For those following a ketogenic lifestyle, the idea of enjoying a classic roast beef sandwich might seem like a distant memory. However, with a few clever substitutions and innovative recipes, you can savor the flavors of this beloved sandwich while staying true to your low-carb goals. This article explores various keto-friendly roast beef sandwich options, from sliders and wraps to open-faced chaffle sandwiches, providing detailed recipes and tips to satisfy your cravings.
Keto Roast Beef Sliders with Caramelized Shallots
These roast beef and provolone sliders with caramelized shallots are not only easy to make but also incredibly addictive. They are a perfect choice for parties, game days, or a quick and satisfying lunch. The recipe features cheesy almond flour buns that are versatile enough for other dishes.
Ingredients:
For the Buns:
- Mozzarella Cheese - shredded (pre-shredded/bagged is recommended)
- Cream Cheese - a couple ounces of softened cream cheese
- Eggs - 2 large
- Almond Flour - any almond flour will do
- Baking Powder
- Water
- Italian Seasoning/Dried Herbs
- Everything Bagel Seasoning - optional, for topping
For the Caramelized Shallots:
- Shallots - 2 large
- Worcestershire Sauce
- Salt
For the Sauce:
- Mayonnaise
- Mustard
- Red Pepper Flakes
- Hot Sauce
For the Sliders:
- Roast Beef - freshly sliced from the deli is preferred
- Provolone - smoked provolone slices
Instructions:
Making the Buns:
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
- Microwave the mozzarella and cream cheese for one minute; remove and stir well until a cohesive mixture forms.
- Add the almond flour and water to the bowl and stir well until evenly incorporated. Ensure there are no dry clumps of almond flour.
- Stir in the eggs, baking powder, salt, and dried herbs (or Italian seasoning mix). Mix well to ensure the ingredients are evenly dispersed.
- Use your hands to scoop out portions of the dough and roll into 6 to 8 even balls.
- Place them on a lined baking sheet and sprinkle the top with a bit of the everything bagel seasoning.
- Place into the oven and bake for 12 minutes; the buns should be golden brown.
- Allow the buns to cool completely before carefully slicing.
Making the Caramelized Shallots:
- Slice the shallots into thin strips.
- In a small skillet, over medium-low heat, add the shallots. Allow them to cook slowly, stirring every 2-3 minutes.
- After about five minutes, add the Worcestershire sauce and salt.
- Continue cooking for an additional 15 - 20 minutes or until the shallots have turned deep brown, stirring every few minutes to prevent sticking and burning.
Making the Sauce:
- Combine the mayonnaise, mustard, red pepper flakes, and hot sauce in a small bowl and mix well with a spoon. Set aside.
Constructing the Sliders:
- On top of the bottom bun, start with a layer of roast beef.
- Above that, place a provolone cheese slice.
- On top of the cheese, add a generous helping of caramelized shallots.
Keto Roast Beef and Cheddar Copycat (Arby's Inspired)
For those who miss the classic Arby's Beef and Cheddar, this keto copycat recipe is a dream come true. It delivers the savory goodness of the original sandwich without the carbs.
Key Components:
- Keto Buns: Soft and pillowy keto buns serve as the base.
- Roast Beef: Succulent roast beef, heated in beef broth for added flavor.
- Cheddar Cheese Sauce: A gooey cheddar cheese sauce, made with dairy-free options if needed.
- Red Ranch (Arby's) Sauce: A tangy and slightly sweet sauce.
- Horsey Sauce: A creamy horseradish sauce for an extra kick.
Tips for Preparation:
- Make Sauces Ahead: Prepare the red ranch sauce and horsey sauce in advance and store them in the refrigerator.
- Toast the Buns: Lightly toast the keto burger buns in a skillet with butter or olive oil before assembling.
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese such as Swiss, provolone, or pepper jack.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free cheese alternatives and dairy-free mayo for a dairy-free version.
Keto Roast Beef Sliders with Fried Onions and Honey Mustard
These keto roast beef sliders feature tender roast beef, crispy fried onions, cheddar cheese, and a creamy, sweet mustard spread, all served on keto dinner rolls.
