Do you have leftover Italian beef from a delicious sandwich or dinner? Don’t let it go to waste!
There are plenty of creative and tasty ways to repurpose this flavorful meat. From classic dishes like shepherd’s pie to unique recipes like cheesy beef rigatoni, the possibilities are endless.
In this article, we’ll explore some mouth-watering ideas for what to make with leftover Italian beef. So, grab your apron and let’s get cooking!
What To Make With Leftover Italian Beef?
1. Shepherd’s Pie: Elevate this classic dish by using leftover Italian beef instead of ground beef. Add traditional vegetables, gravy, and beautifully browned mashed potatoes for a new level of deliciousness.
2. Italian Beef Rollups: This unique recipe uses leftover mashed potatoes and flour to create a soft pasta rollup, also known as dish rag pasta in Italian cuisine. Fill it with a savory beef filling made by braising a beef chuck roast low and slow in tomato paste, red wine, canned crushed tomatoes, beef stock, and seasonings. Bake with more tomatoes and two kinds of cheese on top until hot and bubbly.
3. Cheesy Beef Rigatoni: This easy dinner is perfect for any night of the week. Mix a cheesy sauce with hearty pasta and delicious roast beef for a tasty casserole.
4. Cheesy Italian Beef Breakfast Skillet: Perfect for meat lovers, this skillet uses leftover roast beef from the night before. Add baby potatoes, peppers, onions, mushrooms, and mozzarella cheese for a delicious brunch or supper.
Classic Comfort Foods
When it comes to classic comfort foods, leftover Italian beef can be a game-changer. Here are some ideas to make the most out of your leftovers:
1. Shepherd’s Pie: This dish is a classic comfort food that can be easily elevated by using leftover Italian beef instead of ground beef. Add some traditional vegetables like carrots, peas, and corn, along with some gravy, and top it off with beautifully browned mashed potatoes for a new level of deliciousness.
2. Italian Beef Rollups: This unique recipe uses leftover mashed potatoes and flour to create a soft pasta rollup, also known as dish rag pasta in Italian cuisine. Fill it with a savory beef filling made by braising a beef chuck roast low and slow in tomato paste, red wine, canned crushed tomatoes, beef stock, and seasonings. Bake with more tomatoes and two kinds of cheese on top until hot and bubbly.
3. Cheesy Beef Rigatoni: This easy dinner is perfect for any night of the week. Mix a cheesy sauce with hearty pasta and delicious roast beef for a tasty casserole.
4. Cheesy Italian Beef Breakfast Skillet: Perfect for meat lovers, this skillet uses leftover roast beef from the night before. Add baby potatoes, peppers, onions, mushrooms, and mozzarella cheese for a delicious brunch or supper.
These classic comfort foods are perfect for using up leftover Italian beef and are sure to satisfy your cravings for hearty and delicious meals.
Italian Beef Tacos
If you’re looking for a unique twist on traditional tacos, try making Italian Beef Tacos! This recipe is inspired by the Chicago-style Italian beef sandwich and is perfect for using up leftover roast beef. To start, heat up some flour tortillas on a skillet. Then, layer on some provolone cheese, slow-cooked roast beef, and roasted peppers. Fold the tortilla in half to cover the filling and repeat to make more tacos. Cook the tacos on the skillet until golden and crispy on the outside, and gooey in the middle. Sprinkle with garlic salt for added flavor. Serve with giardiniera relish for a tangy kick. These Italian Beef Tacos are perfect for a quick and easy dinner or a fun party appetizer.
Beef And Mushroom Stroganoff
If you’re looking for a comforting and hearty meal that will use up your leftover Italian beef, consider making a classic Beef and Mushroom Stroganoff. This dish features tender strips of beef and sliced mushrooms in a creamy sauce, served over egg noodles.
To make this dish, start by cutting your leftover Italian beef into thin strips. In a large pan, heat up some vegetable oil and sauté sliced onions until they are soft and translucent. Add sliced mushrooms and continue cooking until they are tender and slightly browned.
