Delicious Leftover Roast Beef Recipes

11 Delicious Leftover Roast Beef Recipes: Quick & Easy Meal Ideas

ByNancy S. Levy

I love finding new ways to use leftover roast beef. It’s a great feeling to transform yesterday’s dinner into a fresh, exciting meal. You just need to add a touch of creativity, and that extra roast can become the star of many delicious dishes.

These 11 leftover roast beef recipes will help you turn your leftovers into delicious new meals. From hearty sandwiches to comforting casseroles, there’s something for everyone.

I’ll show you how to make the most of your roast beef and avoid food waste at the same time.

1: Roast Beef Sandwich with Horseradish Sauce

I love making roast beef sandwiches with leftover meat. They’re quick and tasty. I start by mixing up a creamy horseradish sauce.

I spread the sauce on bread slices. Then, I layer on some spinach leaves and thin slices of cold roast beef.

For extra flavor, I add cheese, onion, and red pepper. A final drizzle of sauce and it’s ready to eat. Yum!

Roast Beef Sandwich with Horseradish Sauce

Roast Beef Sandwich with Horseradish Sauce

Ingredients

  • Bread slices
  • Spinach leaves
  • Thin slices of cold roast beef
  • Cheese (optional)
  • Onion (optional)
  • Red pepper (optional)
  • Horseradish sauce

Instructions

  1. Mix up a creamy horseradish sauce.
  2. Spread the sauce on bread slices.
  3. Layer on spinach leaves and thin slices of cold roast beef.
  4. For extra flavor, add cheese, onion, and red pepper.
  5. Drizzle with more sauce and enjoy!

2: Roast Beef Hash

I love making roast beef hash with leftover meat. It’s a quick and tasty meal. I chop up the beef and mix it with diced potatoes and onions.

I fry everything in a skillet until crispy. Sometimes, I add bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor. It’s great topped with a fried egg.

Roast Beef Hash Recipe

Roast Beef Hash

Ingredients

  • Leftover roast beef, chopped
  • Diced potatoes
  • Diced onions
  • Bell peppers (optional)
  • Mushrooms (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Oil for frying
  • Eggs (optional, for topping)

Instructions

  1. Chop the leftover roast beef into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Mix with diced potatoes and onions.
  3. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  4. Add the beef, potatoes, and onions (and bell peppers or mushrooms, if using).
  5. Fry until everything is crispy and browned, stirring occasionally.
  6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. If desired, top with a fried egg before serving.

3: Philly Cheese Steak Stuffed Peppers

I love making Philly cheese steak stuffed peppers with leftover roast beef. I slice the beef thinly and mix it with sautéed onions and mushrooms. Then, I stuff this mixture into halved bell peppers.

I top the peppers with provolone cheese and bake them until the peppers are tender. The melted cheese and savory beef filling make for a delicious low-carb meal.

Philly Cheese Steak Stuffed Peppers Recipe

Philly Cheese Steak Stuffed Peppers

Ingredients

  • Leftover roast beef, thinly sliced
  • 4 bell peppers, halved and deseeded
  • Sautéed onions and mushrooms
  • 4 slices of provolone cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Olive oil for cooking

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a skillet, sauté onions and mushrooms with olive oil until softened.
  3. Mix the sautéed veggies with the thinly sliced roast beef.
  4. Stuff the beef mixture into the halved bell peppers.
  5. Top each pepper with a slice of provolone cheese.
  6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted.
  7. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

4: Beef and Vegetable Stir-Fry

I love using leftover roast beef to make a quick stir-fry. I slice the beef thinly and toss it with veggies like broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots.

I heat oil in a wok and stir-fry the veggies for a few minutes. Then I add the sliced beef, a simple soy sauce, and cornstarch sauce.

In just 10 minutes, I have a tasty meal. I serve beef and veggie stir-fry over rice or noodles for a filling dinner.