Ingredients:
- Keto Dinner Rolls (or keto hamburger buns)
- Mayonnaise
- Yellow Mustard (or Dijon mustard)
- Sweetener
- Deli Roast Beef Slices
- Yellow Onions
- Sliced Cheddar Cheese
- Olive Oil
- Salt and Pepper
Instructions:
Making the Air Fryer Onions:
- Thinly slice the onions and mix with the olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
- Spray the basket of the air fryer with nonstick cooking spray and spread the onions evenly in one layer.
- Cook at 300°F (150 degrees C) for 14 minutes, mixing often until golden brown. If you don't have an air fryer, you can caramelize the onions in a skillet on the stove.
Assembling the Sliders:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175 degrees C). Spray a baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray.
- Cut the dinner rolls in half like you would a bagel and place the bottoms on the tray.
- Add the cheese slices and then the roast beef slices.
- Mix the mayo, mustard, and sweetener together and spread over the top buns.
- Add about ½ of the fried onions on the roast beef, place the top of the buns on the onions, and then spray the sliders with nonstick cooking spray or brush with melted butter or olive oil.
- Cover with aluminum foil and place the baking tray in the preheated oven.
- Cook for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and the sandwich is heated through.
Keto Classic Roast Beef Sandwich
This recipe offers a simple yet satisfying keto roast beef sandwich, perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers
Ingredients:
- Keto Bread Slices
- Roast Beef Slices
- Cheddar Cheese Slices
- Lettuce
- Tomato
- Mayonnaise
- Dijon Mustard
- Unsalted Butter
- Salt and Black Pepper
Instructions:
- Prepare the sandwich spread by mixing mayonnaise and Dijon mustard.
- Slice the tomato and season with salt and black pepper.
- Spread each keto bread slice with a thin layer of unsalted butter.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat. Place the buttered keto bread slices on the skillet, buttered side down, and grill for about 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
- Assemble the sandwich with roast beef, cheddar cheese, lettuce, and tomato.
Keto Roast Beef Lettuce Wrap
For a bread-free option, consider a roast beef lettuce wrap. This is a refreshing and easy way to enjoy the flavors of a roast beef sandwich without the carbs.
Ingredients:
- Large Lettuce Leaves (e.g., romaine or butter lettuce)
- Roast Beef Slices
- Gouda Cheese Slices
- Mustard
- Mayonnaise (optional)
Instructions:
- Lay down the roast beef on a lettuce leaf.
- Add gouda cheese and mustard (and a bit of mayo if desired).
- Like a burrito, fold in the ends first, and then roll up the sandwich meats into the lettuce.
- Secure with toothpicks if needed.
Open-Faced Keto French Dip Sandwich on a Chaffle
This innovative recipe uses chaffles as a bread substitute for a low-carb twist on the classic French Dip sandwich.
Ingredients:
For the Chaffles:
- Egg
- Shredded Cheese (e.g., mozzarella, cheddar)
- Seasonings (optional)
For the Sandwich:
- Slow Cooker Keto Pot Roast (or Instant Pot Keto Pot Roast)
- Provolone Cheese (or Swiss cheese)
- Beef Broth
- Minced Garlic (optional)
Instructions:
Making the Chaffles:
- Preheat a Dash Mini Waffle Maker.
- Combine the egg, cheese, and seasonings in a bowl and stir to combine.
- Spoon 1/2 of the batter on the waffle maker and close the lid.
- Set a timer for 4 minutes, and do not lift the top until the cooking time is complete.
- Remove the chaffle from the waffle iron and set it aside. Repeat with the remaining batter.
Assembling the Sandwich:
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).
- Cover a cookie sheet with parchment paper and place chaffles a few inches apart.
- Add the slow cooker keto roast beef, draining the excess broth/gravy.
- Add a slice of provolone or Swiss cheese on top.
- Place on the top rack of the oven for 5 minutes so that the cheese can melt.
- Enjoy open-faced with a small bowl of beef broth for dipping.
Tips and Considerations
- Bread Alternatives: Experiment with different keto bread recipes or use alternatives like lettuce wraps or chaffles.
- Cheese Selection: Choose your favorite cheeses to customize the flavor of your sandwich.
- Sauce Options: Explore various keto-friendly sauces and spreads to add flavor and moisture.
- Make Ahead: Many components of these sandwiches can be made ahead of time for convenience.
- Nutritional Information: Always calculate the nutritional information based on the specific ingredients you use.
Read also: Keto Calorie Counting: A Detailed Guide
Read also: Magnesium Supplements for Keto