Imagine sinking your teeth into the most tender, mouthwatering pastrami sandwich that literally falls apart with each bite - without spending hours in the kitchen! This slow cooker pastrami sandwich is your ticket to deli-style perfection, transforming an ordinary meal into an extraordinary culinary experience that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. With just minimal prep and the magic of slow cooking, you'll create restaurant-quality sandwiches that are guaranteed to become your new go-to comfort food.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 8 hrs
Total Time: 8 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb pastrami
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- 4 sandwich rolls
- 1/2 cup sauerkraut
- 1/4 cup mustard
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all the ingredients: 1 lb of pastrami, 4 slices of Swiss cheese, 4 sandwich rolls, 1/2 cup of sauerkraut, and 1/4 cup of mustard.
- Prepare your slow cooker by plugging it in and setting it to low heat. This will allow the pastrami to cook slowly and become tender over the next 8 hours.
- Place the pastrami in the slow cooker. You can either layer it flat or fold it, depending on your preference. Make sure the pastrami is evenly distributed in the cooker.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and let the pastrami cook for about 8 hours. The low, slow cooking will enhance the flavors and make the meat incredibly tender.
- After 8 hours, check the pastrami for tenderness. It should be easy to pull apart with a fork. If it’s not quite there, you can let it cook for an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- Once the pastrami is ready, remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks or a sharp knife to slice the pastrami into thin pieces.
- While you’re slicing the pastrami, you can prepare the sandwich rolls. Slice each roll in half and lightly toast them if desired for added texture.
- Assemble the sandwiches by placing a generous amount of sliced pastrami on the bottom half of each roll.
- Top the pastrami with a slice of Swiss cheese, allowing the heat from the meat to slightly melt the cheese.
- Add a spoonful of sauerkraut on top of the cheese for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
- Spread mustard on the top half of the sandwich roll. You can adjust the amount of mustard according to your taste preference.
- Carefully place the top half of the sandwich onto the assembled bottom half. Press down gently to help the ingredients meld together.
- Serve the sandwiches immediately while warm, or wrap them in foil and keep them warm in the oven until ready to serve. Enjoy your delicious slow cooker pastrami sandwiches!
Tips
- Choose high-quality pastrami for the best flavor - look for well-marbled meat from a reputable deli or butcher.
- For extra tenderness, consider adding a small amount of beef broth to the slow cooker to keep the meat moist during cooking.
- If you prefer a crispier texture, briefly broil the assembled sandwiches for 1-2 minutes before serving.
- Experiment with different mustards like whole grain or spicy brown to add complexity to your sandwich.
- Warm your sandwich rolls slightly before assembling to enhance the overall eating experience.
- Let the pastrami rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking to help retain its juices when slicing.
- For a lower-carb option, serve the pastrami on a bed of mixed greens instead of rolls.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 85mg
