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–+ servings
Toasted Dried Beef Sandwiches
This vintage recipe for Toasted Dried-Beef Sandwiches is a hearty, savory dish that reflects mid-20th century American home cooking. Popular during times when shelf-stable ingredients were essential, dried beef was a common pantry staple. Combined with American cheese, tomato sauce, and a touch of egg for binding, the filling is both flavorful and economical. The mixture is spread between slices of bread, brushed with butter, and toasted until golden, creating a warm, comforting sandwich. Perfect for lunch, picnics, or a quick family supper, it offers a nostalgic taste of simple, resourceful cooking traditions.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Lunch
Cuisine American
Servings 8 sandwiches
Calories 270 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • ¼ pound dried beef
  • ¼ pound American cheese
  • ⅓ cup tomato sauce (canned )
  • 1 egg (well beaten)
  • ⅛ tsp pepper
  • 2 tbsp butter (melted, for brushing bread)
  • 16 slices bread

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare Filling

  • Put dried beef and cheese through a food chopper or finely mince.

Step 2: Cook Mixture

  • Mix beef and cheese with tomato sauce.
  • Cook in a double boiler until heated and well blended.

Step 3: Add Seasoning

  • Remove from heat.
  • Stir in beaten egg and pepper.
  • Allow mixture to cool slightly.

Step 4: Assemble Sandwiches

  • Spread filling between slices of bread.
  • Brush outside of bread with melted butter.

Step 5: Toast

  • Toast sandwiches until golden brown and crisp.

Tips

  • Use chipped dried beef or jarred dried beef for authentic vintage flavor
  • Substitute cheddar or Colby for American cheese for a sharper taste
  • Add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the mixture for tang
  • Stir in finely minced onion or celery for texture
  • Use whole-grain bread for additional fiber
  • Lighten sodium by rinsing dried beef briefly in water and patting dry
  • Add a dash of Worcestershire sauce for savory depth
  • Serve open-face and broil briefly to brown the tops
  • Replace tomato sauce with ketchup for sweeter, retro style flavor
  • Use a food processor instead of a hand chopper for quicker prep

Nutrition

Calories: 270kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 13gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 4.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2.2gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 65mgSodium: 720mgPotassium: 220mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 160mgIron: 2mg
Keyword American cheese, Beef, comfort food, easy lunch, family recipe, retro, sandwich, toasted sandwich, vintage
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