Beef and Vegetable Stir-Fry Recipe

Beef and Vegetable Stir-Fry

Ingredients

  • Leftover roast beef, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 1 bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 carrot, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Rice or noodles for serving

Instructions

  1. Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the broccoli, bell pepper, and carrot. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender.
  3. Push the veggies to the side of the wok and add the sliced beef. Stir-fry for 2 minutes until heated through.
  4. In a small bowl, mix soy sauce and cornstarch with a splash of water. Pour over the beef and vegetables.
  5. Stir everything together until the sauce thickens and coats the ingredients.
  6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Serve over rice or noodles.

5: Roast Beef and Cheddar Sliders

I love making roast beef and cheddar sliders with leftover roast beef. I start by preheating my oven to 350°F.

I slice dinner rolls in half and place the bottoms in a baking dish. Then I layer on sliced roast beef and top it with cheddar cheese.

I add the top buns and brush them with melted butter. I bake the sliders for about 15 minutes until the cheese melts and the buns turn golden brown.

Roast Beef and Cheddar Sliders Recipe

Roast Beef and Cheddar Sliders

Ingredients

  • Leftover roast beef, sliced
  • Cheddar cheese slices
  • 1 package dinner rolls
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Slice the dinner rolls in half horizontally and place the bottom halves in a baking dish.
  3. Layer the sliced roast beef evenly over the bottom halves of the rolls.
  4. Top with slices of cheddar cheese.
  5. Place the top halves of the rolls over the cheese.
  6. Brush the tops of the rolls with melted butter and season with salt and pepper.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the buns are golden brown.

6: Beef Barley Soup

I love turning leftover roast beef into a hearty beef barley soup. It’s easy and tastes great. I start by sautéing carrots, celery, and onions in butter.

Then, I add beef broth and water, and cut my leftover roast beef into chunks. Next, I add tomatoes, barley, and herbs. I let it simmer until the barley is tender.

At the end, I toss in some peas for color and freshness. It’s a filling meal that warms me up on cold days.

Beef Barley Soup Recipe

Beef Barley Soup

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 cup carrots, diced
  • 1 cup celery, diced
  • 1 cup onions, diced
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 cups leftover roast beef, cut into chunks
  • 1 cup tomatoes, diced
  • 1/2 cup barley
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the carrots, celery, and onions and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
  2. Add the beef broth, water, and chunks of leftover roast beef. Stir well to combine.
  3. Stir in the tomatoes, barley, thyme, and rosemary. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  4. Reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the barley is tender and the flavors have melded together.
  5. Add the peas and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Serve hot and enjoy the warm, hearty flavors.

7: French Dip Sandwich

I love turning leftover roast beef into a tasty French dip sandwich. I slice the beef thinly and pile it onto a crusty roll.

Then I melt some provolone cheese on top. The best part is dipping the sandwich in warm beef broth. It adds so much flavor.

I sometimes sauté onions to put on sandwiches, too. This satisfying meal only takes a few minutes to make.

French Dip Sandwich Recipe

French Dip Sandwich

Ingredients

  • 2 cups leftover roast beef, sliced thin
  • 4 crusty rolls or baguettes
  • 4 slices provolone cheese
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)
  • 1 cup onions, sliced (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. If desired, sauté the sliced onions in olive oil over medium heat until caramelized. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  3. Slice the rolls in half and place them on a baking sheet. Top each roll with slices of roast beef and a slice of provolone cheese.
  4. Heat the beef broth in a saucepan until warm.
  5. Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for about 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the bread is crispy.
  6. Serve the sandwiches with a bowl of warm beef broth for dipping. Enjoy!

8: Roast Beef Tacos

I love turning leftover roast beef into tasty tacos. I start by thinly slicing the beef and heating it in a skillet with Mexican spices.

I warm up corn tortillas and fill them with the seasoned beef. Then, I top the tacos with fresh pico de gallo, shredded cheese, and cilantro.

These quick and easy roast beef tacos are a great way to use up extra meat. The whole family enjoys this fun twist on traditional tacos.

