Beef Sub
A loaded beef submarine sandwich — sliced roast beef, melted provolone, lettuce, tomato, onion, banana peppers, and Italian seasoning. The deli-style sub done right uses thinly shaved beef and a sturdy roll that won't disintegrate.
Prep Time
11 min
Cook Time
13 min
Servings
4
Calories
559 cal

🛠 Interactive Recipe Tools — Use them right here on this page
Smart Servings Scaler
- Beef400 g
- Bread Roll1
- Cheese1 cup
- Lettuce2 cups
- Tomato2 medium
- Onion1 medium
- Mayonnaise3 tbsp
- Salt1 tsp
- Black Pepper½ tsp
All quantities scaled automatically from 4 servings.
Ingredients
Makes 4 servings · Use the Servings Scaler above to adjust
- Beef400 g
- Bread Roll1
- Cheese1 cup
- Lettuce2 cups
- Tomato2 medium
- Onion1 medium
- Mayonnaise3 tbsp
- Salt1 tsp
- Black Pepper0.5 tsp
Instructions
- 1
Slice 1 long sub roll (or 2 smaller hoagie rolls) in half horizontally but not all the way through — keep one side connected. Hollow out a bit of the soft interior bread to make room for fillings without overstuffing.
- 2
Toast the roll lightly: place cut-side up under a broiler for 60-90 seconds until just golden. This warms the bread and creates a slight crust that holds up to wet ingredients.
- 3
Drizzle the inside of the roll with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of red wine vinegar, a sprinkle of dried oregano, salt, and pepper. This 'oil and vinegar' moisture is what defines a real sub vs a sandwich.
- 4
Layer the bottom: 4-6 oz of thinly sliced roast beef (Boar's Head or quality deli counter), folded into ribbons for volume. Top with 3 slices of provolone cheese.
- 5
Add: a handful of shredded lettuce, 4 slices of tomato (salted), 4 thin slices of red onion, 4 banana pepper rings, a sprinkle of dried oregano.
- 6
Close the roll. Press gently. Slice diagonally in half. Wrap one half in parchment for the inevitable juice drips. Eat immediately.
Watch how to make Beef Sub
Plays the exact recipe video right here — no need to leave the page.
💡 Expert Tips
- 1.Quality deli beef matters. Boar's Head, Dietz & Watson, or shaved from a fresh-cut deli counter. Pre-packaged supermarket roast beef is bland.
- 2.Hollow out some bread. Too much bread crowds the fillings. Pulling out some of the soft interior makes room without losing the structure.
- 3.Oil + vinegar inside the roll. This is what defines a real Italian-style sub vs a 'sandwich.' Don't skip.
- 4.Salt the tomato. A pinch on each slice amplifies flavor and prevents the bland watery taste of raw tomato.
🔬 Why It Works
Italian-style subs balance multiple elements: salty cured meat, melted cheese, fresh vegetables, bright vinegar, aromatic herbs, all on a sturdy roll. The oil and vinegar dressing is essential — it's what distinguishes a real Italian sub from a sandwich with the same ingredients. Banana peppers add tang and gentle heat that cuts through the rich beef and cheese. Toasted bread holds up to the wet fillings without going soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Best bread for subs?▾
What other meats work?▾
Can I make this hot?▾
Best way to take this for lunch?▾
Related Recipes
Pancake Delight

Avocado Toast

French Toast
Omelette Special

Berry Smoothie Bowl
