If you’re searching for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that brings together rich flavors and melty cheese with a zesty homemade sauce, then you’ve got to try this Manna Sandwiches Recipe. It’s a sensational blend of savory ground chuck, aromatic herbs, and a tangy dressing combo all nestled inside buttery hoagie rolls, creating a sandwich experience that feels both indulgent and effortless. Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting friends, this recipe promises a warm, satisfying meal everyone will rave about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, pantry-friendly ingredients come together to create this unforgettable Manna Sandwiches Recipe. Each component plays a special role, from adding depth and moisture to balancing acidity and sweetness for perfect harmony.
- Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess to the sauce for a smooth, luscious texture.
- Catalina or French dressing: Brings a sweet and tangy zip that brightens the flavor profile.
- Ketchup: Offers a touch of tomato sweetness that rounds out the sauce.
- Spicy brown mustard: Delivers a subtle heat that cuts through the richness.
- Sugar: Balances acidity in the sauce with a hint of sweetness.
- Ground chuck (2½ pounds): The hearty foundation, juicy and flavorful beef that makes these sandwiches so satisfying.
- Dried minced onion: Imparts a mild onion flavor throughout without added moisture.
- Water: Helps simmer the beef mixture perfectly.
- Soy sauce: Adds a savory, umami boost that deepens the meat’s flavor.
- Dried parsley: Freshens and adds a subtle herbal note.
- Dried basil: Lends a delicate sweetness and well-rounded herbaceousness.
- Garlic powder: Provides a gentle garlic kick that complements the beef beautifully.
- Swiss cheese slices (¼ pound): Melts over the sandwich for that irresistible gooey layer.
- Hoagie rolls (six 6-inch): Soft but sturdy, perfect for holding all the fillings without getting soggy.
How to Make Manna Sandwiches Recipe
Step 1: Whip up the Signature Sauce
Start by mixing the mayonnaise, Catalina or French dressing, ketchup, spicy brown mustard, and sugar in a bowl. This sauce is the secret superstar that brings together creamy, tangy, and sweet notes, elevating the entire sandwich.
Step 2: Cook and Season the Ground Chuck
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground chuck until it’s thoroughly cooked and no longer pink—this usually takes about 7-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain any excess fat to keep the sandwich from becoming greasy.
Then add in the dried minced onion, water, soy sauce, dried parsley, dried basil, and garlic powder. Stir everything together and simmer it gently for 10 minutes, allowing the liquid to evaporate and intensify the flavors. This step transforms simple ground beef into a rich, savory filling bursting with herbs and umami taste.
Step 3: Prepare the Rolls and Melt the Cheese
Split your hoagie rolls lengthwise, being careful not to cut all the way through. Generously slather each one with the prepared sauce for a flavorful base layer. Place a slice or two of Swiss cheese atop the sauce.
Pop the sandwiches under your broiler for 1-2 minutes until the cheese melts perfectly bubbly and golden. Keep a close eye on them to avoid burning—this quick step adds a wonderful creamy, cheesy element to every bite.
Step 4: Assemble and Serve
Finally, heap the seasoned ground beef onto each roll directly over the melted cheese. You want every mouthful to be bursting with that delicious mixture of beef, herbs, cheese, and tangy sauce. Serve immediately and watch these Manna Sandwiches Recipe sandwiches disappear fast!
How to Serve Manna Sandwiches Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few fresh garnishes can really brighten your Manna Sandwiches Recipe. Think crisp pickle slices, crunchy lettuce leaves, or even a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for color and freshness. A dash of freshly cracked black pepper on top of the meat can also add a nice subtle heat and aroma.
Side Dishes
This sandwich pairs beautifully with classic sides like crispy potato chips, a refreshing coleslaw, or a simple green salad tossed with vinaigrette. If you’re craving something warm, oven-roasted fries or seasoned sweet potato wedges are fantastic companions. These sides complement the sandwich without overshadowing its bold, rich flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to put a fun twist on your Manna Sandwiches Recipe? Serve them open-faced on a wooden board with an array of dipping sauces for the sauce lovers. Alternatively, cut the sandwiches into smaller sliders, perfect for parties or casual gatherings. You might also add different cheese varieties like provolone or cheddar for personal preferences—experimenting is part of the joy!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Manna Sandwiches Recipe fillings, store the beef mixture and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the rolls separate to avoid sogginess, then assemble just before reheating for the best texture.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked ground beef mixture in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge when ready to use. Avoid freezing the sandwich fully assembled as the rolls may become too soft and the sauce can separate.
