Introduction to Roast Beef Sandwiches
In the spirit of all things festive, we were thinking about ways to soothe your post-party woes! We have all been there. You’ve just thrown an epic event with a mouthwatering spit roast beef centrepiece. All the guests left happy, bellies fit to burst, and you’ve revelled in that glorious hosting sunshine where everyone tells you it’s the best beef they’ve ever had.
But now it’s the next day.
The party glow has left the building, and you’re tired. Surely, the last thing on your mind is cooking something elaborate. However, you still have that stack of prime beef sitting in the fridge, looking at you in an accusatory manner. It would be a crime to let that go to waste, right?
Well, don’t worry. Whether you’ve got a house full of hungry relatives or want to treat yourself to an epic sandwich, we’ve got you covered. Here are nine easy, drool-worthy ways to turn your leftover roast beef into sandwiches so good that you’ll be deliberating about prepping too much meat the next time!
1. Classic Deli-Style Roast Beef Sandwich
This timeless classic is as simple as it is satisfying and is one for any purist.
What you’ll need:
- Thinly sliced roast beef
- A hearty bread like a crusty baguette or rye
- Swiss cheese
- Creamy horseradish sauce
- Fresh lettuce
- Juicy tomato slices
Spread a generous layer of creamy horseradish sauce on your bread then pile it up with the roast beef, adding your layers of cheese, fresh lettuce, and slices of tomato. Add a pinch of salt and pepper for good measure. That’s the work done.
This sandwich gives fancy deli vibes, but it only takes 5 minutes to make, maximum, even if you’re broken. Perfect for when you’re hungry but have succumbed to the lure of the sofa.
2. Reuben-Style Roast Beef Sandwich
The Reuben is iconic and referenced in more films and TV shows than you can shake a stick at. We’re giving this version a little twist by using your leftover roast beef. We guarantee you a sandwich that’s tangy, melty, and ultimately addictive.
What you’ll need:
- Rye bread
- Slices of roast beef
- Swiss cheese
- Sauerkraut
- Thousand Island dressing (ketchup, mayo, and a splash of Worcestershire sauce)
Butter the outside of your bread as you would if prepping a grilled cheese toastie. Layer up your roast beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and a generous spread of Thousand Island dressing on the inside for an extra touch of tanginess. Toast the sandwich in a pan over medium heat until the bread is golden and the cheese has melted.
Serve it straight from the pan, and if you’re keen to pay homage to the original, with a fat gherkin on the side.
3. Argentinian-Style Beef Sandwich
Ready to shake things up a little and bring some cleansing freshness to your palate? This one’s inspired by those bold South American flavours we’ve waxed lyrical about before. Roast beef and chimichurri sauce are classic BBQ time soulmates, and we think that should extend to the sandwich world, too.
What you’ll need:
- Sliced roast beef
- Chimichurri sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Grilled Vegetables (think zucchini, capsicum, and red onion)
- A crusty roll or ciabatta
This requires a bit more effort, but we’re sure you can handle a few moments simply chopping some veg. This is also a great way to use any veg you have looking sad in the fridge.
Grill or roast some veggies until they’re just getting charred and tender. Slather the chimichurri sauce on your roll, pile on the roast beef, and top it off with those smoky grilled veggies.
The result? A vibrant sandwich that’s fresh, herby, healthy, and packed full of flavour. This will get you back to feeling yourself in no time with a touch less guilt than some of these more indulgent ideas.
4. Mexican-Style Beef Tacos
Okay, this is technically not a “sandwich,” but let’s not get bogged down by idiosyncrasies when tacos are involved. Leftover roast beef is ideal for rustling up a quick, Mexican-inspired meal.
Heat the roast beef in a pan. Warm the tortillas on the grill or in a skillet. Fill each tortilla with the roast beef, then load it up with toppings. Finish it off with a squeeze of lime and a few cilantro sprigs.
These tacos are simple, zesty, and ridiculously satisfying. The hit from the jalapeños and lime will undoubtedly wake up any jaded taste buds.
5. Philly-Style Roast Beef Cheesesteak
If there is one thing we can say about American cuisine – they sure know their way around a sandwich. And this is no exception. This roast beef version of the classic Philly cheesesteak is equally delicious. You’ll enjoy super tender meat, gooey cheese, and a wonderful rich flavour from the sautéed mushrooms and onions. It is giving big ‘game day’ energy.
What you’ll need:
- Roast beef
- Hoagie rolls or soft sub buns
- Caramelized onions
- Sautéed mushrooms
- Provolone or mozzarella cheese
Sauté the onions and mushrooms separately until they’re soft and golden. Pile the roast beef onto your roll and top with the onions, the mushrooms, and a generous layer of cheese. Pop the sandwich under the grill until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
It’s hot, it’s cheesy, it’s going to dribble juices all over you. Perfect. Take the kitchen roll to the sofa with you.
