This recipe creates savory and satisfying cheesy beef sandwiches using toasted English muffins topped with tender shredded beef, melted cheese, and optional herbs for garnish. They are perfect for a quick lunch, snack, or light dinner.
Ingredients:
- 4 English muffins, split
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound cooked shredded beef (leftover roast beef, slow-cooked beef, or similar)
- 1/4 cup beef broth (or water)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, provolone, or a blend)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or chives, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven (Optional): If you want the cheese to be extra melty and bubbly, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). You can also use a toaster oven or simply melt the cheese under the broiler for a short time (watch carefully to prevent burning).
- Prepare the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the cooked shredded beef and toss to coat.
- Add Flavor to Beef: Pour in the beef broth (or water), Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir well and let it simmer gently for a few minutes until the liquid has mostly evaporated and the beef is heated through.
- Toast English Muffins: While the beef is warming, toast the split English muffins until lightly golden brown. You can use a toaster or toast them under the broiler for a minute or two.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Place the toasted English muffin halves on a baking sheet. Spoon the warm shredded beef evenly over the top of each muffin half.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheese generously over the beef on each muffin half.
- Melt the Cheese:
- Oven Method: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven for 2-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Toaster Oven Method: Follow the toaster oven settings for melting cheese, keeping a close eye on them.
- Broiler Method: Place the baking sheet under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching very carefully until the cheese is melted and slightly browned.
- Garnish and Serve: Once the cheese is melted, remove the cheesy beef English muffins from the oven or broiler. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley or chives, if desired. Serve immediately.
Tips and Notes:
- Beef Variations: You can use different types of cooked shredded beef depending on what you have available.
- Cheese Variations: Choose your favorite cheese that melts well.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef mixture for a little heat.
- Make Ahead (Components): You can prepare the seasoned shredded beef ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Toast the English muffins and assemble just before melting the cheese.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve these cheesy beef English muffins as a quick meal, snack, or appetizer. You can also add a side salad or some coleslaw for a more complete meal.
Enjoy these easy and flavorful Cheesy Beef English Muffins!