Roast beef is a classic dinner choice, but what do you do with the leftovers? Don’t let that tasty meat go to waste!
There are many ways to turn your extra roast beef into new and exciting meals.
These 20 leftover roast beef recipes will help you create delicious dishes your family will love.
From sandwiches and salads to soups and casseroles, you’ll find plenty of ideas to use up every last bite.
Get ready to transform your leftover roast beef into mouthwatering meals that are quick and easy to make.
1. Roast Beef Tacos
Roast beef tacos are a tasty way to use up leftover roast beef. Start by heating your tortillas in a skillet with a bit of oil. This gives them a nice crispness.
Dice your leftover roast beef into small chunks. Warm it up in a pan with some taco seasoning for extra flavor.
Add your favorite toppings. Try diced tomatoes, onions, peppers, and cilantro. A squeeze of lime juice adds a fresh tang.
Serve your tacos with sour cream and shredded cheese on top. You can also add a spicy salsa if you like.
These tacos are quick to make and full of flavor.
2. Leftover Beef Stroganoff
Beef stroganoff is a great way to use up leftover roast beef. You can make this classic dish in about 30 minutes.
Start by slicing your leftover roast beef into thin strips.
Sauté some mushrooms and onions in a pan. Add the beef strips and warm them through.
Mix in sour cream or crème fraîche to create a creamy sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and a dash of Worcestershire sauce for extra flavor.
Serve your stroganoff over egg noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes. This hearty meal is perfect for chilly evenings and will help you avoid food waste.
3. Roast Beef Sandwich with Horseradish Sauce
A roast beef sandwich with horseradish sauce is a tasty way to use leftover roast beef. Start by mixing horseradish with mayonnaise or crème fraîche to make the sauce.
Spread the horseradish sauce on your bread. Add a layer of sliced roast beef. Top with cheese, if you like. For extra flavor, include some spinach leaves or sliced onions.
You can eat this sandwich cold or warm it up. To warm it, put it under the broiler for a minute or two. This will melt the cheese and make the bread crispy.
4. Beef and Vegetable Stir-Fry
Transform your leftover roast beef into a quick and tasty stir-fry. Slice the beef thinly and set it aside.
Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add your choice of veggies like broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften.
Add the sliced beef and stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes.
Pour in a simple sauce made of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger.
Cook for a final minute to let the flavors combine. Serve your beef and vegetable stir-fry over rice or noodles for a satisfying meal.
5. Roast Beef and Cheddar Panini
Turn your leftover roast beef into a tasty panini. Start by spreading horseradish sauce on bread slices for a zesty kick. Layer on thinly sliced roast beef and sharp cheddar cheese.
Add some sliced tomatoes and red onions for extra flavor and crunch. Brush the outside of the bread with olive oil or melted butter.
Grill the sandwich in a panini press or skillet until the cheese melts and the bread turns golden brown.
The result is a warm, gooey sandwich perfect for lunch or dinner.
6. Beef and Barley Soup
Beef and barley soup is a tasty way to use your leftover roast beef. It’s hearty, filling, and perfect for chilly days.
Start by sautéing onions, carrots, and celery in a large pot. Add garlic for extra flavor.
Pour in beef broth and water, then add your chopped leftover roast beef. Toss in some barley, diced tomatoes, and herbs like thyme or oregano.
Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the barley is tender. This usually takes about 40-50 minutes.
For a finishing touch, you can add some frozen peas near the end of cooking. Serve your beef and barley soup hot for a comforting meal.
7. Roast Beef Shepherd’s Pie
Shepherd’s pie is a great way to use up leftover roast beef. Cut your roast beef into small cubes and place them in a casserole dish. Add a layer of sliced onions on top.
Pour some beef gravy over the meat and onions. This adds flavor and moisture to the dish. Next, spread a layer of mashed potatoes over everything.
Bake the pie in a 350°F oven until the potatoes turn golden brown. The flavors will blend together as it cooks.
You can customize your shepherd’s pie by adding vegetables like peas or carrots. It’s an easy and tasty way to transform your leftover roast beef into a new meal.
8. Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Peppers
You can turn leftover roast beef into tasty Philly cheesesteak stuffed peppers. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Cut bell peppers in half and remove the seeds.
Place the peppers on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Bake for about 20 minutes to soften them slightly.
While the peppers bake, slice your leftover roast beef thinly. Sauté onions and mushrooms in a skillet, then add the beef to warm it up.
Fill each pepper half with the meat mixture and top with provolone cheese. Bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese melts and gets bubbly.