6. Spicy Roast Beef and Jalapeño Melt
Is it just us, or does a bit of spice do a great job of sweeping away the cobwebs? If that sounds like you, then get involved. This delivers tangy, melty, and with the jalapeños standing by, this has just the right kick to wake up your tastebuds and senses. Use pickled jalapeños if you like a gentler kick rather than a full-blown assault!
What you’ll need:
- Roast beef
- Sliced jalapeños (fresh or pickled)
- Pepper jack cheese
- Chipotle mayo
- Crusty bread (a sourdough works perfectly)
Spread some chipotle mayo (if you can’t find it in the supermarket, or you’ve run out, just make your own with regular mayo and some chipotle paste or similar chilli-based condiment) on the inside of your bread. Layer on the roast beef, jalapeños, and slices of pepper jack cheese. Toast it up in a pan like a grilled cheese toastie until the bread is golden and the cheese is melting.
7. BBQ Roast Beef Sliders
Mini burgers? Don’t mind if we do! These BBQ roast beef sliders are a heaven-sent remedy encompassing tangy, smoky, and crunchy. Plus, they’re so quickly assembled that they are great for sharing.
What you’ll need:
- Leftover roast beef
- Your favorite BBQ sauce
- Soft slider buns
- Coleslaw (homemade or store-bought)
Mix your roast beef with BBQ sauce. You want to use just enough to coat it without drowning it. That would be way too sweet. Load the beef onto your slider buns and top with crunchy coleslaw. Pop the tops on, and you’ve got little bundles of BBQ bliss.
Pro tip: Brush the buns with a little melted butter and toast them in the oven for a couple of minutes before assembling, this gives them a bit more resistance without changing their lovely softness.
8. Vietnamese-Style Roast Beef Banh Mi
If you’re craving something fresh, vibrant, and a little different, the Vietnamese-style banh mi is your answer. This sandwich delivers on all fronts by combining tender roast beef with crunchy pickled veggies, fresh herbs, and a hit of spice. We recommend starting with the pickles as they need a little moment to soften.
What you’ll need:
- Slices of leftover roast beef
- A crusty baguette (light and airy, if possible)
- Pickled carrots and daikon (quick recipe below!)
- Sliced cucumber
- Fresh coriander (cilantro)
- Sliced jalapeños (optional, for heat)
- Mayo
- A splash of soy sauce
Quick Pickled Carrots & Daikon Recipe:
- ½ cup white vinegar
- ½ cup water
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup julienned carrots
- 1 cup julienned daikon radish
Mix the vinegar, water, sugar, and salt in a bowl until dissolved. Add the carrots and daikon, and let them sit for approx. 20 minutes (or longer if you have time). If you don’t have daikon, some finely sliced red onion goes nicely in this pickle. Actually, a lot of veggies do, white cabbage for example. A little bit of sliced or pickled ginger would be nice too.
Once your pickle is underway, slice the baguette lengthwise and lightly toast it to get that perfect crunch. Spread a layer of mayo on the inside of the bread, followed by a drizzle of soy sauce.
Layer on your roast beef, slices of cucumber, and a generous handful of the pickled carrot and daikon mix. Top with fresh coriander leaves and sliced jalapeños (if you’re feeling spicy). The combination of flavours in this is dreamy—the savoury roast beef pairs beautifully with the tangy pickled veggies, creamy mayo, and fragrant coriander.
9. Festive Roast Beef Special
And last but certainly not least, this one’s for when you’re still feeling those festive vibes, and your leftovers deserve a little holiday magic. Think rich flavours, creamy textures, and just a hint of something sweet. It’s the perfect post-event treat for when you’re curled up with a cuppa (or maybe that leftover half bottle of red).
What you’ll need:
- Slices of leftover roast beef
- Brioche bun or soft sourdough roll (something buttery and special)
- Creamy brie or camembert cheese
- Caramelized onions
- A spoonful of cranberry sauce (or a sweet chutney)
- Fresh rocket (arugula) or baby spinach
Warm your roast beef slightly in a pan or the oven to take the chill off, and then lightly toast the brioche bun or roll for a golden edge.
Spread a layer of cranberry sauce on the bottom half of the bread—this gives it that festive sweet-tart kick and pulls it all together. Layer up with your beef, onions, and cheese, and then top with a good handful of rocket.
This sandwich tastes like the holidays wrapped up in bread. The sweet cranberry and the bite of fresh greens beautifully balance the rich roast beef and melty brie. It’s indulgent without being over the top—a little fancy, a lot delicious.
Conclusion
And there you have it—seven easy, mouthwatering ways to turn your leftover spit roast beef into sandwiches (and tacos!) that’ll have you looking forward to leftovers.
Whether you’re keeping it classic with a deli-style sandwich, getting adventurous with flavours from Argentinian chimichurri and a hint of the exotic from Vietnam, or indulging in cheesy Philly goodness, there’s something here for every taste.
So next time you’re staring at that mountain of leftover beef, don’t stress. Just grab some bread, a few simple and, more often than not, regular store-cupboard ingredients, and let these ideas do the hard work for you.
