In today’s busy kitchens, few pantry items deliver comfort and convenience like Hormel roast beef. Fully cooked and packed in savory gravy, this simple can has become a go to for quick lunches, hearty dinners, and satisfying snacks.
But here’s the secret with just a few smart tweaks, you can elevate this everyday canned meal into something seriously crave worthy. With help from Chef Lucas Benetti and a few tricks from the gatetasty kitchen, we’re showing you how to make Hormel roast beef your next comfort classic no oven required.
What Is Hormel Roast Beef and Why Do People Love It?
Hormel roast beef is fully cooked beef in gravy, packaged in a shelf stable can. It’s tender, lightly seasoned, and ready to heat and serve perfect when you want a no fuss protein that feels like comfort food.
Why It’s a Go To for Busy Kitchens
| Feature | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Fully cooked | No long prep or cooking time |
| Shelf stable | Great for meal planning or emergencies |
| High in protein | ~17g per serving (varies by can) |
| Versatile base | Pair it with rice, potatoes, pasta, or bread |
| Ready in 5 minutes | Just heat and serve |
Chef Lucas says: “It’s simple but dependable. And with a little love, it can taste like homemade roast beef in gravy no one has to know it came from a can.”
Chef Lucas Benetti’s Comfort Food Upgrade
For Chef Lucas Benetti, the beauty of Hormel roast beef lies in its versatility. With a quick sauté, the addition of a few pantry staples, and the right pairing, this canned beef becomes a complete comfort meal worthy of a Sunday supper.
Lucas’s Upgrade Tips
- Crisp it slightly in a skillet to develop flavor
- Stir in a splash of beef broth or Worcestershire to deepen the gravy
- Add fresh herbs like thyme or parsley
- Finish with a pat of butter or splash of cream for richness
- Serve over fluffy mashed potatoes or buttered noodles
“Think of it as a shortcut to something slow cooked,” Lucas says. “You just need the right touches.”
gatetasty’s Method: Heating, Serving & Enhancing the Flavor
You can warm Hormel roast beef directly in a saucepan or microwave, but we suggest going one step further here’s how we prep it at gatetasty.
How to Make Hormel Roast Beef Taste Homemade
1. Heat a skillet
Add 1 tsp butter or oil to a nonstick or cast iron pan. Heat over medium.
2. Add the roast beef with gravy
Pour the entire can (including gravy) into the pan. Use a spoon to break up the beef slightly.
3. Sear & simmer
Let the beef brown a little, then stir. Add 1 tsp Worcestershire or ¼ cup beef broth to loosen the gravy.
4. Finish with herbs or butter
Turn off heat and stir in chopped parsley or a dab of butter. Taste and season if needed.
5. Serve warm
Over mashed potatoes, rice, toast, or noodles.
Creative Serving Ideas Table
| Serving Style | How to Build It |
|---|---|
| Open faced sandwich | Toasted bread, warm beef, gravy, melted cheese |
| Loaded mashed potato bowl | Scoop beef over potatoes, add peas or corn |
| Beef and cheddar sliders | Warm on buns, top with cheddar, broil briefly |
| Rice bowl with veggies | Serve over white rice with green beans or carrots |
| Gravy drenched pasta | Pour over buttered egg noodles or shells |
Perfect Pairings for Every Meal
Hormel roast beef pairs beautifully with classic sides and pantry friendly ingredients. Whether you’re going Southern style or quick and easy, it’s incredibly adaptable.
Top Side Ideas
- Mashed potatoes
- Buttery rice
- Garlic toast
- Steamed green beans
- Macaroni and cheese
- Roasted carrots or sweet potatoes
Drink Pairings
| Drink | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Iced tea or lemonade | Adds brightness and contrast |
| Red wine (Cabernet) | Pairs well with rich beef flavor |
| Light beer or lager | Refreshing and casual |
| Sparkling water + lime | Cleanses the palate |
Nutrition & Storage Tips Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Calories (per serving) | ~190–220 (depends on specific Hormel product) |
| Protein | ~17–20g per serving |
| Sodium | ~900–1100mg (moderate to high) |
| Shelf life | 2–5 years (unopened) |
| Storage (opened) | Refrigerate in airtight container, use within 3 days |
| Reheating | Microwave or skillet with splash of broth |
Tip: Always check the can for specific nutrition details some versions include mushrooms or extra gravy.
FAQs About Hormel Roast Beef
1. What is the best beef roast to buy?
That depends on how you plan to cook it. For slow cooking or shredding, chuck roast is a top choice it’s well marbled and becomes tender when braised. For slicing, a top sirloin roast or eye of round offers leaner cuts with a firmer texture. If you’re looking for the ultimate in flavor and richness, brisket or rib roast delivers bold results. For convenience, Hormel roast beef gives you that slow roasted texture in a ready to eat form.
2. How to cook Hormel roast beef?
Hormel roast beef is fully cooked, so you don’t need to “cook” it just heat it through. You can warm it in a saucepan over medium heat, in the microwave, or sauté it in a skillet with butter or broth for a richer flavor. Chef Lucas Benetti recommends adding a splash of Worcestershire or a pat of butter to enhance the gravy and sear the edges for extra texture.
3. Is Arby’s roast beef real roast beef?
Yes, Arby’s roast beef is real beef, though it’s pre cooked and processed for consistent slicing and flavor. It differs from home roasted or canned versions like Hormel in texture and preparation. Arby’s uses a thin sliced approach, while Hormel offers a chunkier, gravy covered roast beef ideal for hot meals.
4. How do you eat roast beef in a can?
You can eat canned roast beef hot or cold, though it’s usually more flavorful when heated. Common ways to enjoy it include:
- Over mashed potatoes or rice
- In a hot sandwich or slider
- With egg noodles and cheese
- As a quick addition to a soup or stew
Simply heat it up, adjust the seasoning if desired, and serve with your favorite sides.
Conclusion
Whether you’re feeding a family on a busy night or just looking for an easy comfort meal, Hormel roast beef is a pantry staple that delivers. With just a few tweaks and a touch of Chef Lucas Benetti’s culinary magic, this canned classic transforms into something truly delicious.
With gatetasty’s smart methods, you can make hearty meals that feel homemade even when they start with a can.
Looking for more comfort food hacks and pantry upgrades? Visit gatetasty.com for simple recipes, big flavor, and pro tips from Chef Lucas Benetti.
