Ribeye Steak Sandwich with Garlic Aioli & Caramelized Onions

There are sandwiches you throw together for lunch, and then there are sandwiches that feel like something you'd order at a really good restaurant.

This ribeye steak sandwich is definitely the second kind.

Tender slices of buttery seared ribeye are layered onto toasted focaccia with sweet caramelized onions, melted provolone, peppery arugula and a creamy homemade garlic aioli. It's rich and hearty, but the fresh lemon in the aioli and bite from the arugula balance everything out.

And despite looking a little impressive once it's stacked and sliced, there really isn't anything complicated about making it.

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I've actually had a version of this recipe on the blog since 2023, and it was one I knew I wanted to come back to.

The original was already a favorite, but a few little changes make it even better. We're letting the onions slowly caramelize in butter until they're golden and sweet, searing the ribeye in butter until beautifully browned but still tender inside, and toasting the focaccia before piling everything together.

The result is one very good steak sandwich.

Why You'll Love This Ribeye Steak Sandwich

The ribeye stays tender and juicy. Ribeye has beautiful marbling and plenty of flavor, which makes it one of my favorite cuts for a steak sandwich.

The onions are slowly caramelized. Giving them time to cook in butter brings out their natural sweetness without needing to add sugar.

Everything is cooked with butter. From the golden onions to the seared steak, butter adds another layer of rich flavor to an already delicious sandwich.

The garlic aioli takes just a few minutes. Mayonnaise, fresh garlic and lemon create a creamy, bright sauce that ties everything together.

The focaccia gets toasted. Those crisp golden edges add texture and help the bread hold up to the steak, onions and aioli.

It's simple enough for dinner but feels a little special. This is the kind of meal I love making when I want something easy that still feels like more than an ordinary sandwich.

Ingredients You'll Need

You don't need a long list of ingredients to make a really good steak sandwich. The key is choosing a flavorful cut of steak and letting each of these simple ingredients do its job.

Ribeye Steak

The steak is the star of the sandwich, and ribeye works especially well because its marbling gives it so much flavor and helps it stay tender and juicy.

Once it's cooked and rested, we'll slice it thinly against the grain so it's easy to bite through once it's layered inside the sandwich.

Butter

We're keeping this recipe simple and using butter for both the onions and the steak.

It gives the caramelized onions plenty of rich flavor and helps create a beautifully browned exterior on the ribeye.

Because butter can brown more quickly than cooking oil, I cook the steak over medium-high heat rather than taking the skillet all the way to extremely high heat.

Focaccia

I love using focaccia for this sandwich because it's sturdy enough to hold all of those juicy fillings without falling apart.

Toasting the cut sides before assembling the sandwich gives it even more texture and helps keep the bread from becoming soggy.

If you want to make yours completely from scratch, my Garlic & Herb Focaccia Bread is perfect here.

Yellow Onion

Slowly caramelized onions give this sandwich that sweet and savory flavor that works so well with ribeye.

We're skipping the added sugar from my original recipe and simply letting the onions cook slowly in butter until their natural sugars caramelize.

Provolone Cheese

Provolone melts beautifully over the warm steak and onions while still being mild enough to let the ribeye remain the star.

Arugula

Arugula is technically optional, but I love it here.

You only need a small handful. Its peppery bite adds freshness and helps cut through the richness of the steak, cheese and garlic aioli.

Garlic Aioli

Our homemade garlic aioli couldn't be much easier.

Mayonnaise, fresh garlic, lemon juice, salt and pepper come together into a creamy sauce that adds just enough brightness and garlic flavor to every bite.

How to Make Garlic Aioli

I like to make the garlic aioli first so it can sit in the refrigerator while I prepare the rest of the sandwich.

Stir together the mayonnaise, finely grated garlic, fresh lemon juice, salt and pepper in a small bowl until smooth.

Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, then cover and refrigerate until you're ready to assemble.

Giving it a little time to sit also lets the fresh garlic and lemon work their way into the mayonnaise.

