Nothing beats a beautifully roasted, juicy piece of beef. The crispy exterior gives way to a tender, pink interior that melts in your mouth. But leftovers are inevitable, which leads to the question – how do you reheat roast beef to retain that succulent texture and flavor? That’s where gravy comes in! Using gravy is one of the best ways to keep roast beef moist and delicious when reheating. In this article, I’ll share tips and techniques for reheating roast beef in gravy.
Why Use Gravy for Reheating Roast Beef?
Gravy is the secret weapon for combatting the drying out and toughening that can happen when reheating roast beef. Here’s why it works so well:
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Adds moisture – The liquid from the gravy rehydrates the meat fibers as it reheats
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Provides fat – Gravy is rich in beef drippings and butter or oil, which keeps the meat tender.
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Boosts flavor – Savory seasonings in the gravy impart even more taste to the beef
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Promotes even heating – Gravy conducts heat gently and evenly to the meat.
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Loosens fibers – The lower reheating temperature combined with gravy allows meat fibers to relax.
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Prevents overcooking – Gravy reheats at a lower temp than dry-heat methods would.
Gravy is truly the MVP when it comes to keeping reheated roast beef as succulent and delicious as the first day it was cooked.
Tips for Preparing Leftover Roast Beef
To make the reheating process easy, be sure to prep your leftover roast beef properly:
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Let it rest before refrigerating. This allows juices to reabsorb.
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Slice across the grain into thinner slices or chunks to enable quicker reheating.
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Portion into meal-sized servings and store in airtight containers.
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Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking. Use within 3-4 days.
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For longer storage, tightly wrap roast beef and freeze for 2-3 months.
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Save any juices from resting or carving to make gravy. Alternatively, use beef broth.
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If you don’t have gravy, add moisture with broth, wine, or water when reheating.
With proper storage and slicing, your roast beef will be primed for the best results when reheating in gravy.
How to Reheat Roast Beef in Gravy
Here are 5 simple and effective methods for reheating roast beef in gravy:
Skillet Method
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Place sliced roast beef and gravy in a skillet over medium heat.
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Stir frequently and add extra broth or water to prevent drying.
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Once heated through, season with salt and pepper.
Oven Method
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Preheat oven to 300°F. Place roast beef in a casserole dish.
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Add gravy or broth to cover the bottom of the dish.
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Cover with foil and bake 15-20 minutes until hot. Check often to ensure it doesn’t dry out.
Slow Cooker Method
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Place roast beef and gravy in a slow cooker. Add extra broth if needed.
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Cook on low, covered for 2-3 hours until heated through.
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Shred beef and stir to coat in gravy before serving.
Steamer Method
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Place sliced roast beef in a steamer basket set over boiling water.
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Steam for 4-5 minutes until heated through. Transfer to gravy and toss to coat.
Microwave Method
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Place roast beef and gravy in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a paper towel.
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Microwave in 30 second intervals until heated through, stir in between.
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Take care not to overcook the meat – microwave just until hot.
The key with any reheating method is using sufficient gravy or added liquid to prevent the roast beef from drying out. Low, slow heating is ideal.
Serving Ideas for Reheated Roast Beef
Once you’ve perfected reheating roast beef in gravy, here are some delicious ways to serve it:
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Roast beef sandwiches with gravy for dipping.
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Roast beef hash with potatoes, onions, peppers and gravy.
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Over mashed potatoes, cauliflower rice or pasta.
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In tacos, burritos, enchiladas or quesadillas.
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In gravy-smothered poutine or fries.
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Over rice, barley, farro or polenta.
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In stews, soups or chilis as a protein boost.
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Piled high on garlic bread for open faced sandwiches.
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As the star of a hearty salad with greens and veggies.
With gravy on hand, the possibilities are endless for giving leftover roast beef new life!
FAQs About Reheating Roast Beef in Gravy
How long does reheated roast beef last?
Reheated roast beef will last 3-4 days refrigerated. Reheat only once for food safety.
Can you reheat roast beef without gravy?
Yes, but moisture methods must be used like broth, sauce or steam to prevent drying out.
What’s the best way to reheat a roast beef sandwich?
Wrap in foil and reheat in a 300°F oven for 15 minutes until the bread is toasted and filling is hot.
Is it safe to reheat roast beef at room temperature?
No, always reheat roast beef to 165°F as measured by a food thermometer for food safety.
Can you reheat roast beef in the air fryer?
Yes, reheat roast beef slices or cubes in the air fryer at 300°F for 5-10 minutes, flipping halfway.
How do you fix dry reheated roast beef?
Simmer in gravy, broth or au jus for 10-15 minutes to rehydrate dried out pot roast.
With the right reheating techniques, leftovers can taste every bit as amazing as the initial roast. Follow these tips for reheating roast beef in gravy, and you’ll be going back for delicious second helpings!