9. Leftover Roast Beef Hash
Leftover roast beef hash is a tasty way to use up extra meat. You can make it quickly with just a few ingredients.
Start by dicing potatoes and cooking them until tender and crispy.
Add chopped onions and leftover roast beef to the pan. Mix in some beef stock for extra flavor. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cook everything together until the beef is heated through and the flavors combine. For a thicker hash, stir in a bit of flour mixed with water.
Serve your roast beef hash hot. It makes a filling breakfast or easy dinner. You can top it with a fried egg for extra protein if you like.
10. Beef Enchiladas
Beef enchiladas are a tasty way to use leftover roast beef. Start by shredding your roast beef.
Mix the beef with enchilada sauce, sour cream, and spices. Add some cheese too.
Warm up tortillas and fill them with the beef mixture. Roll them up and place them in a baking dish.
Pour more enchilada sauce over the top. Sprinkle on extra cheese.
Bake the enchiladas at 350°F for about 30 minutes. They’re done when the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve your beef enchiladas hot. Add toppings like sour cream, cilantro, or diced onions if you like.
11. Roast Beef and Swiss Sliders
Roast beef and Swiss sliders are a tasty way to use leftover roast beef. Start by cutting Hawaiian rolls in half and placing them in a baking dish.
Layer sliced roast beef and Swiss cheese on the bottom halves of the rolls. Add the top buns and brush them with melted butter mixed with mustard and Worcestershire sauce.
Cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F for about 10 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for a few more minutes until the cheese melts and the tops are golden brown.
These sliders are perfect for parties or a quick family meal. You can add extras like caramelized onions or horseradish mayo for more flavor.
12. Beef Noodle Casserole
Beef noodle casserole is a tasty way to use up leftover roast beef. Start by cooking egg noodles until they’re tender.
In a bowl, mix cream of mushroom soup, milk, and beef broth for a creamy sauce. Add your shredded roast beef and cooked noodles to the mixture.
Pour everything into a casserole dish. Top with shredded cheese and breadcrumbs for a crispy finish. Bake until hot and bubbly.
This hearty dish is perfect for chilly evenings. You can easily customize it by adding vegetables like peas or carrots. Serve with a side salad for a complete meal.
13. Roast Beef Quesadillas
Transform your leftover roast beef into tasty quesadillas. Start by shredding the beef and setting it aside. Heat a skillet and add a tortilla.
Sprinkle cheese on one half of the tortilla. Add the shredded beef, sautéed onions, and peppers. Fold the tortilla in half and cook until golden brown on both sides.
For extra flavor, mix the beef with salsa before adding it to the quesadilla. You can also include other ingredients like diced green chiles or beans.
Serve your roast beef quesadillas hot, with sour cream and guacamole on the side for dipping.
14. Beef and Bean Burritos
Got leftover roast beef? Turn it into tasty burritos! Start by heating oil in a skillet. Add onions and garlic, cooking until soft.
Mix in your shredded roast beef, some canned tomatoes, and taco sauce. Stir in refried beans for extra protein and flavor. Warm up large tortillas.
Spoon the beef and bean mixture onto each tortilla. Add shredded cheese if you like. Roll them up tightly.
You can eat these burritos right away or bake them for crispy edges. They’re great for quick meals or freezing for later.
15. Roast Beef Pot Pie
Roast beef pot pie is a tasty way to use your leftover roast. You’ll need pie crust, butter, onions, flour, beef broth, and mixed vegetables.
Start by cooking onions in butter until soft. Add flour to make a roux, then whisk in beef broth to create a thick sauce.
Mix in your leftover roast beef, potatoes, and other veggies. Pour this filling into a pie crust-lined plate. Top with another crust, seal the edges, and cut slits for steam to escape.
Bake your pot pie until the crust is golden brown. The result is a warm, comforting meal that gives new life to your leftover roast beef.
16. Roast Beef Pasta Bake
Turn your leftover roast beef into a tasty pasta bake. Start by cooking your favorite pasta according to package instructions. While it cooks, shred or chop the roast beef into bite-sized pieces.
Mix the pasta with a rich tomato-based sauce and add your leftover beef. Stir in some vegetables like peas or diced bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with shredded cheese. Bake until the cheese melts and turns golden brown.
You can customize your pasta bake with different cheeses or add herbs like basil or oregano for more flavor. It’s a great way to use up leftovers and create a new, satisfying meal.
17. Beef and Mushroom Risotto
Beef and mushroom risotto is a tasty way to use leftover roast beef. You’ll need arborio rice, beef broth, mushrooms, onions, and cheese.
