Creative Leftover Fork-Tender Roast Beef Recipes for a Delicious Monday

On any Sunday roast, you will almost always have leftover “fork tender” roast beef. Instead of throwing it away, why not make it part of a delicious family tradition that has stood the test of time? Whether you've been doing this for over 50 years or you're just starting the tradition, here are some fantastic ways to use your leftover roast beef.

1. Beef Barley Soup

Create a hearty and comforting beef barley soup that complements your leftover roast beef perfectly. Start with beef broth or beef bone stock to build a flavorful base. When serving, gently stir in little pieces of leftover roast beef just before serving. This way, you can maintain the rare or medium-rare doneness of the roast beef, ensuring it is still tender and delicious.

2. French Dip Sandwiches

Transform your leftover roast beef into a classic French dip sandwich. Toasted bread with shredded or sliced beef, beef gravy, and mashed potatoes make an unbeatable combination. You can also indulge in beef pot pies or mock beef pot pies. These can be made using bifurcated mashed potatoes as the base, then layer in cooked carrots and peas on top of this savory filling. Top it all with an extra layer of mashed potatoes and bake or microwave until golden and bubbly.

3. Beef Burritos

Make a delicious beef burrito with shredded meat, your favorite fillings, and a flavorful sauce. Layer shredded beef with diced pickles, onion, mayo, and a bit of curry powder or cumin. Enjoy it as a sandwich spread on baked pitas or as a burrito. Alternatively, make BBQ bun sliders by shredding or finely slicing the beef, heating it with your favorite BBQ sauce, and serving it on small milk or brioche buns. Top each slider with side condiments such as pickles, relish, or thinly sliced onions. Serve with your choice of sides like cole slaw or potato salad for a complete meal.

4. Asian Inspired Beef Noodle Bowls

Create a unique twist on traditional noodle dishes by adding leftovers and an Asian flair. Shred your leftover beef and hard-boiled eggs, then slice some celery, green onions, and fresh mushrooms to go on top. In a pot, use some of the leftover meat juices or water to cook noodles, adding in soy sauce, ginger, and vegetables. Once the noodles are cooked, layer the meat, vegetables, and noodles in individual bowls, and pour the simmering broth over the top. Garnish with sliced hard-boiled eggs, green onions, and a touch of sesame oil or seeds for extra flavor. This noodle beef bowl makes a great complete main meal for each person.

There you have it—several creative ways to use up that leftover “fork tender” roast beef, ensuring it doesn’t go to waste and becomes a cherished part of your family's Monday traditions. Enjoy these delicious recipes and the wonderful memories they bring!