Reheating
Reheat the beef mixture gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen it. Toast the hoagie rolls in the oven or toaster oven, then assemble with sauce and cheese. Pop back under the broiler just long enough to melt the cheese before serving to recapture that fresh-from-the-kitchen magic.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of ground meat?
Absolutely! While the original Manna Sandwiches Recipe calls for ground chuck for its perfect fat content and flavor, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Just keep in mind these substitutions will alter the flavor slightly and may require a bit more seasoning.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
While the traditional recipe centers on ground beef, you can create a vegetarian version using plant-based ground meat alternatives or sautéed mushrooms and lentils as a hearty filling. Adjust the seasoning to maintain the rich, savory flavor that makes these sandwiches so crave-worthy.
What kind of bread works best for Manna Sandwiches Recipe?
Hoagie rolls are ideal due to their size and soft yet sturdy texture, but other sandwiches buns, like sub rolls or even sturdy hamburger buns, will work well. Avoid breads too thin or crumbly as they may not hold up to the juicy filling.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Definitely! The sauce can be mixed a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This not only saves time on the day you make the sandwiches but also allows the flavors to meld even more, enhancing the overall taste.
How spicy is the Manna Sandwiches Recipe?
The recipe has a mild spice level primarily from the spicy brown mustard. If you want to add more heat, consider adding some hot sauce to the sauce mixture or a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the beef. Conversely, reduce the mustard for a milder version.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Manna Sandwiches Recipe—it’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug wrapped in delicious, savory layers. This recipe is straightforward enough for any home cook but impressive enough to serve guests without stress. So go ahead, gather those simple ingredients and make this dish your new favorite comfort food obsession. Trust me, once you try it, these sandwiches will become a staple in your kitchen rotation!
Print
Manna Sandwiches Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Manna Sandwiches are savory, melty sandwiches featuring seasoned ground chuck simmered in a flavorful soy-based mixture, topped with Swiss cheese and a tangy homemade sauce on toasted hoagie rolls. This quick and hearty sandwich recipe makes for a satisfying meal perfect for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup Catalina or French dressing
- 2½ Tbsp ketchup
- 2 Tbsp spicy brown mustard
- 2 Tbsp sugar
Sandwich Filling
- 2½ lb ground chuck
- 2 Tbsp dried minced onion
- 2 Tbsp water
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp dried parsley
- 1½ tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp garlic powder
Toppings & Bread
- ¼ lb Swiss cheese slices
- 6 (6-inch) hoagie rolls
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, Catalina or French dressing, ketchup, spicy brown mustard, and sugar. Stir well and set aside for later use.
- Cook the ground beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground chuck and cook until no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat from the skillet to keep the sandwich from being greasy.
- Add seasonings and simmer: To the cooked beef, add dried minced onion, water, soy sauce, dried parsley, dried basil, and garlic powder. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer the mixture for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the liquid has mostly evaporated, intensifying the flavors.
- Prepare the hoagie rolls: Split each hoagie roll lengthwise. Spread a generous amount of the prepared sauce inside each roll, then layer Swiss cheese slices on top of the sauce.
- Melt the cheese: Place the prepared rolls under a broiler for 1 to 2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly bubbly. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Assemble and serve: Spoon the seasoned ground beef mixture evenly onto each prepared hoagie roll. Serve the Manna Sandwiches immediately while warm and enjoy!
Notes
- If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the sugar amount.
- You can substitute ground chuck with ground beef or ground turkey for variation.
- Swiss cheese can be replaced with provolone or mozzarella depending on your taste.
- Broiling time may vary; keep a close eye to prevent cheese from burning.
- For a spicier kick, add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
