along with the remaining broth. Set your slow cooker on the high heat setting and cover. Cook for 4 hours, then remove the beef and shred it. Add the shredded beef back to the slow cooker, and continue to cook (uncovered) for 1 ½ hours more, stirring occasionally.
- Cut your bread for sandwiches (if necessary). If you'd like to toast your bread, preheat the oven to 400°. Once the oven comes to temperature, place the bread on a baking sheet and bake for 4 minutes or until lightly toasted.
- Remove bread from the oven, slather with mayonnaise (if using), add a generous serving of shredded roast beef and desired toppings. Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition
Diana says
My husband will love this sandwich, so I'm going to share your recipe with him. Slow cooker meat is the best as it turns out so tender and delicious.
Kelly Anthony says
Thank you so much, Diana! My husband loves it too!
camila says
I think your blog is absolutely beautiful!!! And this recipe just amazing!! Everything in here is just awesome!!
Kelly Anthony says
Thank you SO MUCH Camila! You're too kind 🙂
Hope says
I have never heard of a Po Boy sandwich - love reading about different foods! That meat looks very tender and juicy, my husband would love this!
Kelly Anthony says
Thank you, Hope! This is definitely a "husband-friendly" sandwich 😉
Valentina says
My husband recently went to New Orleans for work and has not stopped talking about the food. I've never been there, and this post makes me want to get there ASAP! I do indeed love the contrast between all of the flavors and textures. And oh my gosh, order envy is such a bummer.
Kelly Anthony says
Yes! A bummer indeed! At least it can usually be made up for 😉 You'll love NOLA! The food is seriously so amazing!
Anna says
I can just imagine the crunch as I bite into this delectable sounding Hot Roast Beef Sandwich. I'll be piling mine high with that tender beef, tomatoes, crunchy lettuce and pickles! Can't wait to make it...
Kelly Anthony says
Thank you so much, Anna! It's definitely a keeper 😉 Enjoy!
Micky says
I had a Po Boy sandwich once in New Oreleans and it was packed with french fries! That was my one and only experience, but this sandwich looks fantastic!
Kelly Anthony says
How could that be bad?! YUM! Thank you, Micky 🙂
mydeliciousmeals says
I love beef sandwiches and this one is just perfect. The combination of veggies and beef make me feel good about eating this. I wonder how this will taste on lettuce.
Kelly Anthony says
It will taste amazing! Promise 😉 Thanks, Helen!
Sophia Inza says
I've never had a Po'Boy! I have to give this a try. I love anything crock pot!
Kelly Anthony says
Thanks, Sophia!
Michelle says
My mouth is watering just looking at your pics, I think I will try this for my BBQ this weekend!
Kelly Anthony says
Amazing! Thank you, Michelle! Yall enjoy 🙂
Dawn - Girl Heart Food says
My oh my! This look fabulous!!!! This, a cold one and some tato chips and I'm one happy lady! Talk about comfort food 🙂
Stine Mari says
I wish I could go to New Orleans asap! Such a great food town. And this recipe looks so, so good!
Jessie says
This looks great I can not wait to give it a try! I love Po-Boys!
Kelly Anthony says
Yay! You will love 'em, Jessie!
Constance J Smith says
I love this sandwich, it looks absolutely scrumptious! I love using the slow cooker, especially in the summer. It doesn't heat up your kitchen and you get an amazing meal 🙂
Kelly Anthony says
I had not even thought about that! A genius point, Constance! Thank you!
Gloria says
This is the perfect way to feed a crowd at a party. Roast beef done in the slow cooker is so good!! Guests can pile it high and add their favourite toppings. This is a keeper.
Gabby | The Tolerant Table says
I have only had the pleasure of visiting NOLA once (I'll be back at some point!) and loved everything about it. Most of all the food and most certainly the Po’ Boys. My husband will absolutely love this recipe! We went 7 years ago and he never stops talking about the Po' Boys with debris
Kelly Anthony says
Makes total sense 😉 Thanks, Gabby!
Jere Cassidy says
That is some sandwich. Will be in New Orleans next month. Can't wait to try the food.
Kacie Morgan says
This looks like my kinda sandwich! You are totally right about how the bread can make all the difference. I love bread that has a crusty surface and a soft, fresh centre. Mmm!
Kelly Anthony says
It's almost the best part! 😉
Tina says
This sandwich looks so delicious. I've actually never thought to make po boy sandwiches at home, so thanks for the inspiration.
Kelly Anthony says
You are so welcome, Tina!
Jacqueline Debono says
We don't have po'boys here in Italy but that sandwich looks amazing and the meat super tender!
Alexis says
This looks absolutely delicious! My kiddos love po' boy sandwiches, I'll be adding this to our lunch plans.
Kelly Anthony says
Yes! Our girls love pretty much anything beef as well 🙂 Thanks, Alexis!
