How to Save a Tough Roast

There are a few ways to save a tough roast.

If you have cooked a roast that is too tough, you have a few options to improve it for your meal. A quick fix is to add homemade or prepared gravy, which will add moisture to the meat and help disguise the toughness. If you have more time, you can transform the meal from roast beef to something else, such as sandwiches, tacos, pasta or stew.

Things You'll Need

• Pan drippings (optional)
• Gravy mix (optional)
• Mayonnaise (optional)
• Salsa (optional)
• Mushroom sauce (optional)

Instructions

1. Make gravy or sauce for the roast. This won't fix the fact that the roast is tough, but the added moisture from the gravy will make it taste less tough. If possible, use the roast pan drippings for the best flavor. Add your own spices or use a store-bought gravy or sauce mix and thicken it.

2. Cut the roast across the grain and use it in other dishes. Cutting the roast against the grain makes it more tender. Use the roast beef in sandwiches with mayonnaise; in tacos or enchiladas with salsa and sour cream; or in pasta dishes with mushroom sauce. Again, choose sauces and toppings to add moisture.

3. Cut the roast into pieces and make a stew. You won't have to cook it very long because the meat is already cooked. Start with onions, garlic and a few vegetables. Add stock and/or leftover gravy and some tomatoes and herbs. Cook it for less than an hour, just until the vegetables are cooked and the stew has thickened.

Tips & Warnings

• Buy premium roasts, such as pork tenderloin and beef top sirloin, for roasting.

• Use a meat thermometer to tell when the roast is done. Cook the roast to no more than medium for beef and medium-well for pork. Let the roast rest, covered, for at least 15 minutes before serving so the juices redistribute and stay in the meat.

References

• Home-Ec 101: Tough Call, Roast Beef Leftovers