Roast Beef 3-Way
A North Shore Massachusetts institution, the Roast Beef 3-Way features rare roast beef sliced paper-thin, piled on a soft onion roll with James River BBQ sauce, mayonnaise, and American cheese. Born in the beef stands of Revere and Lynn, this is Boston-area comfort food at its finest.
Equipment Needed
Instructions
Prep the roast: Remove the eye of round from refrigerator 1 hour before cooking. Pat dry with paper towels. Rub with oil, then season generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder on all sides.
Preheat and sear: Preheat oven to 500F. Place roast in a roasting pan. Sear in the hot oven for 15 minutes to develop a crust on the outside.
Lower and roast: Reduce oven to 300F. Continue roasting until internal temperature reaches 120F for rare, about 45-60 minutes. The roast should be bright pink throughout.
Rest completely: Remove from oven and let rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. For best slicing, refrigerate overnight - cold beef slices thinner.
Slice paper-thin: Using a meat slicer (ideal) or very sharp knife, slice the beef as thin as possible - it should be almost translucent. This is what defines North Shore roast beef.
Warm the beef: Dip sliced beef briefly in warm beef juice or broth to warm through. Do not cook further - it should still be rare and pink.
Toast the rolls: Split the onion rolls and toast lightly on the cut sides. Onion rolls are essential - they add sweetness that complements the beef.
Build the 3-Way: Spread mayo generously on the top bun. Spread BBQ sauce on the bottom bun. Place a slice of American cheese on the bottom.
Pile on the beef: Mound the warm, paper-thin roast beef on top of the cheese. Don't be shy - North Shore sandwiches are generous. The beef should be piled high.
Close and serve: Press the mayo-topped bun on top. Serve immediately with extra BBQ sauce on the side and a bag of chips. This is how it's done on the North Shore.
💡 Pro Tips & Variations
- What's a 3-Way?: The "3-Way" refers to the three toppings: BBQ sauce, mayo, and cheese. You can also order a "Super Beef" (just meat and sauce) or customize combinations.
- James River BBQ sauce: This specific brand of sweet, tangy BBQ sauce is traditional. If unavailable, use any sweet tomato-based BBQ sauce.
- The beef must be rare: North Shore roast beef is famous for being very rare - bright pink throughout. Well-done beef is not authentic.
- Onion rolls are essential: The soft, sweet onion roll is not negotiable. They're specifically baked for roast beef sandwiches on the North Shore.
- Visit the legends: Kelly's Roast Beef (Revere), Nick's Famous Roast Beef (Beverly), and Bill & Bob's (Lynn) are North Shore institutions.
- Get it "with sauce": Locals often order beef sandwiches by saying "3-Way with sauce" for extra BBQ sauce, or "Super Beef" for just meat and sauce without cheese.