How to Caramelize Onions for a Steak Sandwich

This part takes a little patience, but it's worth it.

Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat.

Add the thinly sliced onion with a small pinch of salt and let it slowly cook.

The onions will soften first and then gradually become deeper and deeper golden brown.

Give them about 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

If your pan starts looking dry or you notice browned bits sticking to the bottom, add a tablespoon or two of water and scrape those flavorful bits back into the onions.

The biggest thing here is not to rush them by turning the heat way up. Slowly caramelizing the onions brings out their natural sweetness and gives you so much more flavor.

Once they're deeply golden and soft, transfer them to a bowl and set aside.

How to Cook Ribeye for a Steak Sandwich

Take your ribeye out of the refrigerator about 20–30 minutes before you're ready to cook it.

Pat the steak very dry and generously season both sides with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Heat a cast-iron or stainless-steel skillet over medium-high heat.

Add 1 tablespoon of butter and let it melt and become hot and foamy.

Add the ribeye to the skillet.

Sear the ribeye on both sides until you have a deeply browned crust and the center reaches your preferred doneness.

Because steaks can vary so much in thickness, I much prefer checking the internal temperature rather than relying only on a specific number of minutes.

For medium-rare, I like to remove the steak from the pan around 125–130°F and allow the temperature to continue rising slightly while it rests.

Transfer the steak to a cutting board and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing.

Don't skip the rest.

Giving the ribeye those few extra minutes helps keep all of those juices inside the steak instead of running onto your cutting board.

Once rested, slice the ribeye thinly against the grain.

Toast the Focaccia

While the steak rests, slice the focaccia horizontally.

Place the cut sides into the warm skillet and toast until lightly golden, about 1–2 minutes.

There should be plenty of buttery flavor left behind from the steak. If your skillet is completely dry, you can add a small pat of butter before adding the focaccia.

This is such a small extra step, but I love the texture it gives the finished sandwich. It also helps the focaccia stand up to all that garlic aioli and those steak juices.

How to Assemble the Steak Sandwich

Now for the best part.

Spread a generous layer of garlic aioli over the toasted sides of the focaccia.

Layer the thinly sliced ribeye onto the bottom piece of focaccia.

Spoon those golden caramelized onions over the steak, followed by the provolone.

Let the provolone soften over the warm steak, or place the open sandwich under the broiler very briefly until the cheese is melted.

Finish with a small handful of arugula and the second piece of aioli-covered focaccia.

Gently press everything together and slice the sandwich in half.

And if a little aioli runs down the side while you're eating it, I'd say you've probably done it right.

Amanda's Tips for the Best Steak Sandwich

Let the steak rest. Give it at least 10 minutes before slicing so all of those juices stay inside the ribeye.

Slice against the grain. Thin slices cut against the grain make the steak more tender and much easier to bite through in sandwich form.

Don't rush the onions. Keep the heat lower and give them time. That's how you get deeply golden, naturally sweet caramelized onions.

Watch your butter. Butter gives the steak amazing flavor, but it can brown quickly. Medium-high heat gives you a beautiful sear without taking the skillet to screaming-hot temperatures.

Toast the focaccia. It adds texture and keeps the creamy aioli and juicy steak from immediately soaking into the bread.

Use a thermometer. The thickness of ribeye can vary quite a bit, so internal temperature is more reliable than cooking strictly by time.

Make the aioli first. Letting it rest in the refrigerator while you cook gives the garlic and lemon a little time to come together.

What to Serve with a Ribeye Steak Sandwich

This sandwich is definitely hearty enough to be dinner on its own, but I love adding something simple on the side.

Crispy fries or roasted potatoes are probably the obvious choice, especially if you're going for that steakhouse-at-home feeling.

A simple green salad is perfect if you want something lighter, and a warm bowl of tomato soup would be especially good once the weather starts cooling down.

You can also slice the sandwiches into smaller portions if you're serving them as part of a casual lunch or gathering.

