If you’re looking for a showstopping sandwich that balances savory, spicy, tangy, and crunchy in every single bite, look no further than the classic Tri-Tip Sandwich. This hearty, flavor-packed beauty is the very best way to turn your tri-tip roast leftovers into a next-level lunch or dinner. With silky caramelized onions, peppery greens, oozy cheese, and a zippy mayo spread all piled onto a toasted roll, one bite of this Tri-Tip Sandwich and you’ll be hooked for life. Tender, juicy beef wrapped in a crusty roll is the ultimate treat—especially when served warm with your favorite dipping sauce on the side. Here’s how you can bring the magic to your own kitchen!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of a Tri-Tip Sandwich is that you don’t need a mile-long ingredient list—just a handful of thoughtfully chosen items, each bringing its own flavor and texture to the table. Here’s what you’ll want to gather before getting started:
- Cooked tri-tip roast (1 1/2 pounds), thinly sliced: The star—tender, juicy slices of tri-tip bring smoky, beefy flavor and a satisfying chew.
- Crusty sandwich rolls or hoagie buns (4): A sturdy base that gets lightly toasted on the outside for crunch, but stays soft enough to soak up all the saucy goodness.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): For caramelizing the onions to bring out their natural sweetness.
- Large yellow onion, thinly sliced (1): Slowly cooked until golden and transformed into a melt-in-your-mouth topping.
- Arugula or baby greens (1 cup): Adds a peppery bite and beautiful pop of color.
- Provolone or Swiss cheese (4 slices): Melts perfectly over the warm beef, lending creamy, nutty flavor.
- Mayonnaise (1/4 cup): Forms the creamy base of the sandwich spread.
- Horseradish sauce or Dijon mustard (2 tablespoons): Brings just the right kick and tang to balance the richness.
- Optional: au jus or barbecue sauce, for serving: Use for dipping to take your Tri-Tip Sandwich over the top.
How to Make Tri-Tip Sandwich
Step 1: Caramelize the Onions
Start by heating the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the thinly sliced onions and let them gently sizzle, stirring occasionally. The real key here is patience—give them about 15 to 20 minutes, and watch as they turn golden brown and wonderfully sweet. This slow caramelization brings out incredible flavor that truly sets the Tri-Tip Sandwich apart.
Step 2: Reheat the Tri-Tip
While the onions do their thing, grab another skillet or use the oven to gently rewarm your thinly sliced tri-tip roast. Just heat through—you don’t want to dry it out! This brings back the succulence that makes every bite of Tri-Tip Sandwich so irresistible.
Step 3: Make the Spread
In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise with your choice of horseradish sauce or Dijon mustard. This creamy, zippy spread acts as the glue for your sandwich, leaving everyone wondering where the punchy flavor is coming from.
Step 4: Toast the Rolls
Lightly toast each sandwich roll to add a bit of crunch—this step makes a big difference! The warm surface also helps the cheese melt ever so slightly while you assemble. Just a minute or two under the broiler or in a toaster oven will do the trick.
Step 5: Assemble the Tri-Tip Sandwich
Spread the mayo mixture generously on both cut sides of each roll. On the bottom half, lay down a bed of arugula or greens, then pile on the warm tri-tip slices, followed by a glorious tumble of caramelized onions. Drape a slice of cheese over the top, then crown it all with the top half of the roll. Press lightly to help everything meld together.
How to Serve Tri-Tip Sandwich
Garnishes
Add a friendly flourish to your Tri-Tip Sandwich with a sprinkling of flaky sea salt, a few fresh arugula leaves, or even a scatter of chives for a pretty burst of green. For a touch of heat, pickled jalapeños or roasted red peppers are fabulous additions that invite a little adventure to every bite.
Side Dishes
Nothing beats pairing a Tri-Tip Sandwich with a handful of kettle-cooked chips, a simple green salad, or crispy sweet potato fries. For the ultimate comfort meal, serve alongside classic coleslaw or a cup of warm au jus for dunking—the beef soaks it all up and the flavors just explode.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Tri-Tip Sandwich into a party spread by slicing each in halves or thirds and arranging them on a tray with little dipping bowls of barbecue sauce, horseradish mayo, or au jus. For summer cookouts, wrap each sandwich in parchment and stack them in a picnic basket for an easy grab-and-go main course that impresses every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover sandwich components, keep the cooked tri-tip, caramelized onions, and mayo spread separate in airtight containers in the fridge. They’ll stay delicious for up to 3 days, making them perfect for quick lunches or late-night cravings.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze cooked tri-tip roast! Slice it first, then freeze the portions in airtight bags or containers for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for another round of Tri-Tip Sandwich bliss.
Reheating
To keep the beef tender, reheat sliced tri-tip gently in a skillet with a splash of beef broth or water, just until warmed through. Toast your rolls right before serving for that fresh-from-the-oven crunch, and assemble the Tri-Tip Sandwich as usual.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this sandwich?
While tri-tip is the classic choice for its robust flavor and tenderness, you can substitute with leftover roast beef, brisket, or even flank steak. Just make sure the beef is sliced thinly for the best Tri-Tip Sandwich texture.
Do I have to caramelize the onions?
Caramelized onions add incredible sweetness and depth, but if you’re short on time, quick-sautéed onions or even pickled red onions make a tasty, bright alternative for your Tri-Tip Sandwich.
What if I don’t have horseradish sauce?
Dijon mustard is a fantastic substitute, delivering a tangy bite that pairs beautifully with the beef. For some heat, try mixing in a bit of prepared wasabi or spicy brown mustard instead.
How do I make this sandwich spicy?
Add sliced pickled jalapeños, drizzle with hot sauce, or blend sriracha into your mayo spread for a Tri-Tip Sandwich with extra zing and excitement!
Can I melt the cheese directly onto the sandwich?
Absolutely! After assembling, pop your open-faced sandwich halves under a broiler for a minute to melt the cheese, then top and serve. This gives your Tri-Tip Sandwich a wonderfully gooey finish.
Final Thoughts
This Tri-Tip Sandwich really is a sandwich-lover’s dream come true—easy to put together, totally customizable, and packed with flavors that always impress. Whether you’re whipping one up for yourself or making a platter for friends, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Give it a try, and get ready to fall in love with every single bite!
Print
Tri-Tip Sandwich Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Tri-Tip Sandwich recipe is a delicious way to enjoy leftover tri-tip roast. Tender slices of tri-tip are paired with caramelized onions, arugula, and cheese, all sandwiched between crusty rolls with a flavorful horseradish mayo spread. Perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner!
Ingredients
Tri-Tip Sandwich:
- 1 1/2 pounds cooked tri-tip roast, thinly sliced
- 4 crusty sandwich rolls or hoagie buns
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup arugula or baby greens
- 4 slices provolone or Swiss cheese
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons horseradish sauce or Dijon mustard
- Optional: au jus or barbecue sauce for serving
Instructions
- Caramelize Onions: Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook sliced onions until golden brown.
- Reheat Tri-Tip: Warm tri-tip slices in a skillet or oven.
- Prepare Mayo: Mix mayonnaise with horseradish sauce or Dijon mustard.
- Assemble Sandwich: Toast rolls, spread mayo on cut sides, layer with arugula, tri-tip, onions, and cheese. Serve warm with optional sauce.
Notes
- This sandwich is a great way to use leftover grilled or roasted tri-tip.
- You can also melt the cheese under the broiler for extra flavor.
- Try adding roasted red peppers or pickled jalapeños for an additional kick.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
