Today I am going to share our family’s favorite beef stew that is made with leftover roast beef. This beef stew recipe is requested frequently by the kids when asked the famous question of ‘What Do You Want For Dinner’!

Here’s the thing, I am not a huge roast beef person. But when I can use the leftover roast beef in another meal – now that is a win! And let’s be honest, leftovers are usually always better than the original dish anyway!

This easy roast beef stew is a meal that you can easily prepare for your family and they will love!

Beef Stew recipe made with leftover roast beef

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Why You Will Love This Recipe

It is so flavorful (especially when it is a leftover!)
This recipe is a one pot meal
There is bacon!
It is so easy to use any leftover beef! You can use roast beef, ribs, smoked beef, or smoked pork

Tools You May Need

Dutch Oven or Large Pot
Cutting Board
Wooden Spoon
Knife
Freezer Safe Containers (for leftovers)

How to Make a Delicious Beef Stew

Step One: Prepare roast beef ahead of time.

For the roast beef recipe, I usually make it in the crockpot with some salt, pepper, onion soup mix, sliced onion, carrots, and potatoes. I don’t really follow a recipe (and usually do something different every time) and it comes out tasting pretty good each time.

After this meal, I like to cut the leftover roast beef into bite-size pieces and then put it in the freezer to use for stew at a later time.

Step Two: Prep Your Veggies

I like to prep and cut all of the veggies and potatoes before starting to cook.

Dice the onion and celery. Set aside for sauting.

Cube the potatoes and carrots. Set these aside to be added later.

Make sure the beef is cubed into bite-sized bites. Set aside.

Cut the bacon into small pieces.

Step Three: Preparing the Beef Stew

In a large dutch oven, prepare the bacon until done to the crispiness that you desire. Remove bacon from Dutch oven and place on paper towel to drain.

Saute onion and celery in bacon grease (or 1 Tbsp of olive oil).

close up picture of sauteing celery and onions

To Note – If there is extra grease after sauating, I soak it up with a paper towel so it is not overly greasy.

Add the potatoes, carrots, cubed roast beef, and bacon.

Add beef broth and water to cover everything with a little extra (the extra fluid will be reduced while simmering)

adding beef broth to stew pot with carrots and potatoes

Add all of the seasonings and stir. Place the lid and allow to simmer for 1-2 hours on low. Stir occasionally.

stirring pot of beef stew with carrots, potatoes, bacon

Serve hot and enjoy!

two white bowls with leftover roast beef stew made with beef broth

Can You Freeze Beef Stew?

Yes! You can absolutely freeze roast beef stew! I have frozen stew for up to 6 months in a freezer safe container. I leave about a 1/2 inch at the top of the container to allow for expanding.

To use the frozen beef stew, remove from freezer and allow to thaw. I will usually do this with a water bath or in the refrigerator for a few days. I heat the frozen stew in a pot and if needed, I will add a little beef or bone broth for liquid. This step is not always necessary if you like a thick stew.

How to Thicken Beef Stew

This recipe does not require any thickening agents like flour or cornstarch. The stew will thicken on its own as it simmers. This allow you to make the roast beef stew to your liking!