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When you’re stuck in a pizza rut, trying to find new ways to use up leftover roast beef can feel like a real challenge. We’ve all been there – staring at that container of Sunday’s pot roast in the fridge, wondering how to turn it into something the whole family will actually want to eat again. Between after-school activities and long work days, the last thing anyone needs is more kitchen stress.
That’s why this roast beef pizza has become such a favorite in our house: it’s quick to put together, uses up those leftovers brilliantly, and gives classic pizza night an unexpected but totally delicious twist that even picky eaters love.
Why You’ll Love This Roast Beef Pizza
- Quick preparation – Ready in just 25 minutes or less, this pizza is perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something special but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.
- Creative leftovers solution – It’s a clever way to use up leftover roast beef, turning yesterday’s dinner into an entirely new and exciting meal that doesn’t taste like leftovers at all.
- Restaurant-quality taste – The combination of tender roast beef, peppery arugula, and zesty horseradish dressing creates a gourmet pizza that tastes like it came from your favorite pizzeria.
- Simple ingredients – Using store-bought pizza crust and common ingredients means you can pull this together without a special trip to the grocery store.
What Kind of Roast Beef Should I Use?
For pizza toppings, you’ll want to start with rare or medium-rare roast beef since it will continue cooking a bit more in the oven. Top round, sirloin tip, or even leftover prime rib work great here – just make sure to slice or shred it thinly so it heats through without getting tough. If you’re buying from the deli counter, ask them to slice it on the thinner side, or you can pick up pre-packaged rare roast beef from the refrigerated section. Keep in mind that the roast beef should be cold and firm when you shred it, which makes it much easier to handle and distribute evenly across your pizza.
Options for Substitutions
This pizza recipe is pretty flexible and you can switch things up based on what you have in your kitchen:
- Roast beef: If you don’t have roast beef, you can use sliced deli roast beef, leftover steak, or even pulled pot roast. For a different spin, try pastrami or corned beef.
- Mozzarella cheese: While mozzarella is great for pizza, you can swap it with provolone, white cheddar, or a mix of Italian cheeses. Just avoid very soft cheeses as they might make your pizza too wet.
- Arugula: Not a fan of arugula? Try baby spinach, watercress, or mixed salad greens. They’ll give you that same fresh, peppery kick.
- Horseradish cream: For the dressing, you can use prepared horseradish mixed with a bit of sour cream or mayo. If horseradish isn’t your thing, try Dijon mustard for a similar zingy taste.
- Pizza crust: Store-bought, homemade, or even flatbread all work well here. For a low-carb option, try a cauliflower crust. Just make sure to pre-bake it well so it stays crispy.
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Baking
The biggest challenge when making roast beef pizza is preventing the meat from becoming tough and chewy – add the shredded roast beef during the last 5 minutes of baking to keep it tender and juicy. A common error is overloading the pizza with sauce, which can make the crust soggy, so stick to a thin layer spread evenly across the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. To get that perfect crispy crust, preheat your pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven for at least 30 minutes before baking, and avoid placing cold toppings on the dough as this can prevent even cooking. For the best flavor combination, wait until after baking to add the fresh arugula and horseradish dressing – the heat from the pizza will slightly wilt the greens while keeping their peppery taste intact.
What to Serve With Roast Beef Pizza?
Since this pizza already has some fancy flavors going on with the roast beef and horseradish, keep the sides simple and complementary. A crisp Caesar salad makes a perfect partner, cutting through the richness of the pizza with its fresh crunch. If you’re feeding a crowd, try setting out some garlic knots or breadsticks – I know it sounds like carb overload, but trust me, they’re great for scooping up any extra horseradish dressing! For a lighter option that won’t compete with the pizza’s bold flavors, toss together a simple mixed green salad with cherry tomatoes and a light vinaigrette.
Storage Instructions
Keep Fresh: If you have leftover roast beef pizza, place it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in aluminum foil. It’ll stay good in the fridge for up to 3 days. Pro tip: store the fresh arugula separately to keep it crisp and add it just before serving.
Freeze: You can freeze this pizza without the arugula and horseradish dressing. Just wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then foil, and pop them in the freezer for up to 2 months. The horseradish dressing can be stored separately in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Warm Up: To get your pizza tasting fresh again, warm it in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese starts to bubble. If frozen, no need to thaw first – just add a few extra minutes to the heating time. Add fresh arugula and drizzle with horseradish dressing just before serving.
| Preparation Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 5-10 minutes |
| Total Time | 15-25 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 1200-1400
- Protein: 70-80 g
- Fat: 60-70 g
- Carbohydrates: 100-110 g
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 red onion, sliced thinly
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 large pizza crust (store-bought or homemade)
- 2/3 cup tomato pasta sauce
- 150 grams rare roast beef, shredded
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 40 grams arugula
- Horseradish dressing:
- 2 tablespoons horseradish cream
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Step 1: Preheat and Sauté
Start by preheating your oven to a very hot temperature of 220°C (428°F).
Meanwhile, heat a little oil in a medium frying pan over high heat.
Sauté the onion and garlic for 2-3 minutes until they become tender.
Once done, set them aside for later use.
Step 2: Assemble the Pizza
Place a prepared pizza base on a baking tray.
Spread your chosen pasta sauce evenly over the base.
Top this with cooked beef, the sautéed onion and garlic mixture, and plenty of cheese.
Step 3: Bake the Pizza
Transfer the pizza to the oven and bake for 5-10 minutes.
Watch closely until the cheese has melted and achieved a golden brown color.
This indicates that the pizza is ready to be removed from the oven.
Step 4: Prepare the Horseradish Dressing
While the pizza is baking, make the horseradish dressing by whisking all the dressing ingredients together in a jug.
Season the dressing to your taste preferences, adjusting salt and other flavors as needed.
Step 5: Add Finishing Touches and Serve
Once the pizza is out of the oven and slightly cooled, drizzle it with the freshly prepared horseradish dressing.
Sprinkle a handful of fresh rocket leaves on top to add a peppery freshness.
Serve your pizza hot and enjoy!