Can I Use a Different Cut of Steak?

Absolutely.

Ribeye is my favorite for this particular sandwich because the marbling gives it so much flavor and helps keep the meat tender and juicy.

Sirloin or New York strip can also work well.

Whatever cut you choose, the most important things are cooking it to the doneness you enjoy, allowing it to rest and slicing it thinly against the grain.

Can I Make the Garlic Aioli Ahead of Time?

Yes, and this is an easy part of the recipe to prepare ahead.

Make the garlic aioli earlier in the day, cover it and keep it refrigerated until you're ready to assemble the sandwiches.

I actually like giving it a little time to sit because the garlic and lemon flavors have more time to come together.

Can I Make the Caramelized Onions Ahead of Time?

Yes.

Prepare the caramelized onions ahead of time and store them covered in the refrigerator.

When you're ready to make the sandwiches, gently warm the onions in a skillet before assembling everything.

If you're making this for dinner on a busy night, having the aioli and onions ready to go makes the rest of the recipe come together much faster.

How Should I Store Leftovers?

If you know you'll have leftovers, I recommend storing the individual components separately rather than refrigerating a fully assembled sandwich.

Keep the cooked steak, caramelized onions and garlic aioli in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator.

When you're ready to eat, gently warm the steak and onions, toast fresh focaccia and assemble the sandwich just before serving.

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A good skillet, sharp knife and instant-read thermometer are a few of the kitchen tools I reach for when making recipes like this one at home.

Ready to Make It?

If you've been looking for a steak sandwich that feels a little more special than the usual weeknight dinner, this is it.

The juicy ribeye, sweet caramelized onions, melted provolone and garlicky lemon aioli make every layer worth the few extra minutes it takes to put together.

You can find the complete ingredient measurements and step-by-step instructions in the printable recipe card below.

Ribeye Steak Sandwich with Garlic Aioli & Caramelized Onions

Tender slices of buttery seared ribeye layered with sweet caramelized onions, melted provolone, peppery arugula and creamy garlic aioli on golden toasted focaccia.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Rest Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 2 large sandwiches

Ingredients

For the Steak Sandwich

• 1 ribeye steak, about 10–12 oz

• Kosher salt, to taste

• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• 2 tablespoons butter, divided

• 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced

• 4 slices provolone cheese

• 2 large pieces focaccia, sliced horizontally

• 1–2 cups arugula, optional

• Additional butter for toasting the focaccia, if needed

For the Garlic Aioli

• ½ cup mayonnaise

• 2 large garlic cloves, finely grated or minced

• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt

• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

1. Make the Garlic Aioli

In a small bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, garlic, lemon juice, salt and pepper until smooth.

Taste and adjust the seasoning as desired.

Cover and refrigerate while you prepare the rest of the sandwich.

2. Caramelize the Onions

Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat.

Add the thinly sliced onion and a small pinch of salt.

Cook for 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are very soft and deeply golden.

If the pan becomes too dry or browned bits begin sticking, add 1–2 tablespoons of water and scrape the browned bits from the bottom of the pan back into the onions.

Transfer the caramelized onions to a bowl and set aside.

3. Cook the Ribeye

Remove the ribeye from the refrigerator about 20–30 minutes before cooking.

Pat the steak dry with a paper towel and generously season both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Heat a cast-iron or stainless-steel skillet over medium-high heat.

Add the remaining 1 tablespoon butter and allow it to melt and become hot and foamy.

Add the ribeye and sear on both sides until deeply browned and cooked to your preferred doneness.

For medium-rare, remove the steak from the pan when the internal temperature reaches approximately 125–130°F. The temperature will continue to rise slightly while the steak rests.

Transfer the steak to a cutting board and allow it to rest for at least 10 minutes.

Slice thinly against the grain.

4. Toast the Focaccia

Slice the focaccia horizontally.

Place the cut sides into the warm skillet and toast for 1–2 minutes, or until lightly golden.

If the skillet is dry, add a small pat of butter before toasting the focaccia.

