If you’re the type of person who likes to cook in bulk, then it’s likely that you’ve got plenty of leftover beef roast lying around your fridge.
And while making a beef roast sandwich may be the most obvious choice, there are plenty of other ways to use up this flavorful cut of meat.
This article discusses some of the best ideas for what to do with leftover roast beef. Read on.
SEE: Yummy Foods to Make With Rotisserie Chicken Leftovers
What Is Beef Roast?
Beef roast, also known as roast beef, is a dish of beef that is roasted. Usually, this occurs in an oven, but it can also be done on a stovetop or hot coals.
This method produces more flavorful meat than other cooking methods such as braising or boiling because of the Maillard reaction (cooking at high temperatures causes the amino acids and sugars in meat to react, creating a unique flavor).
What Can You Do With Leftover Beef Roast?
1. Make a Sandwich
The most obvious choice is to make a roast beef sandwich. If you have Swiss cheese and mayonnaise on hand, it’s even better. You can also make a Croque monsieur or Croque madame, which are French sandwiches made with ham or cheese and topped with bechamel sauce (a type of white sauce).
Roast beef sandwiches are a classic lunch or dinner option, especially if you have a variety of condiments on hand.
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2. Beef Roast Casseroles
Leftover beef roast makes an excellent addition to casseroles because it has a good flavor that blends well with other ingredients. Just add some sauce and additional vegetables if desired, then bake until hot (about 20 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit).
3. Make a Hash
Leftover roast beef also makes good hash, especially when mixed with garlic, onions, and peppers. Add some chopped celery, diced tomatoes, and ketchup if you want to make it fancier.
4. Leftover Beef Roast Chili
If you have leftover roast beef, make chili. It’s an excellent way to use up meat, especially if you have lots of vegetables that need to be used up as well. You can also add herbs or spices like garlic or cumin to give it more flavor.
5. Use as Topping for Pizza
Spread some leftover beef on top of your favorite pizza and sprinkle on some sliced mushrooms and onions. Then top with mozzarella cheese (or any other cheese) for an easy dinner or snack.
6. Make Meatballs
A simple way to use up leftover roast beef is to make meatballs. Add some spices (like mustard powder, salt, and pepper) and cook until the meat is golden brown on all sides.
7. Make a Hearty Soup
A pot of hearty soup is one of the best ways to use leftover beef roast. Add some veggies and stock, then simmer until the veggies are tender and the meat heats through.
8. Use as a Meatloaf Filling
This is one of the simplest recipes for using leftover roast beef. Just mix it with some breadcrumbs, onion, and eggs to make it stick together. Form the mixture into patties and pan-fry until browned on both sides. Serve with mashed potatoes and gravy or homemade tomato sauce for dipping.
9. Beef Roast Taco
Add some green onions, sour cream, and cheese to your leftover beef roast to make a taco salad. This is perfect for lunch on the go or an easy dinner when you’re feeling lazy but still want something delicious.
10. Make Shepherd’s Pie
Yes, you can make shepherd’s pie (or another similar dish) by combining leftover beef roast and gravy with sweet potatoes. Just substitute the leftover roast beef for one pound of ground meat.
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11. Beef Roast Caesar Salad
Use leftover roast beef in Caesar salad for lunch or dinner. You’ll find that the meat provides plenty of protein without tasting too heavy. You can also use it as part of a Cobb salad, which is made with eggs, cheese, chicken, and avocado.
12. Make Quesadillas
Quesadillas are another great way to use up leftover roast beef. The only limit is your imagination. Add cheese, mushrooms, onions, peppers, or whatever else you like on quesadillas for extra flavor and texture.
13. Leftover Roast Beef Pot Pie
Pot pie is another great way to use up leftover roast beef. It’s easy — just layer the roast beef with vegetables and gravy. Put in a baking dish, cover with puff pastry, and bake until golden brown on top.
14. Make a Hearty Pasta Dish
Leftover beef roast pairs well with pasta dishes, including macaroni and spaghetti Bolognese. For macaroni, simply layer cooked macaroni with sauce and cheese along with thinly sliced roast beef.
For spaghetti Bolognese, cook the beef in a skillet over medium heat, then add canned tomatoes and other ingredients for flavor. Add cooked pasta to this mixture at the end when you serve so that it absorbs all those tasty juices from the pan.
15. Make Some Stews
Leftover roast beef is a great addition to many types of stew. For example, you can add it to chicken stew or egg stew. It’s also delicious in vegetable stew and other stews that contain potatoes, carrots, and onions.
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16. Leftover Roast Beef Rice Noodles
Stir-fry some rice noodles with lots of veggies, like onions, bell peppers, celery, and mushrooms. Then add your beef roast, some soy sauce, and sesame oil for a quick lunch that’s sure to hit the spot.
17. Make an Omelet
Mix up your leftover roast beef with some eggs, mushrooms, and tomatoes, and scramble in a frying pan until cooked through. It is a great way to use up any extra veggies that might be hanging out in your fridge as well.
18. Beef Roast Burritos
One of the easiest ways to use up leftover beef roast is to chop it up and mix it with onions, shredded lettuce, and tomatoes. Add a little salsa or hot sauce for added heat and tanginess.
19. Baked Potatoes
Take some potatoes and bake them in the oven until they’re soft enough to scoop out the center. Fill with your leftover beef or other toppings like sour cream and chives for more flavor and nutrients.
SEE: How to Use a Food Thermometer to Avoid Undone Meal
Are Beef Roast Leftovers Still Good?
Yes, beef roast leftovers are still good. However, keep in mind that the meat will only dry out and get worse if it’s not stored properly.
The best way to store leftover beef roast is in an airtight container or resealable bag. It will prevent air and moisture from getting into the food and cause bacteria or other microorganisms to grow in it.
If you don’t have an airtight container or bag on hand, wrap up your leftovers in foil or plastic wrap. This will help keep air and moisture out of the food and discourage microbial growth as well.
You can also keep leftover beef roast in the refrigerator for up to five days, but it’s best to eat it within two days. If you have leftovers from a large cut of meat, divide them into smaller portions and freeze them for future use.
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FAQs
How do you cut hard roast beef?
Cut it across the grain. Cutting hard roast beef across the grain (as opposed to along it) helps break up muscle fibers and make them easier to chew.
How long does beef roast last in the fridge?
3-5 days. You can keep your beef roast in the refrigerator for 3-5 days after purchase. If you are not going to cook it within that time frame, it is best to freeze it.
What makes beef tough?
A tough beef is often a sign that the cooking temperature was too high or the meat was over-aged. The low-and-slow method of cooking is best for achieving a tender roast.
Can you reheat cooked beef?
Yes, you can. Reheating cooked beef is a great way to use leftovers from your breakfast or the day before.
When you’re reheating cooked beef, it’s important to remember that it will dry out if you leave it in the microwave too long. To make sure your meat stays moist and delicious, do not leave it in the microwave for more than 10 minutes.
Conclusion
There are many foods that you can add leftover beef roast to. For example, sandwiches are a great use for your leftover beef roast because the meat is already cooked and ready to go.
You can also add your leftovers to meatballs, casseroles, and salads. And if you would like to use them up quickly, try adding them to soups and stews.
Thanks for reading.
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