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Open Faced Roast Beef Sandwich

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If you love classic comfort food, this Open Faced Roast Beef Sandwich is exactly the kind of hearty, old-school meal that always hits the spot. Tender shredded beef simmered in rich homemade gravy is served over soft or toasted bread for a simple, satisfying dinner that feels nostalgic in the best way.

You can make this using my Dutch Oven Pot Roast. It’s also a perfect way to repurpose leftover pot roast and turn it into a completely new, cozy meal, without any extra effort.

Why You’ll Love This Open Faced Roast Beef Sandwich

  • Easy Comfort Food Dinner: Warm shredded beef and homemade gravy served over bread makes the perfect simple meal, everyone will love.
  • Great for Leftover Pot Roast: Using leftover pot roast is a great way to repurpose last night’s meal into something incredible the next day.
  • Versatile & Customizable: Choose toasted or untoasted bread, add butter, or serve with mashed potatoes for a complete plate.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • Bread: Use sourdough, Texas toast, brioche, gluten-free bread, or even garlic toast. If you have the time, make homemade bread using this Simple No Knead Bread recipe.
  • Butter: Swap for olive oil, garlic butter, or omit completely.
  • Parsley: Fresh chives or thyme work well, if preferred.
  • Pot Roast: Any leftover shredded roast beef, brisket, or slow-cooked chuck roast can be substituted.

How to Prepare Open Faced Roast Beef Sandwiches

  1. Prepare your roast using my Dutch oven pot roast recipe.
  2. Once fully cooked, shred the beef.
  3. Strain the pan juices into a saucepan and simmer until thickened.
  4. Use a cornstarch slurry, if needed, to create a rich, silky gravy.
  5. Add the shredded beef into the gravy and stir to coat well.
  6. Toast the bread, if preferred, and spread with butter (optional)
  7. Place one or two slices of bread on a plate.
  8. Spoon the shredded beef and gravy generously over the bread.
  9. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with mashed potatoes and a vegetable.

How to Serve and Store Leftover

  • Serve these open faced roast beef sandwiches with mashed potatoes, mashed cauliflower, and/or a side of steamed vegetables.
  • Store leftover shredded beef and gravy in an airtight container (separate from any bread) in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
  • Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of beef broth if needed to loosen the gravy.
  • Bread should be stored separately to prevent it from getting soggy.
  • Freeze the beef and gravy mixture for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can I make the pot roast in a crockpot instead of a Dutch oven? Yes. While this recipe is written using my Dutch oven pot roast, you can cook your roast in a crockpot on low for 8–9 hours until fork-tender, then follow the same gravy method.
  • What’s the best bread to use? Traditionally, open faced sandwiches are made using soft, white bread. However, use what works for you. Sourdough, Texas toast, brioche, or country white are great alternatives. Toasting is a matter of preference.
  • Can I make this a full sandwich instead of open-faced? Yes, just add a second slice of bread on top.
  • Can I add mashed potatoes directly on the sandwich? Definitely! Many people love spreading a layer of mashed potatoes onto the bread before topping it with the shredded beef and gravy. It creates an even heartier, diner-style open faced roast beef meal.
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Two pieces of toast covered in shredded beef with gravy to create an open faced roast beef sandwich. The dish is served with mashed potatoes, which are also covered in gravy, and garnished with fresh chopped parsley.

Open Faced Roast Beef Sandwiches


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Description

These Open Faced Roast Beef Sandwiches feature shredded beef simmered in rich gravy and served over bread for an easy comfort food dinner.


Ingredients

Scale

Instructions

  1. Prepare your roast using my Dutch oven pot roast recipe.
  2. Once fully cooked, shred the beef.
  3. Strain the pan juices into a saucepan and simmer until thickened.
  4. Use a cornstarch slurry if needed to create a rich, silky gravy.
  5. Add the shredded beef into the gravy and stir to coat well.
  6. Toast the bread, if preferred, and spread with butter (optional)
  7. Place one or two slices of bread on a plate.
  8. Spoon the shredded beef and gravy generously over the bread.
  9. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with mashed potatoes and a vegetable.
  10. ENJOY!

Notes

  • Toasting the bread helps support the gravy.
  • If the gravy thickens too much, whisk in a little beef broth.
  • Great way to use leftover roast beef.
  • Can be assembled open-faced or as a traditional sandwich.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • For the Pot Roast: 3 hours
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Easy
  • Cuisine: American

GET TO KNOW ME!

A photo of me in a black floral dress cooking at the stovetop at Williams-Sonoma

WELCOME! My name is Melissa Latin aka. Charlotte Fashion Plate. Happy to meet you! I am more than just recipes. I love fashion and style too! Most importantly, I love my Family (my Hubby and my Fur Babies). My Husband (aka my “Kitchen Bitch”) means the world to me. He’s pretty damn cool too. Not only is he one of the nicest guys you will ever meet, he also has had a lengthy career in professional hockey. Not only winning two Stanley Cups with the Pittsburgh Penguins in the early ’90’s, but most recently winning the Calder Cup with the Charlotte Checkers, amongst many other accolades. If you live in Charlotte and play hockey, or have a family member who plays, be sure to contact him!

Our life has changed dramatically in the past few years with the passing of our two goldendoodles, Vegas and Viva. We were lucky enough to have Vegas for five years (totally wish it was longer). Most recently, losing our Viva to a brain tumor in July of 2020. We welcomed our mini goldendoodle 7, almost seven years ago. We just added the amazing Hazel! Of course, I am always posting tons and tons of photos! Be sure to check out my recipe for Pet Bone Broth! This broth is super rich in nutrients and will provide your pet with a multitude of health benefits!

In addition, I’m so very excited to announce I have published my first e-book and paperback, “Mastering Thanksgiving – A Guide to Perfecting Your Thanksgiving Dinner.” Your support would mean the world to me.

Let’s Get Social!

Be sure to follow me on social media! I’m always talking food, fashion, and family! I also love sharing some of my favorite Amazon Finds too. Click here to check out my Amazon page! FacebookInstagramTikTokX, Pinterest and YouTube! Check out my LTK to find out what I’m wearing! THANK YOU!

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