Next, add the leftover beef to the pan and stir it in with the onions and mushrooms. Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir to coat everything evenly. Pour in beef broth and Dijon mustard, stirring constantly to prevent any lumps from forming. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.
Finally, stir in sour cream to make the sauce creamy and indulgent. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the stroganoff over cooked egg noodles, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
This Beef and Mushroom Stroganoff recipe is easy to customize based on what you have on hand. If you don’t have egg noodles, you can use any type of pasta or even rice. You can also add other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots to the dish for extra flavor and nutrition.
Cheesy Beef Rigatoni
If you’re looking for a quick and easy dinner idea using leftover Italian beef, look no further than this delicious Cheesy Beef Rigatoni. This dish is a perfect combination of tender, juicy beef, creamy tomato sauce, and hearty rigatoni pasta, all topped with a generous amount of melted cheese.
To make this dish, start by cooking and crumbing the ground beef with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Drain the excess fat and set aside. In a separate pot, cook rigatoni pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
In a large skillet, mix together milk, cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, granulated garlic, and kosher salt. Cook over medium heat until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
Add the cooked beef and pasta to the skillet with the cheese sauce and stir until everything is well combined. Pour the mixture into a baking dish and top with shredded Parmesan cheese. Bake in the oven at 375°F for about 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
This Cheesy Beef Rigatoni is a perfect meal for busy weeknights when you want something quick and comforting. It’s also a great way to use up leftover Italian beef in a new and delicious way. Serve it with garlic bread and a simple side salad for a complete meal that will satisfy your hunger and your taste buds.
Beef And Veggie Stir Fry
If you’re looking for a quick and easy meal to make with leftover Italian beef, try this Beef and Veggie Stir Fry recipe. This dish is versatile and can be made with any type of leftover beef, not just Italian beef.
To start, gather your ingredients. You will need frozen vegetables, olive oil, water, stir-fry sauce, cornstarch, and of course, your leftover beef. Heat the olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add the frozen vegetables and water, cover the skillet, and cook for a few minutes until the vegetables are thawed.
Next, mix the stir-fry sauce and cornstarch in a small bowl. Add this mixture to the skillet and stir to combine. Add in your leftover beef and stir again. Cover the skillet and cook over low heat for 5 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and the beef is hot.
This Beef and Veggie Stir Fry can be served with cooked rice or noodles. You can also substitute fresh vegetables for frozen if you prefer. Some great options include broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, green beans, and onions.
This recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you need to get dinner on the table quickly. It’s also a great way to use up any leftover beef you may have from a previous meal. Give it a try and enjoy a delicious and nutritious meal in no time!
Shepherd’s Pie With Italian Beef
Shepherd’s Pie is a classic dish that can be made with many different variations. Try using leftover Italian beef instead of ground beef for a delicious twist on this traditional dish. To make the Shepherd’s Pie, start by preheating the oven to 350 degrees. Peel and boil six medium-large russet potatoes until cooked, then add in 1/4 cup of butter, 1/2 cup of milk, and 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese. Mash the potatoes until smooth and fluffy, then set them aside.
Next, fry two pounds of lean ground beef in two tablespoons of olive oil until it is half cooked. Add in one small chopped onion, three cloves of crushed garlic, eight sliced cremini button mushrooms, one tablespoon of fresh rosemary leaves (or 1/2 tablespoon dried), one teaspoon of salt, and pepper to taste. Stir-fry until the beef is nicely browned, then add in one cup of organic beef broth and one cup of organic peas (or mixed peas and carrots). Stir in flour until thickened.
Pour the beef mixture into an 8×8 pan or casserole dish, then spread the mashed potatoes over the top. Use a fork to create ridges on the surface of the potatoes. Bake for 30 minutes or until the potatoes are nicely browned. Serve hot and enjoy the delicious flavors of Italian beef mixed with traditional Shepherd’s Pie ingredients.
