I first made these cheesy hot beef sandwiches recipe for a game night, and they were an absolute game-changer. The savory beef, gooey cheese, and perfectly toasted rolls were a massive hit with everyone. It’s now my go-to recipe for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing party snack.
This simple meal comes together so easily, yet it tastes like you spent hours on it. I’m excited to share this recipe so you can enjoy it too. You can also enjoy similar flavors with a Saucy French Chicken Recipe for a lighter dinner option.
Ingredients for Your Cheesy Hot Beef Sandwiches
Here are the simple ingredients you’ll need to create this incredibly satisfying and flavorful sandwich.
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef – I recommend using an 80/20 or 85/15 ground beef for the best balance of flavor and tenderness.
- 1 packet dry onion soup mix – This is the secret weapon for a deep, savory flavor without needing a dozen different spices.
- ¼ cup water – A small amount helps create a sauce-like consistency for the beef mixture.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar jack cheese – For the best melt, grate your own cheese. Pre-shredded cheese often has anti-caking agents that affect how it melts.
- 5 hoagie rolls – Look for sturdy but soft rolls that can hold the hearty filling without falling apart.
Note: This recipe makes 5 hearty servings.
Delicious Flavor Variations
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. Here are some fun ways to switch things up.
- Switch the Meat: If you’re not in the mood for beef, try ground turkey, chicken, or even lamb for a different flavor profile. You can also use leftover shredded roast beef. If you want a different chicken twist, try the Hot Honey Baked Chicken Breasts Recipe for a sweet and spicy variation.
- Cheese Choices: While cheddar jack is fantastic, feel free to experiment. Provolone, mozzarella, Swiss, or pepper jack for a spicy kick are all excellent alternatives. A mix of cheeses also works wonderfully.
- Spice it Up: For those who like heat, add some chopped jalapeños, a dash of red pepper flakes, or a splash of your favorite hot sauce to the beef mixture.
- Add More Veggies: Sauté some diced onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms along with the ground beef to add more texture and nutrients.
- Boost the Flavor: A splash of Worcestershire sauce or a spoonful of mushroom soup mix can add an extra layer of savory, umami flavor to the beef.
Cooking Time
This recipe is perfect for when you need a delicious meal on the table quickly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Equipment You Need
You don’t need any fancy gadgets for this recipe, just a few kitchen basics.
- Large Skillet: For browning the ground beef and simmering the filling.
- Baking Dish: A 9×13 inch dish is perfect for arranging the sandwiches for baking.
- Serrated Knife: Ideal for slicing the hoagie rolls without squishing them.
- Spoon or Spatula: For stirring the beef mixture and filling the sandwiches.
How to Make Cheesy Hot Beef Sandwich Recipe
Follow these simple steps to assemble and bake your delicious sandwiches to perfection.
Step 1: Preheat and Brown the Beef
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when you are. While the oven heats up, place your ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Break it apart with a spatula and cook until it’s nicely browned and no pink remains.
Step 2: Season the Beef Mixture
Once the beef is cooked, drain off any excess grease from the skillet. Add the entire packet of dry onion soup mix and ¼ cup of water to the skillet. Stir everything together until the beef is evenly coated with the seasoning.
Step 3: Thicken the Sauce and Add Cheese
Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes until the liquid starts to thicken into a rich sauce. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in half of your shredded cheddar jack cheese. Keep mixing until the cheese is completely melted and incorporated into the beef.
Step 4: Prepare and Fill the Rolls
Take your hoagie rolls and use a serrated knife to cut a slit along the side of each one, being careful not to slice all the way through. Place the rolls open-side-up in a baking dish. Carefully spoon the cheesy beef mixture evenly into each roll.
Step 5: Top with More Cheese and Bake
Now for the best part! Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top of each filled sandwich. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the rolls are lightly toasted and the cheese on top is bubbly and golden.
Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better
Over the years, I’ve picked up a few tricks that take these sandwiches from great to absolutely amazing.
- Toast the Buns: Before filling the hoagie rolls, I like to lightly butter the insides and toast them under the broiler for a minute or two. This adds a nice crunch and helps prevent the bread from getting soggy.
- Drain the Grease Well: To ensure your sandwiches aren’t greasy, make sure to drain the ground beef thoroughly. I sometimes even pat it with a paper towel to absorb any extra fat before adding the soup mix.
- Use Freshly Grated Cheese: I can’t stress this enough. Grating your own block of cheese results in a much smoother, meltier texture compared to pre-shredded varieties.
- Let the Filling Rest: After I mix the cheese into the beef, I let the filling sit for about five minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together even more before I stuff the sandwiches.
How to Serve Cheesy Hot Beef Sandwich Recipe
These sandwiches are a meal in themselves, but they also pair well with a variety of sides. For a classic diner experience, serve them with a side of crispy homemade french fries or tater tots. A fresh green salad with a simple vinaigrette or a tangy coleslaw can provide a nice, light contrast to the rich sandwich.
For a comforting dinner, a warm bowl of tomato soup is a perfect companion. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chopped green onions for a pop of color and freshness.
Nutritional Information
Here is an approximate nutritional breakdown for one sandwich.
- Calories: 683
- Protein: 53g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fat: 44g
Make Ahead and Storage
This recipe is great for planning ahead, making your life a little easier.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the cheesy beef filling up to two days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat the filling, stuff the rolls, top with cheese, and bake as directed.
Storing: If you have any leftover sandwiches, let them cool completely before wrapping them individually or placing them in an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: To reheat, place the sandwiches on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through and the cheese is melted again. Avoid the microwave, as it can make the bread soggy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons this cheesy hot beef sandwich will become a new favorite in your home.
- Incredibly Quick and Easy: With just 10 minutes of prep time and a handful of simple ingredients, you can have a delicious, satisfying meal ready in about half an hour. It’s perfect for busy weeknights.
- A Crowd-Pleasing Favorite: The combination of savory beef and melted cheese is a classic that appeals to all ages. It’s a guaranteed hit for family dinners, parties, or game day gatherings.
- Easily Customizable: This recipe serves as a fantastic base for your own creative twists. You can easily add vegetables, try different meats, or experiment with various cheeses to make it your own.
- Great for Meal Prep: The beef filling can be made ahead of time, which is a huge time-saver. This makes assembling and baking the sandwiches incredibly fast when you’re ready to eat.