Remove from the skillet.

5. Assemble the Sandwiches

Spread a generous layer of garlic aioli over the cut sides of the toasted focaccia.

Layer the sliced ribeye over the bottom pieces of focaccia followed by the caramelized onions and provolone.

Allow the provolone to soften over the warm steak, or place the open sandwiches under the broiler briefly until the cheese is melted.

Add a small handful of arugula and finish with the top pieces of focaccia.

6. Serve

Gently press the sandwiches together and slice each in half.

Serve immediately while the steak is warm and the cheese is melted.

Amanda's Tip

Don't rush the two ingredients that make this sandwich so good: the onions and the steak.

Let the onions slowly caramelize in butter until they're deeply golden, and give the ribeye a full 10 minutes to rest before slicing so those juices stay inside the steak.

For an even better sandwich, slice the ribeye thinly against the grain and don't skip toasting the focaccia in that buttery skillet.

More Recipes to Make Next

If you love a really good homemade lunch or casual dinner, here are a few more recipes to try next.

Garlic & Herb Focaccia Bread

Make the focaccia for your steak sandwich completely from scratch. It's soft, flavorful and the perfect bread for holding all of that ribeye, garlic aioli and caramelized onion.

Delicious Buttery Italian Croissant Sandwich

Another hearty sandwich that's perfect for an easy lunch or dinner when you want something a little more special.

Creamy Basil Tomato Soup

A warm bowl of creamy tomato soup is such a good pairing with a sandwich, especially as we head into cooler weather.

The Perfect Beginner's Sourdough Bread

If homemade bread is your thing, this is another recipe to add to your baking list.

A Note From Amanda

This is one of those recipes that reminds me how easy it can be to make something at home that feels a little more special than an ordinary weeknight dinner.

A really good piece of steak, onions slowly cooking in butter on the stove, bread getting golden in the pan and everyone inevitably wandering into the kitchen because dinner smells so good.

Those are some of my favorite meals to make.

Nothing overly complicated and nothing that requires an entire day in the kitchen. Just really good ingredients layered together into something my family genuinely looks forward to eating.

This steak sandwich has been on my blog since 2023, and I'm so happy to finally give it the little refresh it deserved.

I hope it becomes one of those recipes you come back to whenever you're craving a really good sandwich at home.

"Taste and see that the Lord is good."
Psalm 34:8

Made with love for the people you love.

Berry Goat Cheese Salad with Candied Walnuts & Strawberry Balsamic Vinaigrette

There are some recipes that are just as pretty on the table as they are delicious, and this berry goat cheese salad is absolutely one of them.

Fresh strawberries, blackberries and blueberries are layered over spinach with creamy goat cheese and sweet candied walnuts, then everything gets tossed in a homemade strawberry balsamic vinaigrette. It's fresh and colorful, with that perfect combination of sweet, tangy, creamy and crunchy in every bite.

I originally made this salad for lunch outside, surrounded by trees and greenery, and looking back at these photos it almost feels like we were having lunch in a little wooded fairy garden. It's exactly the kind of meal I love serving when the weather is warm—beautiful enough for a spring or summer gathering but simple enough to make for lunch at home.

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A Salad Made for Spring and Summer

One of my favorite things about this salad is how naturally beautiful it is.

You have deep green spinach, bright strawberries, blueberries and blackberries, creamy white goat cheese and glossy candied walnuts. It doesn't need much styling once it's assembled because the ingredients do all of the work.

That makes it especially good for entertaining.

Serve it for Easter, Mother's Day, a bridal or baby shower, a spring lunch or an easy summer dinner outside. It works beautifully as a side salad, but you can easily add grilled chicken or salmon and turn it into a complete meal.

What's in This Berry Goat Cheese Salad?

The ingredient list is simple, but each piece gives the salad something different.

Spinach creates a mild, fresh base that lets the berries stand out.

Strawberries, blueberries and blackberries add sweetness, color and a little tartness.

