Roast beef that is cooked just right is always a special meal—Nigella Lawson, the “domestic goddess,” calls it “a proper, stand-up-and-clap feast” because it is so tasty, tender, and full of flavor. If you like your meat medium-rare or well-done, it’s hard not to cut into another slice, whether it’s the star of a holiday meal or a cozy family dinner.
From tenderloin, prime rib, and strip loin, which are more expensive, to slow-cooked pot roasts, there’s no doubt that roast beef takes time and work. Its the kind of dish that makes every guest appreciate the chefs hard work. Quite often a large cut of meat also means there are leftovers. And while cold roast beef certainly has its place, nothing beats it hot. But it can also be a little daunting if youre not confident about reheating it properly.
If you don’t put your roast beef back in the oven the right way, it can dry out and lose its juicy, tender texture. Really, you should just heat it up again without cooking it any more. You don’t want to make your perfectly roasted meat dry and tough. So what should you do to make it taste just as good the second time? You can use a microwave, a skillet, the oven, or a Crockpot. But which one works best?
Deli roast beef is a delicious and convenient sandwich filling or snack With its savory, tender slices of meat, it’s easy to see why roast beef is a lunchtime favorite However, for the best flavor and texture, properly heating deli roast beef is key. Here are some tips on how to perfectly heat up those deli roast beef slices.
Use the Oven
One of the easiest ways to heat up deli roast beef is in the oven. Simply preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. As the oven preheats, take out your sliced deli roast beef. Make sure the slices are separated and not stuck together. If using multiple packages or containers of roast beef, divide them between two foil packets.
To make the foil packets, lay sheets of heavy duty aluminum foil flat on a baking sheet. Pile the slices of deli roast beef in the center of each piece of foil, making sure to separate any slices that are stuck together. Bring two opposite sides of the foil together over the meat and seal the edges by folding or crimping them. Do the same with the remaining two sides to create sealed foil pouches.
Place the foil roast beef packets in the preheated oven Heat for 13-15 minutes. The foil helps the meat heat evenly while also steaming it slightly to keep it moist The meat is ready when heated through and warmed to your desired temperature.
Microwave
If you’re short on time, the microwave provides a quick way to heat up deli roast beef. Follow a few simple steps for the best results
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Separate any slices of deli meat that are stuck together and arrange on a microwave-safe plate.
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Cover the slices with a paper towel to prevent drying out.
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Microwave on HIGH for 45 seconds to 1 minute per 3-4 slices of meat.
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Check and flip the slices halfway through heating.
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Heat just until warmed through, 1-2 minutes total.
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Avoid overheating as this can make the meat tough.
For speedy single-serving reheating, wrap a portion of deli roast beef in a damp paper towel and heat in 30 second bursts, checking in between, until warmed through. Keep an eye on it as microwaves vary in power.
Pan Fry or Grill
For deli roast beef with a little crispiness on the edges, try pan frying or grilling the slices. Here’s how:
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Heat 1 tsp oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
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Add 3-4 slices roast beef and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until lightly browned.
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Alternatively, heat a grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high.
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Cook slices 1-2 minutes per side until grill marks appear.
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Don’t overcook or the meat will become tough.
Pan frying or grilling boosts the flavor of the meat with delicious caramelized bits. Just be careful not to overcook the slices or they can dry out.
Make a Roast Beef Sandwich
One of the most popular ways to enjoy deli roast beef is in a sandwich. To make a hot sandwich:
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Butter the outer sides of two slices of bread.
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Place 2-3 slices roast beef on the bottom slice.
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Top with cheese slices if desired.
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Pop under a broiler for 1-2 minutes until bread is toasted and cheese melted.
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Top with the other slice of bread.
Or heat the meat first before assembling:
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Heat roast beef slices in the oven, microwave, or skillet.
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Allow to rest a minute to let heat evenly distribute.
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Assemble sandwich with hot meat and desired toppings like lettuce, tomato, mustard, or horseradish sauce.
Tips for Heating Deli Roast Beef
Here are some helpful tips for the best hot deli roast beef:
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Heat just until warmed through, not piping hot or overcooked.
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Use lower heat and short cook times to prevent drying out.
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Separate slices before heating so they warm evenly.
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For extra moisture, add a splash of broth or drizzle of au jus to the meat while heating.
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Allow to rest 1-2 minutes after cooking to let heat redistribute through the slices.
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Wrap leftovers well and store for up to 4 days refrigerated. Reheat gently before serving again.
Serving Suggestions
Reheated deli roast beef is very versatile. Here are some delicious ways to serve it:
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Pile high on sandwiches with your favorite toppings and spreads.
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Cube or slice over fresh mixed greens for an easy salad.
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Stuff in pitas or flatbread with roasted veggies and cheese.
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Top pizza, nachos, baked potatoes or fries for extra protein.
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Add to pastas, rice bowls or frittatas for a hearty kick.
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Make a protein-packed breakfast hash with vegetables and eggs.
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Wrap in lettuce leaves for a low carb option.
The options are unlimited for enjoying the convenience of deli roast beef. Follow these simple tips for heating up roast beef bought at the deli counter or pre-packaged. With a few minutes of prep and gentle warming, you can enjoy hot, juicy, delicious roast beef any night of the week.
Should you slice roast beef before reheating?
If your meat is already cooked all the way through, a skillet or microwave can be one of the easiest ways to warm it up without any special tools. Before putting the leftover roast beef in the fridge, it’s a good idea to cut it up into slices that you can heat up as needed. The meat will stay warm if you heat each slide for a few minutes on each side in a medium-hot skillet. If you want to use the microwave, reheat the sliced meat with its juices for 30 seconds at a time so you can keep an eye on it.
Another choice is to cook roast beef slices in a water bath, which is also called sous-vide in French. Before putting the meat in the water bath, you’ll need to seal it in a vacuum-sealed bag. This method keeps the meat from cooking too much, but it needs special tools.
And what if you want to reheat your roast beef whole? How do you stop a big hunk of beef from overcooking while still making sure its nice and hot? Using a Crockpot or slow-cooker is one method for reheating larger pieces of meat, just make sure that theres plenty of liquid added to keep it moist and use the warm setting. But, as the name suggests, its not a quick option — you could be looking at a few hours depending on the size, and its not always the safest or most effective way to reach the USDA recommended internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Hot Roast Beef Sandwich
FAQ
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