Make these Shaved Steak Sandwiches with Caramelized Onions for a satisfying lunch or dinner. Tender shaved steak, sweet caramelized onions and melted Havarti on crisp rolls make a flavorful, easy-to-build sandwich.

Sandwiches are a classic choice for meals and packed lunches. If you already make caramelized onions, these shaved steak sandwiches are the next recipe to try; the combination of tender beef, sweet onions and melty cheese is hard to beat.

What These Sandwiches Are Like

• Difficulty – Moderate. The steaks and caramelized onions can be prepared ahead to speed assembly.
• Taste – Rich and savory with a sweet onion balance; tender shaved steak and melted Havarti make a comforting bite.
• Serving – The recipe yields four generous sandwiches. Adjust portions in the recipe card as needed.

Ingredients

• Steak – 2 thin strip loin steaks (about 1 inch thick each).
• Seasonings – Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
• Olive oil – For pan-frying the steak.
• Caramelized onions – Use homemade or store-bought for sweet, concentrated flavor.
• Cheese slices – Havarti melts well and has a mild flavor; use your preferred sliced cheese if desired.
• Butter – Unsalted butter for toasting the bread rolls.
• Bread – Ciabatta rolls are sturdy and hold the fillings well; any rustic roll or baguette also works.

NOTE: The full recipe and instructions are available in the recipe card below.

Instructions

1. Season and cook the steak – Season both sides with salt and pepper. Heat a large skillet over high heat with olive oil. Sear the steaks about 2 minutes per side for medium-rare to medium, then remove and let rest.
2. Crisp the bread – Split the rolls and butter the cut sides. In the same skillet set to medium, place the buttered sides down and toast until crisp, about 3 minutes. Flip briefly if you want the outside crisped as well, then remove.
3. Slice the steak – Thinly slice the rested steaks against the grain, trimming any excess fat. Toss the slices with a bit of Worcestershire sauce for extra depth.
4. Assemble and heat – On the bottom halves of the rolls place a slice of cheese, top with shaved steak and caramelized onions, then add the top half. Wrap each sandwich in foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to melt the cheese and heat through.
5. Serve – Serve hot straight from the oven with your choice of dipping sauces or condiments.

Recipe Tips

• Cooking the steak – Cook to your preferred doneness; the steaks here were cooked to medium. Let the steak rest before slicing to keep it juicy.
• Caramelized onions – Premade or make-ahead onions save time and add deep sweetness to the sandwich.
• Toasting the bread – Use a heavy skillet like cast iron and toast until fully crisp to avoid soggy sandwiches.
• Prep ahead – Steak and caramelized onions can be prepared the day before and stored in the refrigerator.
• Assembly – Sandwiches can be wrapped and refrigerated for up to an hour before heating and serving.

Substitutions

• Steak – Leftover cooked steak works well; just slice thinly and reheat gently.
• Bread – Any sturdy rustic roll, baguette, or even hamburger buns will work depending on preference.
• Cheese – Swap Havarti for mozzarella, Gouda, cheddar, Swiss or your favorite melty cheese.

Sauces to Serve with These Sandwiches

• Barbecue sauce
• Garlic aioli
• Honey mustard
• Mayonnaise
• Ketchup
• Cheese dip

What to Serve With Steak Sandwiches

• Crispy oven fries
• Parmesan and garlic potato wedges
• Spiced roasted potatoes
• Creamy cucumber salad
• Old-fashioned creamy potato salad

Frequently Asked Questions

Shaved Steak Sandwiches with Caramelized Onions

Tender shaved steak with sweet caramelized onions and melted Havarti on crisp rolls—perfect for lunch or dinner.

Prep Time25 mins

Cook Time15 mins

Total Time40 mins

Servings: 4 sandwiches

Calories: 610 kcal

Author: Julia Pinney

Ingredients

• 2 strip steaks (approx 8 oz each)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup caramelized onions
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 4 slices Havarti cheese
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 Ciabatta bread rolls

Instructions

• Season steaks with salt and pepper. Sear in a hot skillet with olive oil about 2 minutes per side. Remove and rest.
• Butter and toast the bread, butter side down in the skillet, until crisp, about 3 minutes.
• Thinly slice the cooled steak and toss with Worcestershire sauce.
• Place cheese on the bottom roll, top with shaved steak and caramelized onions, add the top roll, wrap in foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes.
• Serve hot with preferred sauces or condiments.

*Times are estimates; appliances vary.

Notes

1. Cooking steak – Adjust cooking time for desired doneness; steaks here were cooked to medium.
2. Caramelized onions – Premade onions work well and save time.
3. Toasting the bread – A heavy skillet gives the best crisp texture and prevents sogginess.
4. Prep ahead – Steak and onions can be made the day before and refrigerated.
5. Assemble before serving – Sandwiches can be wrapped and held for up to an hour before reheating.

Nutrition Facts

Shaved Steak Sandwiches with Caramelized Onions

Amount Per Serving (1 sandwich)

Calories 610

Fat 40g (62%)

Saturated Fat 20g (125%)

Cholesterol 124mg (41%)

Sodium 1182mg (51%)

Carbohydrates 28g (9%)

Fiber 2g (8%)

Sugar 4g (4%)

Protein 35g (70%)

Vitamin A 591IU (12%) • Vitamin C 2mg (2%) • Calcium 295mg (30%) • Iron 4mg (22%)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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