Classic Pennsylvania Roast Beef Sandwiches with Rich Gravy
Indulge in this classic Pennsylvania comfort food, a cherished family recipe that's been perfected over the years. This dish features tender, slow-cooked beef roast slices nestled between soft slices of bread, drenched in a flavorful, savory gravy that's perfect for smothering freshly cooked shoestring fries. It's a warm and hearty meal that's ideal for family gatherings or comforting midweek dinners.
4-6
Servings
600-900 kcal
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
beef roast
3-4 lb (none)
water
3-4 cups (for roasting)
dry onion soup mix
1 (1 1/4 ounce) package (none)
salt
to taste (for seasoning)
pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
broth
4-5 cups (from roast)
flour
2 cups (mixed with water for gravy)
water
2 cups (mixed with flour for gravy)
beef bouillon cubes
2 (none)
Gravymaster or browning sauce
2 teaspoons (none)
Instructions
1
1. Season the beef roast generously with salt and pepper, then place it in a crock pot. Add the dry onion soup mix and cover with 3-4 cups of water.
2
2. Set the crock pot to low and cook for 9-10 hours, or until the beef is tender and easily shredded with a fork.
3
3. Once the beef roast is cooked, remove it from the crock pot and set aside to rest. Pour the broth from the crock pot into a large saucepan.
4
4. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and 2 cups of water until it forms a smooth mixture with no lumps. Set aside.
5
5. Bring the broth in the saucepan to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the beef bouillon cubes and Gravymaster or browning sauce, stirring until it's fully dissolved.
6
6. Gradually whisk in the flour and water mixture to the boiling broth, stirring constantly until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.
7
7. Slice the beef roast thinly and divide evenly between slices of bread to make sandwiches.
8
8. Ladle the rich, homemade gravy generously over the sandwiches and enjoy! For an extra indulgence, pour the gravy over a side of fries.
Nutrition Information
30-45 g
Fat
37-55 g
Carbs
50-75 g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Classic Pennsylvania Roast Beef Sandwiches?
They are a traditional comfort food featuring tender, slow-cooked beef roast served between bread slices and covered in rich, savory gravy.
What cut of beef is best for this recipe?
A 3-4 lb beef roast such as chuck roast or rump roast is ideal for slow cooking until tender.
How long should I cook the beef in the crock pot?
The beef should be cooked on the low setting for 9 to 10 hours to ensure it is tender enough to slice or shred easily.
How do I season the roast?
Season the roast generously with salt and pepper, and add one package of dry onion soup mix to the crock pot.
What is the secret to the rich gravy?
The gravy uses the broth from the roast combined with beef bouillon cubes and Gravymaster or browning sauce for deep color and flavor.
How do I thicken the gravy?
Whisk together 2 cups of flour and 2 cups of water into a smooth slurry, then gradually stir it into the boiling broth.
What is Gravymaster or browning sauce?
It is a concentrated seasoning and coloring liquid that gives gravy a dark, rich appearance and enhances the savory flavor.
Can I substitute the browning sauce?
Yes, you can use Kitchen Bouquet or a similar browning agent, or simply omit it, though the gravy will be lighter in color.
What kind of bread should I use for these sandwiches?
Soft white bread or thick-cut Texas toast is traditional for soaking up the generous amounts of gravy.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe typically serves between 4 and 6 people.
What are the traditional side dishes for this meal?
Freshly cooked shoestring fries are the classic choice, often served with gravy poured over them as well.
Can I cook the beef on the high setting?
You can, but cooking on low for a longer period usually results in a more tender and easily shredded roast.
How much water goes into the crock pot?
Add 3 to 4 cups of water to the crock pot along with the roast and onion soup mix.
Do I need to sear the beef before putting it in the crock pot?
The recipe does not require searing, but doing so can add an extra layer of flavor to the meat and broth.
How do I ensure there are no lumps in my gravy?
Whisk the flour and water together thoroughly in a separate bowl before adding the mixture to the boiling broth.
Is this recipe considered a family-style meal?
Yes, it is a hearty, slow-cooked meal designed for family gatherings or comforting midweek dinners.
What is the calorie count for a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 600-900 kcal, depending on the portion size and bread used.
Can I use cornstarch instead of flour for the gravy?
You can, but you will need to adjust the quantity. Typically, you use half as much cornstarch as flour to achieve thickening.
How do I store leftovers?
Store the sliced beef and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Can I freeze the roast beef and gravy?
Yes, this dish freezes well. Ensure it is completely cooled before placing it in freezer-safe containers.
What if my gravy is too thick?
If the gravy is too thick, simply whisk in a little more water or beef broth until you reach your desired consistency.
What if my gravy is too thin?
Allow the gravy to simmer longer to reduce, or add a small amount of additional flour slurry while stirring constantly.
Is this a Pennsylvania Dutch recipe?
It is a regional classic found throughout Pennsylvania, often associated with diner culture and home-style cooking.
How much protein is in this dish?
This recipe provides a high protein content of approximately 50-75 g per serving.
Should I slice or shred the beef?
The recipe suggests slicing the beef thinly, but it is tender enough that you can also shred it with a fork.
Can I add vegetables to the crock pot?
While this recipe focuses on the meat for sandwiches, you can add onions or celery to the crock pot for extra flavor.
Why do I need to rest the meat?
Resting the meat helps the juices redistribute, making it easier to slice and ensuring it stays moist.
What type of bouillon should I use?
Standard beef bouillon cubes work perfectly to enhance the saltiness and depth of the gravy.
Can I use a pressure cooker instead?
Yes, a pressure cooker can reduce the cooking time to about 60-90 minutes, though the texture may vary slightly from slow cooking.
What makes this 'Pennsylvania style'?
The specific combination of the soft bread, sliced roast, and the abundance of rich gravy over both the sandwich and fries is a hallmark of the region.