Italian Style Beef Stew

Looking for a delicious leftover roast beef recipe that doesn’t feel like leftovers at all? This Italian style beef stew with leftover roast beef is cosy, rich and packed with flavour. It’s one of those wholesome, easy dinners that tastes like you’ve been simmering it all day… but actually comes together in about 30 minutes.

Honestly, this Italian style beef stew was born from a very real Sunday evening moment. You know the one. The roast has been demolished, everyone’s full, and you’re staring at those last slices of beef thinking, “Right… what are you becoming tomorrow?”

Now it’s a bit of a family tradition. The minute there’s leftover roast beef, someone says, “Are you making that stew?” And yes. Yes I am.

Italian Style Beef Stew with Leftover Roast Beef

Using up leftover roast beef from your Sunday roast is such a clever way to stretch your budget and stop good food going to waste. As a mum, I also love that this stew is absolutely packed with vegetables. It’s hearty, comforting and quietly ticking off those 5-a-day boxes without anyone noticing.

The beauty of this stew is how flexible it is. You can swap vegetables in and out depending on what’s hanging around in the fridge. Courgettes, fennel, aubergine… they’re all welcome here. This is your dinner. Make it your way.

Ingredients for Leftover Roast Beef Stew

I use really simple ingredients for this stew, this is really just a guide, feel free to add in any thing extra, like mushrooms or even baby potatoes. And of course skip the things you're not keen on.

• Olive oil – I usually use extra virgin olive oil, but rapeseed oil works just as well.
• 1 red onion – Medium sized, peeled and diced. Brown onions are fine too.
• 2 carrots – Scrubbed or peeled and sliced.
• 1 pepper – Red or yellow for sweetness.
• 5 sun dried tomatoes – For that deep, rich flavour boost.
• 1 can chopped tomatoes – A good brand makes a difference here.
• 200ml red wine – Any Italian red works beautifully. Or swap for extra beef stock.
• 300ml beef stock – I love using good quality stock for a richer taste.
• 50g pitted black olives – Adds that classic Italian savoury note.
• ½ teaspoon garlic granules – Or 2 cloves fresh garlic, finely minced.
• 1 teaspoon dried basil + 1 teaspoon dried oregano – Or Italian seasoning.

A quick tip for preparing leftover roast beef

For the most tender texture, slice your leftover roast beef against the grain into thin strips. If the beef is already in thicker chunks, you can shred it gently with two forks. This helps it stay soft and soak up all that tomatoey, herby goodness instead of going chewy.

How to make beef stew with leftover roast beef

This Italian beef stew is wonderfully simple and ready in about 30 minutes. It's one of my favourite leftovers recipes.

• Add a splash of olive oil to a large saucepan.
• Add the diced onion, carrots and peppers.
• Put the lid on and let them half steam, half fry for around 10 minutes until softened.
• While the vegetables are cooking, slice your leftover roast beef into strips. You’ll need a couple of generous handfuls.
• Add the beef to the pan along with the sun dried tomatoes, chopped tomatoes, red wine, beef stock and black olives. Bring everything to the boil, then reduce to a simmer, cover and cook for around 20 minutes until heated through. (always make sure you reheat leftover beef properly)

You can find detailed instructions on the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

What to serve with Italian beef stew

My favourite way? Big bowls and warm ciabatta for dipping. But if you fancy mixing it up, try:

• Creamy mashed potatoes
• Buttery polenta
• Fresh pasta
• Microwave rice
• Garlic bread
• A crisp green salad with balsamic dressing

It’s one of those versatile dinners that happily works with whatever you’ve got.

Give your favourite family dinners and autumn twist with our 10 easy family dinner ideas for autumn. 

How to add even more flavour

If you’d like to turn the flavour dial up a notch, try:

• A splash of balsamic vinegar
• A pinch of chilli flakes
• Fresh basil stirred through at the end
• A grating of parmesan before serving
• Scattering over some freshly made gremolata just before serving

How to thicken beef stew

Mix 2 teaspoons of cornflour with a little cold water to form a paste. Stir it into the bubbling stew and cook for a few minutes until thickened. Repeat if needed until you reach your perfect consistency.

Reheating leftover roast beef

When reheating leftover roast beef it must be heated through properly and in accordance with the latest guidelines. We use the NHS Live Well guidelines here and reheat beef to a minimum of 75C for 2 minutes until it's steaming hot throughout.

Love your leftovers

I just love simple meals and there’s something deeply satisfying about turning yesterday’s roast into something completely new. If you try this leftover roast beef recipe, I’d love to know how you serve yours.

Share your twists in the comments or tag us on social media so we can see your creations. Let’s make leftovers the best bit of the week.

Save our delicious Italian Beef Stew to Pinterest for later!

Get more delicious meal ideas, easy recipes and easy family meals here