Big Wheel Loaf
A hearty roast beef and ham loaf with Swiss and American cheeses, topped with bacon and fresh tomato slices, perfect for sharing at family gatherings or casual dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 round loaf Hawaiian bread ⓘ
- 2 tsp prepared horseradish ⓘ
- 0.25 lb thinly sliced roast beef ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp mayonnaise ⓘ
- 4 slices Swiss cheese ⓘ
- 0.25 lb thinly sliced baked ham ⓘ
- 1 medium tomato, thinly sliced ⓘ
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and drained ⓘ
- 4 slices American cheese ⓘ
- 0.5 red onion, thinly sliced
- 0.25 c butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp sesame seed ⓘ
- 0.5 tsp onion salt ⓘ
Instructions
- Take the meat out of the freezer and soak in water for 24 hours.
- Pour off the water, cover again with water, add 2 tablespoons vinegar for every 4 cups water, and soak another 24 hours.
- Pour off the water, wipe the meat well, and score about 1 inch deep all over.
- Season the meat with salt and pepper, then completely cover with butter, pushing it into the cuts.
- Top the meat with brown sugar.
- Pour red wine over the meat to make about an inch of liquid in the pan.
- Cook very slowly in a 325°F oven until blackened, basting every 15 minutes for the first two or three hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a blend of your favorite herbs to the butter before applying it to the meat. If you don’t have horseradish, a mixture of wasabi and Dijon mustard can work as a substitute. Additionally, feel free to mix up the cheeses; Gruyère can add a nice nutty flavor. When scoring the meat, ensure not to cut too deep to maintain its moisture during cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Slice the Big Wheel Loaf into wedges for easy serving. It pairs beautifully with a side salad or some crispy potato chips for a delightful crunch. Consider serving it alongside 'Jamie'S' Dip for an extra layer of flavor. This dish can also be a standout at parties, making it a crowd-pleaser for any gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Big Wheel Loaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap it in foil and place it in a preheated 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. This method helps maintain the loaf's moisture and texture, ensuring it remains delicious.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Big Wheel Loaf contains roughly 309 calories, with 10g protein, 11g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 507mg per serving (22% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare the meat in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meat a day or two ahead of time. Just make sure to store it properly in the refrigerator. Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking to ensure even cooking. This can save time on a busy day and allow the flavors to meld nicely.
What can I serve with Big Wheel Loaf?
Big Wheel Loaf is versatile; it can be served as a standalone dish or alongside sides like coleslaw, potato salad, or even a warm bowl of soup. For a unique twist, serve it with pickles or jalapeños for added flavor. Pairing with a light beer or a glass of red wine can also complement the hearty flavors.
How do I know when the meat is done cooking?
The meat is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F for medium-rare. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature in the thickest part of the meat, avoiding any bones. Remember that it will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the oven, so it's best to take it out just before it reaches the desired temperature.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).