If you have beef or pork roast leftovers, here’s the best way to reheat them without making them dry.
We know the best way to reheat leftover steak, turkey, fried chicken, and even fish, but it’s a little harder to do with pork roast or roast beef. To avoid tough, chewy meat, the roast needs to be fully warmed up without drying out the outside or cooking it past the point where it should be done.
We tested a handful of methods to discover the best way to reheat a roast. It didn’t work out when I tried to keep the meat moist by wrapping it in foil. It not only took longer to reheat, but it also steamed the meat, making it wet and gray. First, reheat the meat in a low oven (it took about 1 1/2 hours for a 2-pound beef roast half and an hour for a 1-pound pork roast half). Then, finish with a quick sear in a hot skillet that has been greased. Roasts reheated this way were only slightly less juicy than fresh-cooked roasts. Here’s our simple method:
Roast beef is a delicious treat, but enjoying those leftovers the next day can be tricky. Reheated roast beef often ends up dry, stringy, and lacking flavor. But with the right storage and reheating methods, you can keep roast beef moist and delicious for days after cooking.
In this article, I’ll share my best tips for locking in moisture and flavor so your leftover roast beef tastes just as amazing on day two (or three!). Let’s dive in.
Start with a Well-Rested Roast
The first step to moist roast beef leftovers happens before you even store it Be sure to let your fresh roasted beef rest for at least 15-20 minutes before carving, This allows the juices to redistribute evenly within the meat
Slice too soon, and the juices will spill out quickly, leaving the meat drier. Pat the roast dry before placing slices in storage containers.
Seal In Moisture With the Right Storage
Once carved and rested storage is key for keeping roast beef from drying out. You want to create a barrier that locks in moisture.
Airtight containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags work great. For larger roasts, keep the meat in big chunks or halves until ready to serve. The less exposed surface area, the better.
Use the Moist Cooking Juices
Don’t discard the lovely cooking juices from the roast! Pour them into storage containers or bags with the beef. The natural juices will keep the meat moisturized.
You can also save juices to reheat beef in. Any that remain can be transformed into tasty gravy or au jus.
Add Some Moisture
For an extra moisturizing boost, add a bit of boneless beef broth, wine, or even water to the storage container. Use about 1/4 cup of liquid per pound of leftover roast.
The moisture will soak into the beef overnight to prevent dryness. Go easy though – too much liquid can make the texture mushy
Keep It Cold
Always refrigerate leftover roasted beef as soon as possible, within 1-2 hours of cooking. Keeping roast beef chilled is vital to maintaining moisture and freshness.
Store in the coldest part of the fridge, ideally at 40°F or below. Use leftovers within 3-4 days for optimal moistness and flavor.
Choose the Right Reheating Method
The way you reheat roast beef also impacts moisture retention. Slow, gentle heating is best. Quick, high-heat methods like the microwave can result in tough, dry meat.
Cover the beef in broth or au jus and use the oven or slow cooker to gradually rewarm it to 145°F. Keep foil over the dish so steam hydrates the meat.
Don’t Overdo Reheating
When reheating leftover roast beef, don’t overcook it! As soon as the center of the meat reaches your desired temperature (at least 145°F for safety), stop heating.
Over-reheating will quickly dry out the beef. Check the internal temp periodically with a meat thermometer for moist results.
Let It Rest Again
Just like after initial cooking, always allow reheated roast beef to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This re-distributes juices, ensuring optimal tenderness and moisture.
Slice too soon after reheating and you’ll lose all those wonderful juices you worked so hard to retain!
Slice Against the Grain
For the moistest mouthfeel, be sure to slice the reheated roast beef against the grain. Cutting against the meat fibers shortens them for a more tender texture that seems juicier.
Thin slices maximize tenderness. Leave wider slices for those who prefer more chew.
Turn Leftovers into Dishes
Transform slices of leftover roast beef into delicious next-day dishes! The added ingredients help introduce new flavors and retain moisture.
Try roast beef hash, eggs benedict, or stuffed roast beef roll-ups. Soups, casseroles, and sandwiches are great too!
Don’t Wait Too Long
For optimal freshness and moisture, don’t push the limits of how long you store roast beef leftovers. Even properly stored, it will gradually dry out over time.
Consume within 3-4 days. Freeze portions you won’t eat within that window for later use. Portion into meal sizes before freezing.
But What About the Microwave?
Reheating your leftovers in the microwave is temptingly quick: But the results are less than stellar. Microwaves heat quickly and unevenly, and even on the lowest power setting, they can dry out the outside of the meat by raising the temperature well above doneness and squeezing out the water.
When it comes to reheating a roast, go low and slow for the juiciest results. This gentle method will warm your roast through without overcooking it, and the crust will get crisp again, making it almost taste like it was just cooked.
How to Reheat a Roast Using the Oven and a Skillet
- Lay the roast out in the open on a wire rack set in a rimmed baking sheet. Place sheet on middle rack in 250-degree oven.
- It will take between 1 and 1 1/2 hours, depending on the size of your roast, to cook the meat to 120 degrees. Pat surface dry with paper towels.
- Sear the roast for one to one and a half minutes on each side in a hot, oiled pan. (Do not sear cut ends. ) .
How To Reheat Meat Without Ruining Everything
FAQ
How do you reheat a roast beef without drying it out?
Can I cook roast beef the day before?
How do I cook a beef roast without drying it out?
How do you reheat leftover roast beef?
A handy guide to properly reheat your leftover roast beef using four methods: microwave, oven, stove, and air fryer, ensuring flavorful and moist results every time. Place roast beef in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of beef broth or water. Cover, leaving a corner open for steam. Heat on ‘reheat’ or medium power in one-minute intervals.
Can You Refrigerate a roast?
Refrigerate the roast overnight, or until needed. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove the roast or pieces of roast from your refrigerator and and unwrap them. Set out one square of heavy-duty foil on your countertop for each piece of roast, and line it with a piece of parchment paper. Place a piece of roast on each.
Can You reheat frozen roast beef?
Always thaw your beef in the fridge before reheating it. If you reheat roast beef from frozen, it will heat very unevenly. Whole joints of beef can take up to a day to fully defrost. Once the beef has thawed, you can reheat it in the oven or slice it up and use the microwave.
What do you do with leftover roast beef?
Roast beef is such a treat that it’s hard to imagine having leftovers. But if there is, what do you do with them? The best way to reheat roast beef is in the oven. Preheat the oven to 250°F (120°C) and drizzle a few tablespoons of leftover juices or stock over the meat before covering it loosely in foil.