Armelle Dee says
If I told you I did not drool at this picture, I will be lying to you. The beef is just perfect and tender and that french baguette is the perfect boat that can hold that meat and veggies. Can I have this served asap, I am dying here
Kelly Anthony says
Thank you so much, Armelle! That's too kind!!
Sondria says
This looks so delicious. And I have to agree that NOLA is absolutely one of my favorite places in the the whole world.
Kelly Anthony says
Thanks, Sondria!
April says
I love chuck roast but mine is always dry. What am I doing wrong??? I would love to try this out. It looks delicious!
Kelly Anthony says
You probably just need a little more braising liquid and a lower temp 😉 Thanks, April! Here is recipe for perfect pot roast (guaranteed!) https://www.theanthonykitchen.com/tak-39-s-pot-roast-roast-beef-recipe/
Samantha H. says
These look amazing! I love po’boys and I love roast beef sandwiches so this is perfect!
Mirlene says
Mouthwatering!!! This is the type of sandwich you'll eat when you are at the computer getting worked DONE! Or, want to enjoy a great lunch with lots of laugh with a great friend. Love it!
Stephanie says
I’ve never had a po’ boy but it certainly looks delicious! I love a sandwich loaded up with all the fixings so this looks like a winner!
Kelly Anthony says
Thank you, Stephanie!
Amanda says
New Orleans is one of my favorite places in the whole world. There's no other city like it. These po'boys look perfect for Super Bowl this weekend. Can't wait to serve them!
Gloria Duggan says
Sometimes all you want is a sandwich. This is perfect for one of those times. This recipe would be a HUGE hit at a party for sure.
Kelly Anthony says
Ha! This is true! Thanks, Gloria!
Danielle Wolter says
I am drooling just reading about this sandwich. I have a serious love for new orleans and all the food that comes out of there. never have i left disappointed. This is def something I need to try!
Jeannette (Jay Joy) says
My co-worker showed me his best-of-the-best in New Orleans shrimp Po-boy! It was amazing. I love pork and beef so I totally will try these, since shrimp isn't readily available where I live.
Krista Price says
Bravo Kelly! I just had to wipe the drool off my chin. There's nothing quite like a reallyyyyy good roast beef sandwich, and this one i just that!
Anna Hettick says
I've never been to New Orleans but I'd love to visit sometime! Po Boy sandwiches are my FAVE!! This roast beef one looks super tasty!!
Lathiya says
This indeed looks greatest roast beef sandwich ever... And you have explained beautifully that even a novice can't go wrong with this recipe
Stine Mari says
The meat looks tender and so delicious. And adding that crispy white bread just looks amazing! Also, would love to visit New Orleans, especially for the food.
Maman de sara says
Wow almost 6 hours to make the Hot roast beef sandwich, I bet it taste yummy !
Linda says
This sandwich looks so mouthwatering. Is it too early to crave this for breakfast? And I love a slow-cooked meals, so juicy and tender.
Cheese Curd In Paradise says
I can't get over how delicious this sandwich looks! I think it is the pickles that are the cherry on top for me!
Jayashree says
This will be ideal for a brunch, love those picturesnof yours . They are awesome.
April says
I can't believe how delicious this roast beef sandwich looks! I can't wait to make this recipe myself!
Mimi says
I always prefer white bread for my sandwiches. Top it up with delicious toppings and you will get a fantastic sandwich recipe - looks yum!
Stephanie says
This looks so delicious! I've never had a po boy before but I think now's the time to try it!
Kelly Anthony says
Now is definitely the time to try 😉 Thanks, Stephanie!
Maggie Unzueta says
My mouth is watering. I have to make this tonight!
Kelly Anthony says
Thank you, Maggie!
Tara Teaspoon says
I've had lots of southern food, but not a po' boy yet! I love that I can make this at home. You made the meat dripping gravy sound so so good!
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy says
OMG how good does this look? Sometimes all you want is a GREAT sandwich for dinner. This certainly is one of those sandwiches. I know this would be a hit with my family.
Elaine Benoit says
This looks like the juiciest roast beef sandwich I've ever seen! It looks incredibly delicious and I need to make this asap!
Tammy says
Po' boys are the bomb dot com! My mouth is watering at the sight of this delicious sandwich! YUM <3
Leslie says
Oh my goodness, this looks so tender, juicy, and delicious! What a great recipe! YUM!!
Paula Montenegro says
I've yet to visit New Orleans, so, for now, I'll settle for eating this fabulous sandwich! And the bread and pickles matter, of course they do!
Veronika says
OMG! This roast beef sandwich looks amazing!!! So much flavor and deliciousness in one meal!
Kelly Anthony says
Thank you so much, Veronika!
Nicoletta says
My husband would devour this sandwich in just a few bites! We would love to visit the area and try all the amazing food! Thanks for giving us a glimpse of that!
Kelly Anthony says
Thank you, Nicoletta!