Francesinha | FoodieAtlas

Ingredients

For the Meat Filling:
4 slices of steak (or other cuts of beef, thinly sliced)
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 slices of ham
For the Sauce:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup tomato sauce
1/2 cup beer
1/2 cup beef broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon hot sauce (adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon paprika
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and black pepper to taste
For Assembly:
4 slices of white bread
4 slices of cheese (e.g., cheddar or Swiss)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Prepare the Meat

Season the steak slices with salt and black pepper.

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the steak slices until they are browned and cooked to your desired level of doneness. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, add olive oil and sauté the chopped onion until translucent, about 5 minutes.

Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Stir in the tomato sauce, beer, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, paprika, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper.

Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.

Assemble the Francesinha

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

On a baking sheet or oven-safe dish, lay out the slices of bread.

Top each slice of bread with a slice of ham, then a cooked steak slice.

Pour some of the sauce over the steak and ham.

Place a slice of cheese over the top and then pour more sauce over the cheese.

Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serve

Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.