Goat cheese gives you that creamy, tangy contrast against the fruit.

And then there are the candied walnuts.

Those might be my favorite part.

Don't Skip the Candied Walnuts

You could absolutely use plain toasted walnuts, but taking a few extra minutes to candy them makes such a difference.

For this recipe, I cook the walnuts with maple syrup and brown sugar until they're glossy and coated, then spread them onto parchment paper to cool.

You get these little bites of sweet crunch throughout the salad that work so well against the creamy goat cheese and fresh berries.

Amanda's Tip: Make the candied walnuts first. They'll have time to cool and crisp while you prepare the dressing and assemble the rest of the salad.

Homemade Strawberry Balsamic Vinaigrette

The dressing is what brings everything together.

Fresh strawberries are blended with balsamic vinegar, raw honey, extra virgin olive oil, salt and pepper to make a simple strawberry balsamic vinaigrette.

You still get the depth and tanginess of balsamic, but blending fresh strawberries directly into the dressing gives it a little natural sweetness and makes it perfect for this salad.

If you love homemade dressings, this is also an easy one to make ahead. Blend it, refrigerate it in a sealed container and give it a good shake or stir before serving.

Setting a Garden Table for Lunch

This salad always makes me think of eating outside.

When I photographed this particular lunch at our old house, the table was tucked into so much greenery that it felt almost like dining in the middle of a little wooded garden.

And honestly, the setting didn't need much.

When you're surrounded by that much natural greenery, I think it's prettier to let the setting do most of the decorating. A thoughtfully set table, pretty serving pieces and colorful food are enough.

This is one of the reasons I love recipes like this for entertaining. The salad itself becomes part of the tablescape.

Shop My Summer Table & Kitchen Favorites

I've linked some of my favorite pieces for serving salads, setting a simple outdoor table and making homemade dressings below.

How to Assemble the Salad

I have one little trick when assembling salads with lots of toppings: don't put everything on top at once.

Start with the spinach and add about half of the berries, goat cheese and candied walnuts. Add some dressing and gently toss everything together.

Then transfer the salad to your serving bowl or platter and scatter the remaining berries, goat cheese and walnuts over the top.

That way, every bite is actually dressed and has some of the toppings in it, but you still get that beautiful finished salad with all of the color visible on top.

Easy Variations

This is also a very forgiving salad.

Use raspberries when they're in season. Swap the goat cheese for feta if that's what you prefer. Pecans work beautifully in place of walnuts, and you can use mixed greens or arugula instead of spinach.

For a heartier salad, add grilled chicken, salmon or even quinoa.

I wouldn't change too much at once, though. The combination of berries + creamy cheese + candied nuts + balsamic is what makes this one so good.

What to Serve with Berry Goat Cheese Salad

For lunch, I could happily eat this with a crusty baguette and call it a meal.

For dinner or entertaining, serve it alongside grilled chicken or salmon. It's also a beautiful fresh contrast to a creamy soup.

Try it with my Creamy Basil Tomato Soup, Slow Cooker Italian Wedding Soup, French Onion & Shallot Soup, or Creamy Cheddar Cauliflower Soup.

Make It Ahead

Most of this salad can be prepared ahead, which is another reason I love it for entertaining.

Make the candied walnuts ahead and let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container.

Blend the strawberry balsamic vinaigrette and refrigerate it separately.

Wash and dry your berries and greens, but keep all of the salad components separate until you're ready to serve.

Wait to add the dressing until just before serving. That's what keeps the spinach fresh instead of soggy.

Berry Goat Cheese Salad with Candied Walnuts & Strawberry Balsamic Vinaigrette

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

For the Salad

• 10 cups fresh spinach

• ¼ cup fresh strawberries, sliced

• ¼ cup fresh blackberries

• ¼ cup fresh blueberries

• 4 oz goat cheese, crumbled

For the Candied Walnuts

• 2 cups walnuts

• ¼ cup pure maple syrup

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

For the Strawberry Balsamic Vinaigrette

• ¼ cup fresh strawberries, stems removed

• ¼ cup balsamic vinegar

• ¼ cup raw honey

• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

1. Make the Candied Walnuts

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

Add the maple syrup and brown sugar to a saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring, until the mixture is combined and bubbling.