Start by sautéing chopped onions and sliced mushrooms. Add the rice and stir to coat with oil. Pour in some warm broth and stir until absorbed.
Keep adding broth gradually, stirring often. When the rice is almost done, mix in your chopped leftover roast beef. Finish with grated Parmesan cheese and a pat of butter.
This creamy, savory dish transforms your roast beef into a whole new meal. The mushrooms add earthiness while the beef provides richness and protein.
18. Leftover Roast Beef Chili
Turn your leftover roast beef into a hearty chili. Chop the beef into bite-sized pieces and add it to a pot with beans, tomatoes, and onions.
Spice things up with chili powder, cumin, and garlic. Let the flavors meld as you simmer the chili for about 20 minutes.
This recipe is perfect for chilly evenings. It’s also great for game day gatherings.
You can easily adjust the spice level to suit your taste.
Serve your chili with toppings like cheese, sour cream, or green onions. It pairs well with cornbread or tortilla chips.
19. Beef and Cheese Stuffed Shells
Beef and cheese stuffed shells are a great way to use leftover roast beef. You can chop up your roast beef and mix it with ricotta cheese, herbs, and spices.
Fill cooked jumbo pasta shells with this mixture. Place the stuffed shells in a baking dish and cover them with your favorite pasta sauce.
Top the shells with shredded mozzarella or Italian cheese blend. Bake until the cheese melts and the sauce bubbles.
This dish reheats well, making it perfect for meals throughout the week. You can also freeze stuffed shells for later use.
20. Roast Beef Stew
Roast beef stew is a tasty way to use up leftover roast beef. Start by cutting your beef into bite-sized pieces. Add them to a pot with beef broth, diced potatoes, carrots, and onions.
Throw in some celery and garlic for extra flavor. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the stew simmer until the vegetables are tender.
For a thicker stew, mix a little flour with water and stir it in. You can also add frozen peas near the end of cooking for a pop of color. Serve your hearty stew with crusty bread for a filling meal.
How to Store Leftover Roast Beef
Proper storage keeps your leftover roast beef safe and tasty. Follow these tips to get the most out of your leftovers.
Refrigeration Tips
Store roast beef in airtight containers or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Put it in the fridge within 2 hours of cooking. Keep the temperature at 40°F (4°C) or below.
Slice the beef before storing to make it easier to use later. Place paper towels between layers to absorb moisture.
Use refrigerated roast beef within 3-4 days for best quality. Check for any odd smells or colors before eating.
Freezing Guidelines
Freeze roast beef to keep it longer. Wrap it tightly in freezer paper or heavy-duty foil.
You can also use freezer bags – squeeze out extra air before sealing.
Label packages with the date and contents. Frozen roast beef stays good for 2-3 months.
Thaw frozen beef in the fridge overnight. Never thaw at room temperature.
Use thawed beef within 24 hours.
For quick meals, freeze beef in small portions. This makes it easy to grab just what you need.
Creative Ways to Use Leftover Roast Beef
Leftover roast beef can be transformed into tasty new meals. Try these ideas to give your beef a second life at breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
In Breakfast Dishes
Start your day with a protein-packed breakfast using leftover roast beef. Make a hearty beef hash by dicing the meat and frying it with potatoes and onions.
Top with a fried egg for extra flavor.
For a quick morning meal, stuff a breakfast burrito with chopped roast beef, scrambled eggs, and cheese. Add salsa or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Beef and cheese omelets are another great option. Fold thin slices of roast beef and your favorite cheese into fluffy eggs for a filling breakfast.
In Lunch Ideas
Sandwiches are a classic way to use leftover roast beef at lunch. Try a French dip sandwich by piling beef on a crusty roll and serving with warm au jus for dipping.
Make a roast beef salad by mixing diced beef with mayo, celery, and onions. Serve on bread or over greens for a light lunch.
For a twist on nachos, top tortilla chips with chopped roast beef, BBQ sauce, and cheese. Bake until hot and melty for a fun lunch treat.
In Dinner Recipes
Turn leftover roast beef into comfort food classics for dinner.
Beef pot pie is a cozy option. Mix diced beef with veggies and gravy, then top with pastry and bake until golden.
For Tex-Mex night, use your beef in enchiladas.
Roll shredded beef in tortillas, top with sauce and cheese, then bake. Serve with rice and beans on the side.
Make a quick beef stroganoff by sautéing mushrooms and onions, then adding sliced roast beef and sour cream.
Serve over egg noodles for a creamy, satisfying meal.