This classic dish hails from Buffalo, New York, and is known for its savory, tender beef roast served on a unique kummelweck roll. The combination of juicy beef and the distinctive roll, topped with a hint of horseradish, makes for a mouthwatering sandwich that is both simple and satisfying.
The key ingredient that might not be commonly found in every household is the kummelweck roll. This roll is a Kaiser roll topped with caraway seeds and coarse salt, giving it a unique flavor and texture. If you can't find kummelweck rolls at your local supermarket, you can make them at home or substitute with a Kaiser roll.

Ingredients For Beef On Weck Recipe
Beef roast: The main protein, providing a rich and savory flavor.
Kummelweck rolls: Unique rolls topped with caraway seeds and coarse salt, essential for the authentic taste.
Beef broth: Used to dip the sliced beef, adding moisture and extra flavor.
Horseradish: Adds a spicy kick to the sandwich, balancing the richness of the beef.
Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the beef.
Pepper: Adds a touch of heat and depth to the seasoning.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When slicing the beef roast, make sure to cut against the grain. This will ensure that the meat is more tender and easier to chew. Additionally, when warming the beef broth, avoid bringing it to a boil as this can cause the flavors to become too concentrated. Instead, gently warm it over low heat to maintain its rich, savory taste.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
beef roast - Substitute with pork roast: Pork roast can provide a similar texture and richness, though the flavor will be slightly different.
kummelweck rolls - Substitute with kaiser rolls: Kaiser rolls have a similar texture and can be topped with caraway seeds and coarse salt to mimic kummelweck rolls.
beef broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can be used for a lighter flavor and is suitable for vegetarians.
horseradish - Substitute with wasabi: Wasabi provides a similar pungent heat, though it is slightly more intense.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds saltiness along with a depth of umami flavor.
pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds a bit of heat along with the peppery flavor.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This Dish
How to Store or Freeze This Dish
- Allow the beef roast to cool completely before storing. This helps to prevent condensation, which can make the meat soggy.
- Slice the beef roast thinly and place it in an airtight container. If you have a vacuum sealer, use it to extend the shelf life.
- Store the beef broth separately in an airtight container. This will keep the beef from becoming overly saturated.
- For the kummelweck rolls, wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain freshness.
- Place the wrapped rolls in a resealable plastic bag or airtight container to prevent them from drying out.
- If you plan to freeze the beef, lay the slices flat on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the frozen slices to a resealable freezer bag.
- To freeze the beef broth, pour it into ice cube trays and freeze. Once frozen, transfer the broth cubes to a resealable freezer bag for easy portioning.
- Store the horseradish in its original container or transfer it to a small airtight container. Keep it in the refrigerator to maintain its pungency.
- When ready to reheat, thaw the beef and broth in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat the beef slices in a skillet over low heat with a bit of broth to keep them moist.
- Warm the kummelweck rolls in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes or until they are just heated through.
- Assemble the beef on weck as per the original recipe instructions, ensuring everything is heated and fresh for the best taste.
How to Reheat Leftovers
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Wrap the sliced beef in aluminum foil with a little beef broth to keep it moist. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.
- For a quicker method, place the sliced beef in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle with a bit of beef broth, and cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking and stirring halfway through.
- To reheat the kummelweck rolls, wrap them in aluminum foil and place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until they are warm and slightly crispy.
- If you prefer a stovetop method, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced beef with a splash of beef broth and cover. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is heated through.
- For the horseradish, simply let it come to room temperature or warm it gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds if you prefer it warm.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Oven: Used to roast the beef to the desired internal temperature.
Roasting pan: Holds the beef roast while it cooks in the oven.
Meat thermometer: Ensures the beef reaches the correct internal temperature for medium-rare.
Cutting board: Provides a surface to rest and slice the beef roast.
Sharp knife: Slices the beef thinly after it has rested.
Small saucepan: Warms the beef broth for dipping the sliced beef.
Tongs: Helps to dip the sliced beef into the warm broth.
Serving platter: Holds the sliced beef and kummelweck rolls for serving.
Spatula: Spreads horseradish on the top half of the rolls, if desired.
How to Save Time on Making This Recipe
Pre-slice the beef: Ask your butcher to pre-slice the beef roast thinly to save time.
Use pre-made broth: Opt for store-bought beef broth to skip the step of making it from scratch.
Preheat the oven: Start preheating the oven while you season the beef roast to save a few minutes.
Prepare rolls ahead: Slice the kummelweck rolls in advance and store them in an airtight container.
Quick horseradish spread: Use pre-prepared horseradish to save time on mixing your own.

Beef on Weck Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lb Beef roast
- 4 Kummelweck rolls
- 1 cup Beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Horseradish
- to taste Salt
- to taste Pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Season the beef roast with salt and pepper.
- Place the beef roast in a roasting pan and cook for about 30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 135°F (57°C) for medium-rare.
- Remove the roast from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing thinly.
- Warm the beef broth in a small saucepan.
- Dip the sliced beef in the warm broth before placing it on the kummelweck rolls.
- Spread horseradish on the top half of the roll, if desired.
- Serve immediately.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Desserts for This Dish
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