Recipe

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A deli-style, stackable roast beef sandwich with crusty French bread, creamy cheese, crisp lettuce, and juicy tomato makes the ultimate easy lunch!

This roast beef sandwich is one of those fuss-free, big-flavor lunches that work for school, office, or anytime you have a hungry teen raiding the fridge.

Easy Roast Beef Sandwich

My teens used to beg for $12 subs until we started making better ones at home. And this easy roast beef sandwich does not disappoint with thin-sliced roast beef, crisp veggies, and creamy Provolone all stacked inside crusty French bread!

The best part? Sandwiches like this and my turkey sub are simple enough for my kids to handle without backup, so I can finally sit down and take a breather. Bliss!

Why French Bread is Perfect for Sandwiches

You guys know my biggest pet peeve is a squished and soggy sandwich. None of that here with French bread! It has a sturdy texture that holds its shape, even when loaded with juicy fillings, and a crisp crust that balances out the soft layers inside.

When you're slicing French bread for sandwiches, use a sharp serrated knife and slice horizontally. To get that sub-shop feel, you can cut about three-quarters of the way through and gently pry it open to stuff.

Tips for the Best Roast Beef Sandwich

The beauty of this sandwich is how easy it is to customize. Here are some tips to make it your own and keep it from getting soggy if you’re not eating it right away:

Cheese: Provolone is a classic match with roast beef, but Swiss, Cheddar, and Pepper Jack are great swaps to experiment with different flavors.
Lettuce: when I pack this sandwich in a school lunch, I go with Romaine because it holds up better in a lunchbox than iceberg.
Tomato: a firm variety like Roma adds a sweet, fresh bite.
Extras: my youngest isn't into tomatoes, so he swaps in shredded carrots or even a little coleslaw mix. Other easy additions, such as banana peppers, horseradish mayo, Dijon mustard, or even thinly sliced red onion, can give this sandwich a serious deli upgrade.
Toast it: grilled sandwiches are an easy way to level up lunch! Just give it a few minutes in a panini press or pan to melt the cheese and crisp the bread.

Packing it for Lunch

This roast beef sandwich with French bread is sturdy enough to survive a backpack toss and still taste great by lunchtime when packed right! Layer the lettuce first to create a moisture barrier, and pat the tomato slices dry to prevent a soggy lunch.

Pack the sandwich in a snug lunch container and throw an ice pack into the lunch bag to keep any lunch sides cool and fresh!

Roast Beef Sandwich on French Bread

Servings: 1 person

Prep Time: 5

Total Time: 5

A deli-style, stackable roast beef sandwich with crusty French bread, creamy cheese, crisp lettuce, and juicy tomato makes the ultimate easy lunch!

5 from 3 votes

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Ingredients

1 French bread roll or 6-inch section of French bread
2 ounces Provolone cheese
3 ounces deli roast beef
2-3 tomato slices
1-2 leaves Romaine or green leaf lettuce
Mayonnaise or horseradish sauce, optional

Instructions

Assemble the sandwich:

Slice the French bread horizontally and spread a little mayo or sauce on the bottom. Place the lettuce first, then layer the cheese, roast beef, and tomatoes. Top with the other half of the bread and gently press together.