Roast Beef Tacos Recipe

Roast Beef Tacos

Ingredients

  • 2 cups leftover roast beef, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon Mexican spices (e.g., cumin, chili powder, paprika)
  • 8 corn tortillas
  • 1 cup pico de gallo
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (e.g., cheddar, Mexican blend)
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add the sliced roast beef to the skillet and season with Mexican spices, salt, and pepper. Cook until the beef is heated through and well coated with spices, about 5 minutes.
  3. Warm the corn tortillas in a dry skillet or on a hot griddle until pliable.
  4. Fill each tortilla with the seasoned roast beef.
  5. Top the tacos with pico de gallo, shredded cheese, and fresh cilantro.
  6. Serve immediately and enjoy!

9: Beef Pot Pie

I love turning leftover roast beef into a tasty pot pie. It’s easy and comforting. I start by cooking onions in butter, then add flour to make a roux.

Next, I whisk in beef broth to create a smooth gravy. I mix in the roast beef, potatoes, and veggies like carrots and peas.

I pour this filling into a pie crust and top it with another crust. After baking, I have a golden, flaky pot pie packed with flavor.

Beef Pot Pie Recipe

Beef Pot Pie

Ingredients

  • 2 cups leftover roast beef, cubed
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 1 cup carrots, peeled and diced
  • 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 package (2) pie crusts (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  3. Stir in the flour and cook for another minute to form a roux.
  4. Gradually whisk in the beef broth until smooth. Cook until the mixture thickens into a gravy.
  5. Add the cubed roast beef, potatoes, carrots, peas, and dried thyme. Season with salt and pepper. Stir to combine and cook until the vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes.
  6. Transfer the filling to a pie dish. Place one pie crust over the filling and trim any excess dough. Cut slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
  7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
  8. Let the pot pie cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!

10: Beef Stroganoff

Beef stroganoff is a tasty way to use leftover roast beef. I like to slice the beef and add it to a creamy sauce with mushrooms and paprika.

The sauce comes together quickly on the stove. I mix in sour cream at the end for extra richness.

Serving the stroganoff over egg noodles or mashed potatoes makes for a filling meal. It’s an easy dinner that’s ready in about 30 minutes.

Beef Stroganoff Recipe

Beef Stroganoff

Ingredients

  • 2 cups leftover roast beef, sliced into strips
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Cooked egg noodles or mashed potatoes, for serving

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  2. Add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms. Cook until the mushrooms are golden brown and tender, about 5 minutes.
  3. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute to create a roux.
  4. Gradually whisk in the beef broth, and add paprika. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.
  5. Add the sliced roast beef to the skillet and cook until heated through.
  6. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the sour cream. Cook until the sauce is creamy and well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Serve the beef stroganoff over egg noodles or mashed potatoes. Enjoy!

11: Roast Beef Pasta Salad

I love making pasta salad with leftover roast beef. It’s a quick and tasty meal.

I chop up the beef and mix it with cooked pasta. Then I add veggies like tomatoes and cucumber.

I use a mix of mayo, mustard, and herbs for the dressing, which brings all the flavors together nicely.

This salad is great for lunch or a light dinner. It’s also perfect for picnics or potlucks.

Roast Beef Pasta Salad Recipe

Roast Beef Pasta Salad

Ingredients

  • 2 cups leftover roast beef, chopped
  • 3 cups cooked pasta (such as penne or rotini)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cucumber, diced
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons mustard
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley or basil)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the chopped roast beef, cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber.
  2. In a separate small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, mustard, and chopped herbs to make the dressing.
  3. Pour the dressing over the pasta and beef mixture. Stir until everything is well coated.
  4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together.
  6. Serve chilled. Enjoy!

