Hearty Roast Beef Pasta

If you ask me, roast beef pasta is one of those amazing comfort food combinations that just makes sense.

This filling dish brings together tender strips of leftover roast beef with al dente pasta in a rich, savory sauce. The beef adds a homey touch to classic pasta night, while garlic and herbs keep things familiar and satisfying.

It’s tossed with caramelized onions and mushrooms that bring out the natural flavors of the meat, then finished with a splash of cream that ties everything together perfectly.

It’s a practical weeknight dinner that makes the most of Sunday’s roast, and trust me – your family will ask for seconds.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

While this recipe calls for spiral pasta (also known as rotini or fusilli), you’ve got plenty of options that’ll work just as well. The spiral shape is great because all those twists and grooves catch and hold onto the sauce and small pieces of beef, but you could also use penne, bow ties, or medium shells if that’s what you have in your pantry. Regular wheat pasta is the standard choice, but whole wheat pasta will add a nutty flavor and extra fiber if you’re looking for a healthier option. Just remember to check your pasta’s cooking time since it can vary between shapes and types – you’ll want to cook it until it’s tender but still has a slight bite to it (what Italians call “al dente”).

Options for Substitutions

This quick pasta dish is pretty adaptable – here’s what you can swap if needed:

• Spiral pasta: Any short pasta shape works great here – try penne, bowties, or rotini. Just cook according to the package directions for al dente texture.
• Roast beef: No leftover roast beef? You can use deli roast beef, leftover steak, or even ground beef that’s been browned. For a different twist, try cooked chicken or turkey.
• Parmesan cheese: While Parmesan adds great flavor, you could use Romano, Asiago, or even shredded mozzarella. If using mozzarella, add a bit more black pepper since it’s milder than Parmesan.
• Fresh tomatoes: Out of fresh tomatoes? Use canned diced tomatoes (drained) or even halved cherry tomatoes. Sun-dried tomatoes work too – just use about 1/4 cup since they’re more concentrated.
• Olive oil and butter: You can use all olive oil or all butter instead of the combination. Any neutral cooking oil will work in place of the olive oil.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

The biggest mistake when making roast beef pasta is overcooking the pasta – always cook it just until al dente since it will continue to soften slightly when mixed with the other warm ingredients. Another common error is adding cold roast beef directly to the pasta, which can make the final dish lukewarm – instead, warm the beef chunks gently in the pan with the onions to bring everything to the same temperature. The success of this dish also depends on proper seasoning timing – adding the black pepper too early during cooking can make it bitter, so it’s best to add most of it near the end, right before the Parmesan cheese. For the best flavor, save a small cup of pasta water before draining – this starchy liquid helps create a silky sauce and brings all the ingredients together beautifully.

What to Serve With Roast Beef Pasta?

This hearty roast beef pasta calls for some simple sides that won’t overshadow the main dish. A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing makes a perfect partner – try mixing some arugula, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber for a crisp contrast to the rich pasta. Garlic bread is always welcome at the pasta party, and it’s great for soaking up any extra sauce left on your plate. If you want to add some vegetables, roasted broccoli or sautéed green beans seasoned with just a bit of garlic and lemon would round out the meal nicely.

Storage Instructions

Keep Fresh: Place your leftover roast beef pasta in an airtight container and pop it in the fridge – it’ll stay good for up to 3 days. The flavors actually get even better as they mingle together overnight, making this a great make-ahead meal for busy weekdays.

Reheat: When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, warm them up in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each. Or heat it in a pan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep the pasta from drying out. Give it a quick stir to make sure everything heats evenly.

Meal Prep: This pasta dish is perfect for meal prepping! You can cook the pasta ahead and store it separately from the sauce and beef. When you’re ready to eat, just combine everything and warm it up. Add a fresh sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top just before serving.

Preparation Time	10-15 minutes
Cooking Time	15-20 minutes
Total Time	25-35 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Easy

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 900-1000
• Protein: 50-60 g
• Fat: 40-50 g
• Carbohydrates: 80-90 g

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1 tsp butter
• 1/2 cup diced tomato
• 1 cup cubed roast beef (leftover beef is perfect here)
• 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup dry spiral pasta
• 1 tsp olive oil (I like Pompeian extra virgin olive oil)
• 1 tsp black pepper (freshly ground for best flavor)

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Begin by cooking the pasta according to the package directions.

This will ensure the pasta reaches the perfect “al dente” texture.

Once the pasta is done, drain it and set it aside for later use.

Step 2: Sauté the Onion

While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat.

Add a combination of oil and butter to the skillet.

Once the butter has melted, add the chopped onion.

Sauté the onion until it’s tender and translucent, stirring occasionally to avoid burning.

Step 3: Incorporate the Roast Beef and Pepper

Add the roast beef slices and a dash of pepper to the skillet with the onions.

Stir everything together and continue heating the mixture until the beef is heated through and well combined with the onions.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Beef Mixture

With the pasta drained and set aside, add it to the skillet containing the beef mixture.

Toss everything together to ensure the pasta is well coated with the flavors from the skillet.

Step 5: Add Tomato and Cheese

Stir in diced tomato and your choice of cheese.

Continue to mix until the cheese has melted slightly and the tomato is integrated with the other ingredients, making sure the dish is evenly combined and heated through.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once everything is well mixed and heated, remove from heat and serve the dish immediately.

Enjoy your hearty and delicious pasta meal!