This is The Best Roast Beef Sandwich ever! It has classic toppings, cheese, and a homemade sweet mustard sauce that perfectly complements the beef. It may be an uncomplicated recipe, but sometimes the best ones are. This is a traditional, no-fuss roast beef sandwich that everyone will enjoy.

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I love a good, easy sandwich for lunch or even dinner, especially during hot summer nights. This homemade roast beef sandwich is one of my favorites. I can make it a dozen different ways, based on the kind of flavor profile I want, and still end up with a delicious sandwich to fill my belly.
If you like tasty beef recipes, you should try slow cooker balsamic beef roast and air fryer roast beef and potatoes.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- It's quick to make: This is a quick and delicious cold sandwich recipe. It takes only a few minutes to put together, so you can spend more time eating it.
- It uses minimal ingredients: The main ingredients are the roast beef and cheese, the rest are toppings that you are free to change up if you like.
- It's great anytime: You can make a classic roast beef sandwich whenever you want. There's no need for a special occasion or time of year!
Ingredients
Below are the essential components of this homemade roast beef sandwich recipe. Find some yummy roast beef at your local deli or the deli department in the grocery store.

- Buns: I use sesame seed buns for this recipe. However, you can get creative with it. Make a tasty sub using this Italian herb and cheese bread, for example.
- Roast beef: Thinly sliced beef just tastes better and has a better texture. It's way more tender as well, which makes each bite perfect.
- Toppings: I chose lettuce, tomato, and caramelized onions. You can use any or all of these toppings for your sandwich. Raw red onions and pickles are delicious, too.
- Cheese: In my opinion, the best cheese for a roast beef sandwich is sharp cheddar. However, you can choose any that you like. Provolone and Swiss also pair well with the beef.
- Honey mustard mayonnaise: This is a homemade spread that I think pairs well with the roast beef. It consists of honey, Dijon mustard, and mayonnaise. You can even try making this sauce with yellow mustard if you like.
See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.
Variations
- Roast beef melt: Throw your sandwich in the oven before you add the veggies and condiments to melt the cheese to make it a hot sandwich.
- Add more meat: Add some sliced turkey, ham, or chicken for some different flavors to contrast with the roast beef.
- Italian-style: Use an Italian-style roast beef, provolone or mozzarella cheese, and this garlic mayo to spread on the buns.
How to Make a Roast Beef Sandwich
Here are the steps you'll need to layer your ingredients for this roast beef sandwich recipe. Gather everything you need before you get started.

Step 1: Spread the butter. Grab your bottom bun and spread some butter on it, if desired.

Step 2: Add roast beef. Place a couple of slices of roast beef onto the bun.

Step 3: Layer lettuce and more beef. Add a piece of lettuce and then some more roast beef.

Step 4: Top with tomatoes and onions. Then, add your tomato slices and caramelized onions on top.

Step 5: Add cheese. Put a slice of cheese on top of the onions.

Step 6: Prepare the spread. Combine the ingredients for your honey Dijon mayo and stir until they're well mixed.

Step 7: Add it on top. Spread some of the honey Dijon mayo on top of your sandwich.

Step 8: Serve. Add the top bun and enjoy this cold roast beef sandwich recipe with some crispy pita chips.
Recipe Tips
- Use good-quality roast beef: Don't skimp on the roast beef, as it's the most important component of the sandwich! Choose one of good quality, but it doesn't have to be super expensive.
- Pat the veggies dry: To prevent the sandwich from becoming too wet or soggy, gently pat the lettuce dry after washing it, and the tomatoes to minimize dripping.
- Toast the buns: I recommend toasting the buns if you can. It adds texture and helps create a barrier to prevent the condiments from soaking through.
- Storing: You may keep extra sandwiches in the refrigerator for 1-2 days, but I don't recommend freezing them, as it will make the bread soggy when they thaw.
If you enjoy delicious sandwiches, you may also like this loose meat sandwich, this turkey club sandwich or try our chopped Italian sandwich .

Serving Suggestions
- Try a spicy condiment on your roast beef sandwich, like chipotle mayonnaise or horseradish aioli. Even your favorite hot sauce would be amazing!
- Make some fries on the side. Try some crispy steak fries.
- Enjoy a side of warm soup. You can use store-bought or make this slow-cooker tomato soup.

More Sandwich Recipes
Do you like sandwich recipes? Here are some recipes you may also like to try.
If you try this recipe and love it please leave a star rating in the recipe card below or even better, drop a review in the comment section. I always appreciate your feedback. Be sure to follow along with me on Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube for more easy recipes!

The Best Roast Beef Sandwich
Ingredients
- 1 buns your favorite kind
- butter optional
- 4-6 slices roast beef
- 2 lettuce leaves any variety
- 2-4 tomato slices
- 3-5 spoonfuls caramelized onions or regular onions sliced
- 2-3 cheese slices any variety
Honey Mustard Mayonaise
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard any variety
- ¼ cup mayonaise
Instructions
- Split your bun into 2 pieces. Butter if desired.
- Place roast beef slices on bottom half of the bun, as much or as little as you like.
- Next, place your lettuce leaves on top of the roast beef slices, then place the remaining roast beef on top of your lettuce.
- Cover the roast beef with tomato slices and then your caramelized or regular onions.
- Then add your cheese slice.
- Combine mayonnaise, honey and mustard in a small bowl. Adjust the amount of honey and mustard until the sauce is just the way you like it.
- Smear the sauce on top of the cheese
- Place the top half of the bun on your sandwich and enjoy!
Notes
- Store leftover or extra roast beef sandwiches wrapped in plastic wrap in the fridge for 1-2 days.
- Use good-quality roast beef to get the best flavor and the most tender meat possible.
- Toast your buns for extra texture and to help keep them from becoming too soggy.
Nutrition
This post was originally published, 10/31/16. It's been updated with new content and images.









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