Steak Sandwiches with Caramelized Onions
Turn an affordable cut of beef into a flavorful sandwich. These Steak Sandwiches with Caramelized Onions start with seasoned tender cube steak that’s sliced into strips, perfectly browned, and piled onto toasted hoagie rolls with caramelized onions.
It’s a sandwich you’ll want to add to your meal rotation regularly. It’s easy and delicious too. Plus there’s no need to turn on the oven to make this great steak sandwich.
These steak sandwiches with caramelized onions are one of my family’s absolute favorites for a weekend lunch or a weeknight dinner. This recipe is inspired by the Pioneer Woman’s Marlboro Man sandwich.
The first time I made them, my son declared it a keeper and said, “I could eat this for lunch every weekend”. Well, we don’t have it every weekend, but more like every few weeks. It’s really a great sandwich. We also love these hot colby ham sandwiches and chicken parmesan sandwiches.
Why this steak sandwich recipe works
- Uses budget-friendly cube steak rather than an expensive cut like flank steak or skirt steak.
- It’s ready in about 30 minutes.
- You can do advance prep work to make mealtime easier.
- Great for a satisfying lunch or dinner.
- Restaurant-inspired flavor using readily available ingredients.
- A family-friendly meal that’s both hearty and affordable.
- Easy to customize with your favorite cheeses or sauce. I have used this mustard sauce and spread it on the toasted bun. A bit of mayonnaise
Make the Caramelized Onions
There are some important things to note. The caramelized onions make this sandwich. This is not a process to rush or skip.
You risk burning them and having to start over. Good caramelized onions should take at least 15 minutes. I always use my cast-iron skillet over medium-low heat. Melt the butter, then add the onions and sprinkle them with some salt. (Salting can be optional, if necessary.)
Learn how to make perfect caramelized onions every time. You’ll be glad to know how, and you’ll use them often. I have several recipes on the site that use caramelized onions, besides these steak sandwiches, including roast beef sliders, which are perfect for game day parties, or patty melts.
Tips and Suggestions
These steak sandwiches with cube steak are one I make frequently. Besides the fact that they are delicious, they are easy too.
- Do not skip or rush toasting the hoagie rolls. I purchase rolls in the bakery at my favorite supermarket. By all means, use your favorite rolls.
- Before cooking the cube steak, cut 1-inch thick slices against the grain
- The sliced cube steak cooks quickly, so have everything ready to go so you can assemble the sandwiches.
- This sandwich would be delicious on French or Cuban bread as well. If the rolls aren’t sliced, cut them all the way through.
- Butter the cut side and toast, butter side down, until golden. When serving, place meat on the bottom half, then top with onions.
- Cheese is optional. I don’t put it on my cube steak sandwich, but my husband likes a slice of provolone.
What can I serve with steak sandwiches?
Often when I make the sandwich, I serve fried onion strings or French fries with it. To complete the meal, if making these sandwiches for dinner, creamy coleslaw is another delicious side or some grilled vegetables for a healthier option.
A cool refreshing glass of strawberry iced tea or watermelon agua fresca are good drink options.
How do I store leftovers?
I store leftover cube steak strips and caramelized onions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium-high heat, and continue making the recipe.
How do I keep the steak sandwiches from getting soggy?
Toasting the hoagie roll or baguette will help keep the bread from getting soggy.
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Steak Sandwich with Caramelized Onions
Ingredients
- 1 large onion sliced
- 1 stick butter
- 2 to 3 Pounds cube steak
- Salt and pepper
- 4 whole hoagie rolls sliced in half lengthwise
Instructions
- Slice onions and cook in 2 tablespoons stick butter until soft and light brown. Remove and set aside.
- Slice cube steak against the grain. Season with salt and pepper.
- Heat 2 tablespoons butter over high heat (in same skillet) until melted and beginning to brown. Add meat in single layer. Cook one side until brown, then flip and cook until brown,.
- Butter cut side of halved hoagie rolls, with remaining butter, and brown in skillet or on flat side of a grill pan.
- To assemble, lay bottom half of roll on plate. Place meat mixture, followed by a spoonful of juice from the pan. Top with other half of roll. Cut in half before serving.
Made these last night and you are right, caramelizaing the onions just makes the sandwich! Made my hubby’s and mine with provolone and my son’s without!
This sandwich was so hearty and delicious!! My boys are ready for me to make them again!!
You can’t beat a good steak sandwich. I love the caramelized onions. Yum!
Steak sandwich is such a classic. It is definitely one that we like to make for comfort food.
I sure do love recipe with caramelized onions. This looks like the ultimate steak sandwich!
Right up my alley. I love all of these ingredients and would munch this up for a lunch or a great dinner. This looks tasty because it is tasty.
I love caramelised onions, they are just so good. I love the look of this sandwich as well.
Anything with caramelized onions is great in my book!
This is exactly the kind of sandwich my husband would love me to make him for lunch!
I just recently got a cast iron skillet so I’ve got to try using it to make the caramelized onions! YUM!
Caramelized onions are the best, Ellen! Thanks for joining me and sharing this fab recipe for Fathers’ Day! Happy, happy.