A Comforting Classic: Simple Roast Beef for Two

There are certain dishes that just feel like home, no matter where you are. For me, that’s a warm plate of perfectly cooked roast beef. I still remember my grandmother, a formidable cook with an even more formidable pantry, meticulously slicing into a beautiful roast, the aroma filling her tiny kitchen with promise. She would often prepare a scaled-down version for just a few of us, a special treat that felt both humble and incredibly luxurious. This particular recipe, unearthed from the pages of Eleanor R. Lacquian’s “Filipino Cooking and Entertaining,” captures that essence – the straightforward preparation, the hearty ingredients, and the sheer, unadulterated comfort of a well-made meal. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients, treated with care, can create something truly memorable, perfect for a quiet evening or a comforting lunch.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 3-4
• Yields: 3-4 servings
• Dietary Type: Not Specified

Ingredients

This recipe celebrates the beauty of simplicity, letting the flavors of the roast beef and fresh vegetables shine.

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 2 potatoes, sliced thin
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 1 lb cooked beef, sliced
• 2 hard-boiled eggs, quartered
• 1 tablespoon green onion, minced
• 1 tomato, chopped

Equipment Needed

You won’t need a professional arsenal for this dish. A few everyday kitchen staples will do:

• Nonstick saucepan
• Spatula
• Serving dish

Instructions

The beauty of this roast beef dish lies in its straightforward preparation. It’s a meal that comes together quickly, making it ideal for a weeknight or when you desire a satisfying meal without a lengthy process.

1. Begin by heating the vegetable oil in a nonstick saucepan over medium heat.
2. Carefully add the thinly sliced potatoes to the heated oil. Fry the potatoes for approximately 5 minutes on each side. This initial fry will begin to soften them and give them a lovely, slightly crisp edge.
3. Once the potatoes have had a chance to cook on both sides, push them to one side of the pan. This creates space for the aromatics.
4. In the cleared space of the saucepan, add the sliced onion and garlic (if using, though not explicitly listed in the ingredients, garlic is often implied with onions in this type of cooking). Cook the onion and garlic with the potatoes until the potatoes are tender. This usually takes about 10 minutes. You can stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
5. Once the potatoes are tender, add the chopped tomato to the saucepan.
6. Season the mixture generously with salt and pepper. Taste as you go to ensure the seasoning is to your liking.
7. Now, it’s time to add the star: the cooked beef slices. Stir the beef slices into the vegetable and tomato mixture and heat through. This will only take a few minutes, as the beef is already cooked. You want to warm it without overcooking it, which can make it tough.
8. Carefully transfer the entire mixture to a serving dish.
9. Finally, garnish the dish with the quartered hard-boiled eggs and sprinkle with the minced green onions for a pop of freshness and color.

Expert Tips & Tricks

To elevate this simple dish, consider these chef-approved touches:

• Potato Perfection: For uniformly tender potatoes, aim for slices that are about 1/8-inch thick. If your potatoes are very starchy, you can rinse them under cold water and pat them dry after slicing to remove excess starch, which can sometimes make them gummy.
• Onion Sweetness: If you enjoy a sweeter, more mellow onion flavor, you can caramelize the onions separately before adding them to the pan with the potatoes. This takes a bit longer but adds a wonderful depth of flavor.
• Beef Brilliance: The success of this dish hinges on the quality of your cooked beef. Leftover roast beef from a Sunday dinner is ideal. If using pre-sliced deli roast beef, opt for a good quality, thicker cut. Avoid thinly sliced, watery versions.
• Herbaceous Finish: While green onions are called for, a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives can also add a lovely herbaceous note.
• A Touch of Acidity: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the finished dish just before serving can brighten all the flavors beautifully.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This Roast Beef for Two is best enjoyed immediately after preparation, while everything is warm and the flavors have melded. Serve it as a hearty lunch or a light dinner.

• Serving: Present the dish directly from the serving platter, allowing diners to see the colorful garnish of eggs and green onions. It’s delightful on its own, but can also be served alongside a simple green salad or some crusty bread to soak up any savory juices.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. While it’s best fresh, the flavors do deepen overnight.
• Reheating: To reheat, gently warm the mixture in a saucepan over low heat, or in a microwave-safe dish. Add a tablespoon or two of water or broth if the mixture seems dry. Be careful not to overcook the beef.

Nutritional Information

Here is an estimated nutritional breakdown for this dish. Please note that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients and quantities used.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	637 kcal	–
Calories from Fat	311 kcal	–
Total Fat	34.6 g	53%
Saturated Fat	12.1 g	60%
Cholesterol	255.9 mg	85%
Sodium	922.6 mg	38%
Total Carbohydrate	30.5 g	10%
Dietary Fiber	4.3 g	17%
Sugars	4.2 g	16%
Protein	49.2 g	98%

Note: The % Daily Value is based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Variations & Substitutions

While this recipe is wonderfully simple as is, feel free to explore these variations:

• Vegetable Medley: If you have other vegetables on hand, don’t hesitate to add them! Sliced bell peppers, zucchini, or even a handful of peas can be incorporated during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking the potatoes.
• Spicy Kick: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes added with the tomatoes, or a dash of hot sauce at the end, will provide a pleasant warmth.
• Aromatic Boost: If you have fresh garlic, mince 1-2 cloves and add them with the onions for an extra layer of aromatic depth.
• Herbal Infusion: Experiment with other fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives as a garnish, or even a sprig of rosemary or thyme added during the potato cooking stage for an infused flavor.

FAQs

Q: Can I use a different type of oil?
A: Yes, while vegetable oil is specified, you can use other neutral oils like canola oil or even olive oil, though olive oil might impart a slightly different flavor.

Q: What kind of beef works best for this recipe?
A: This dish is ideal for using up leftover roast beef. A tender cut like sirloin, tenderloin, or even a well-cooked chuck roast would work beautifully.

Q: How can I make this dish more substantial?
A: To make it a more complete meal, serve it with a side of steamed rice or a simple salad. You could also serve it with toast points.

Q: My potatoes aren’t tender enough. What should I do?
A: Ensure you’ve sliced the potatoes thinly and consistently. If they are still firm after 10 minutes, cover the pan and let them steam for a few extra minutes until tender.

Q: Can I prepare some elements ahead of time?
A: You can hard-boil the eggs and slice the vegetables a day in advance to save time when you’re ready to cook.

A Taste of Comfort

This Roast Beef for Two is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to slow down, savor simple flavors, and create a moment of comfort. It’s a dish that speaks to the heart of home cooking, proving that delicious, satisfying meals don’t need to be complicated. I encourage you to try it, to perhaps start a new tradition or revisit an old one. Share it with a loved one, and if you find yourself with any delicious insights or variations, I’d be delighted to hear them. Until then, happy cooking!