Description
Pulled Beef Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Ingredients:
2 cups shredded slow-cooked beef
4 slices sourdough bread
4 slices Swiss or provolone cheese
1/4 cup barbecue sauce
2 tablespoons butter
6-8 pickle slices
Instructions:
1. Heat a skillet over medium heat.2. Spread butter on one side of each bread slice.3. Place two slices of bread butter-side down in the skillet.4. Layer with a slice of cheese, pulled beef, barbecue sauce, pickle slices, and another slice of cheese.5. Top with the remaining bread slices, butter-side up.6. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cheese is melted.7. Slice and serve warm.
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for the perfect sandwich. First, ensure your pulled beef is warm and shredded finely. Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. While it warms, assemble your ingredients. Generously butter one side of each slice of sourdough bread. Place two slices in the skillet, buttered-side down. Immediately add one slice of cheese to each piece of bread in the skillet—this helps it start melting. Evenly divide the warm pulled beef, pressing it down slightly. Drizzle with barbecue sauce, then add a layer of pickle slices. Top each with the second slice of cheese. Finally, cap the sandwiches with the remaining bread slices, buttered-side up. Press down gently with a spatula. Cook for 3-4 minutes, checking for a perfect golden-brown crust. Carefully flip and cook the other side for another 3-4 minutes until the second side is crispy and the cheese is fully melted. Remove, let rest for one minute, then slice diagonally.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty sandwich is a meal unto itself but can be elevated with simple sides. Serve it with a crisp dill pickle spear and a handful of kettle-cooked potato chips for classic contrast. For a lighter option, pair it with a simple coleslaw or a tangy cucumber salad. To make it a full comfort-food feast, consider a side of sweet potato fries or a cup of tomato soup for dipping.
How-to Summary
Butter sourdough bread. Build sandwiches in a hot skillet: cheese, warm pulled beef, BBQ sauce, pickles, more cheese. Cook 3-4 minutes per side until golden and melted. Slice and serve immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of bread?
Absolutely. While sourdough offers great structure and tang, Texas toast, brioche, or a sturdy rye bread are excellent alternatives.
My cheese isn’t melting before the bread burns. What can I do?
Lower your heat. Medium-low allows the interior to heat through without over-browning the exterior. You can also cover the skillet with a lid for a minute to trap heat and melt the cheese faster.
How can I make this with leftover roast beef?
Shred or finely chop leftover roast beef. Warm it gently in a pan with a splash of broth or extra BBQ sauce to rehydrate and add moisture before building your sandwich.
Can I prepare these ahead of time?
You can assemble the sandwiches ahead without buttering the outer bread. Wrap tightly in plastic and refrigerate for up to 4 hours. When ready, butter the outer slices and cook as directed, adding a minute or two to the cooking time.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat to recrisp the bread. Avoid the microwave, as it will make the bread soggy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these pitfalls for the best result. First, do not use high heat; it burns the butter before the filling warms. Second, do not overfill the sandwich, as it becomes messy and difficult to flip. Third, ensure your beef is warm before adding it to the cold sandwich—this is crucial for even heating and melted cheese. Finally, do not press down too hard while cooking, which can squeeze out the delicious fillings.
Conclusion
This Pulled Beef Grilled Cheese Sandwich transforms simple leftovers into a gourmet comfort food experience. The combination of tender, savory beef, melted cheese, tangy pickles, and crispy sourdough is unbeatable. By following the detailed steps and tips provided, you can consistently create a restaurant-quality sandwich at home. It’s a versatile recipe that encourages customization, making it a surefire hit for any meal.