Add the walnuts and stir until evenly coated.

Transfer the walnuts to the prepared parchment-lined pan and separate them so they don't cool in one large cluster. Let cool completely while you prepare the rest of the salad.

2. Make the Strawberry Balsamic Vinaigrette

Add ¼ cup strawberries, balsamic vinegar, raw honey, extra virgin olive oil, salt and pepper to a blender.

Blend until completely smooth. Set aside until you're ready to assemble the salad.

3. Assemble the Salad

Add the spinach to a large serving bowl.

Add approximately half of the sliced strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, goat cheese and candied walnuts.

Drizzle with your desired amount of strawberry balsamic vinaigrette and gently toss.

Top the salad with the remaining berries, goat cheese and candied walnuts so all of those beautiful colors and textures are visible.

Serve immediately with additional vinaigrette on the side.

Amanda's Notes

Make the walnuts first. Giving them time to cool allows the maple-brown sugar coating to set before you add them to the salad.

Dress just before serving. Don't toss the spinach with vinaigrette until you're ready to eat.

Add the toppings in two stages. Tossing half into the salad distributes everything evenly, while saving the other half for the top gives you that beautiful finished presentation.

Make it a meal. Add grilled chicken or salmon for an easy spring or summer dinner.

Swap the greens. Arugula or mixed greens are both delicious alternatives to spinach.

How to Store Leftovers

Once dressed, this salad is best enjoyed right away.

If you know you'll have leftovers, only dress the portion you're serving. Keep the spinach, berries, goat cheese, candied walnuts and dressing stored separately in the refrigerator.

Keep the candied walnuts in a sealed container at room temperature once completely cooled so they maintain their crunch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make berry goat cheese salad ahead of time?

Yes. Prepare the candied walnuts and strawberry balsamic vinaigrette ahead of time and keep the salad ingredients separate. Assemble and dress the salad immediately before serving.

Can I substitute feta for goat cheese?

Yes. Feta will give the salad a slightly different flavor and texture but works beautifully with fresh berries and balsamic vinaigrette.

Can I use pecans instead of walnuts?

Absolutely. Candied pecans are an easy substitute for the walnuts and work well with the berries and goat cheese.

What protein goes well with berry salad?

Grilled chicken and salmon are both great additions if you'd like to turn this salad into a complete meal.

Can I use a different green instead of spinach?

Yes. Try arugula for a pepperier flavor or your favorite mixed greens for a lighter texture.

Why should I wait to dress the salad?

Adding vinaigrette too early can cause the spinach to wilt. For the freshest texture, toss the salad with dressing immediately before serving.

More Salad Recipes

If you love a salad that's substantial enough to become part of the meal, try my Pear & Walnut Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing, Italian Chopped Salad Jars, Spinach Salad with Warm Shallot Dressing, Apples & Pistachios, or Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad with Apples, Goat Cheese & Candied Pecans.

Shop My Kitchen & Entertaining Favorites

I've linked some of my favorite pieces for making homemade dressings, serving big salads and setting a simple table for lunch outside.

Kitchen Favorites

Entertaining Favorites

Save This Recipe

Whether you're planning a spring lunch, summer dinner or simply want a new salad to add to your weekly rotation, save this one for later.

Gather Around the Table

Some meals seem made for eating outside.

This is one of them.

A big bowl of colorful salad, something cold to drink, bread on the table and nowhere you need to be for a little while.

Looking back at these photos from our old home, I love how tucked away this table felt among all of the trees and greenery. It was the kind of spot that made an ordinary lunch feel a little magical.

And I think that's part of why I love setting a table—even for something as simple as salad.

The food brings everyone there. The setting makes you want to stay.