The Benefits of Using Leftover Roast Beef

Using leftover roast beef offers several advantages, from saving time and money to creating delicious new meals. Here are some key benefits of repurposing your leftover roast beef:

  1. Save time and effort:
    • Cooking a large roast beef can yield leftovers for multiple meals, reducing the time and effort spent on meal preparation throughout the week.
    • Having pre-cooked meat on hand lets you quickly assemble new dishes without starting from scratch.
  2. Reduce food waste:
    • Repurposing leftover roast beef helps minimize food waste by ensuring the meat is consumed before it spoils.
    • Using leftovers creatively, you can maximize your food budget and avoid throwing away delicious meat.
  3. Create diverse meals:
    • Leftover roast beef is incredibly versatile and can be used in various dishes, from sandwiches and salads to stir-fries and soups.
    • Experimenting with different recipes and cuisines can help keep meals interesting and prevent boredom with repetitive leftovers.
  4. Enjoy convenience:
    • Leftover roast beef on hand makes it easy to prepare quick, satisfying meals on busy weeknights or when you don’t feel like cooking from scratch.
    • Leftovers can be easily reheated or incorporated into cold dishes, making meal preparation a breeze.
  5. Save money:
    • Buying more giant roast beef and using the leftovers for multiple meals can be more cost-effective than purchasing smaller portions for each meal.
    • Stretching roast beef across several dishes helps maximize your food budget and reduce overall grocery expenses.
  6. Enhance flavor:
    • Leftover roast beef has had time to sit, allowing the flavors to meld, resulting in even tastier dishes when repurposed.
    • The meat’s flavor can infuse other ingredients, creating a more complex and satisfying taste profile.
  7. Meal prep for the week:
    • Intentionally cooking a giant roast beef can provide a foundation for meal prepping, allowing you to plan and prepare multiple meals in advance.
    • This can save time and stress throughout the week, as you’ll have ready-to-eat meals.

To make the most of your leftover roast beef, store it properly in the refrigerator or freezer and use it within a safe timeframe to ensure food safety. With some creativity and planning, leftover roast beef can become the star of many delicious and satisfying meals.

Essential Tips for Storing Leftover Roast Beef

Storing leftover roast beef properly is crucial to maintaining its quality, flavor, and safety. Here are some essential tips to keep in mind when storing your leftover roast beef:

  1. Cool the roast beef quickly:
    • After cooking, allow the roast beef to cool at room temperature for no more than 2 hours.
    • Slice the roast beef into smaller portions to facilitate faster cooling.
    • Placing the meat in shallow containers can also help it cool more quickly.
  2. Refrigerate promptly:
    • Once cooled, store the leftover roast beef in the refrigerator as soon as possible.
    • The refrigerator should be at 40°F (4°C) or below to ensure proper food safety.
    • Leftovers should be consumed within 3-4 days when stored in the refrigerator.
  3. Use airtight containers:
    • Store leftover roast beef in airtight containers or resealable plastic bags to prevent air exposure and reduce the risk of contamination.
    • Proper containers also help prevent the meat from drying out and absorbing odors from other foods in the refrigerator.
  4. Slice before storing:
    • If possible, slice the roast beef before storing it in the refrigerator.
    • Slicing the meat allows faster cooling and makes it easier to portion out for future meals.
    • If storing sliced meat, place a piece of wax or parchment paper between the slices to prevent them from sticking together.
  5. Label and date the containers:
    • Clearly label the containers or bags with the contents and the date the roast beef was cooked or stored.
    • Labeling helps you track how long the leftovers have been in the refrigerator and ensures you consume them within a safe timeframe.
  6. Freeze for more extended storage:
    • If you don’t plan on using the leftover roast beef within 3-4 days, consider freezing it for more extended storage.
    • Wrap the meat tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer-safe container or bag.
    • Frozen roast beef can be stored for 2-3 months without significantly losing quality.
  7. Reheat properly:
    • When reheating leftover roast beef, ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to kill any potential bacteria.
    • Reheat the meat in the oven, microwave, or stovetop, adding a bit of moisture (e.g., broth or gravy) to prevent drying out.
    • Repeat the portion you plan to consume, as repeatedly reheating can affect the meat’s quality and safety.

Following these essential tips ensures that your leftover roast beef remains safe, flavorful, and ready to be used in various dishes throughout the week. Always prioritize food safety and use your senses to evaluate the meat’s quality before consuming it.

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *