Prime rib is a delicious and special cut of beef often served for holidays or special occasions. But what do you do with the leftovers? Don’t let that tasty meat go to waste! There are many ways to use up leftover prime rib in new and exciting dishes.
You can transform your prime rib leftovers into hearty soups, sandwiches, pasta dishes, and more. These recipes will help you make the most of your expensive cut of meat and create new meals your family will love. From quick and easy ideas to more complex dishes, there’s something for every taste and cooking skill level.
1. Prime Rib Tacos
Prime rib tacos are a tasty way to use your leftovers. You can easily turn your extra prime rib into a new meal.
Start by dicing up the leftover meat. Warm it in a pan with some taco seasoning and lime juice. This brings out the flavors.
Fill taco shells with the warm meat. Add your favorite toppings like salsa, avocado, and cheese. You can use soft or hard shells based on what you like.
These tacos are quick to make and full of flavor. They’re great for lunch or dinner. You’ll enjoy this new twist on your leftover prime rib.
2. Philly Cheese Steak
Transform your leftover prime rib into a mouthwatering Philly cheese steak sandwich. Thinly slice the prime rib and set it aside.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced onions, bell peppers, and garlic. Cook until the vegetables are tender.
Push the vegetables to one side of the pan. Add the sliced prime rib and warm it through for about two minutes.
Pile the meat and vegetables onto hoagie rolls. Top with provolone or white American cheese slices.
For extra flavor, spread some garlic aioli on the rolls before adding the filling. Serve your homemade Philly cheese steaks hot and enjoy!
3. Prime Rib Sandwich
Prime rib sandwiches are a tasty way to use your leftover meat. You can make them open-faced or as a regular sandwich.
Start by slicing the prime rib thinly. Warm the meat slightly in a pan or microwave. Choose a hearty bread like sourdough or rye to hold up to the juicy meat.
Add some horseradish sauce or mustard to the bread for extra flavor. Layer on the prime rib slices. Top with cheese if you like – provolone works well.
For more taste, add caramelized onions or sautéed mushrooms. Finish with crisp lettuce and ripe tomato slices. Your prime rib sandwich is ready to enjoy!
4. Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
Turn your leftover prime rib into a tasty beef and broccoli stir-fry. This quick meal brings new life to your roast.
Cut the prime rib into thin strips. Heat oil in a wok or large skillet. Add the beef strips and stir-fry until heated through.
Toss in broccoli florets and cook until crisp-tender. Pour in a savory sauce made with soy sauce, ginger, and garlic. Stir to coat everything evenly.
Serve your beef and broccoli stir-fry over rice or noodles for a satisfying dinner. This recipe lets you enjoy your prime rib in a whole new way.
5. Prime Rib Soup
Prime rib soup is a tasty way to use leftover prime rib. It’s easy to make and perfect for cold days. You can use the meat and bones to create a rich, flavorful broth.
Start by simmering the bones with vegetables to make a hearty stock. Then, add chunks of leftover prime rib and your favorite veggies. Carrots, celery, and potatoes work well.
Let the soup simmer until the vegetables are tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste. You can add barley or noodles for extra texture if you like.
This comforting soup is filling and warms you up. It’s a great way to stretch your prime rib leftovers into another meal.
6. Prime Rib Fried Rice
Prime rib fried rice is a tasty way to use up leftover prime rib. You can easily make this dish at home with a few simple ingredients.
Start by cooking rice and letting it cool. Dice your leftover prime rib into small cubes. Heat oil in a large pan or wok.
Add the cooled rice, prime rib, eggs, peas, and carrots. Stir-fry everything together until heated through. Season with soy sauce and other spices to taste.
This dish combines the rich flavor of prime rib with the comfort of fried rice. It’s a great way to transform your leftovers into a whole new meal.
7. Prime Rib Hash
Prime rib hash is a tasty way to use your leftover meat. You’ll need potatoes, onions, and your prime rib.
Dice the potatoes and onions, then fry them in a skillet with olive oil. Cook until they’re golden and tender.
Add your chopped prime rib to the pan. Pour in some beef broth and Worcestershire sauce for extra flavor.
Heat everything through for a couple of minutes. You can serve it as-is or top it with poached eggs for a heartier meal.
This quick and easy dish turns your leftovers into a delicious breakfast or brunch option.
8. Prime Rib Pasta
Prime rib pasta is a tasty way to use your leftover meat. Start by cooking your favorite pasta according to the package instructions.
While the pasta cooks, slice your leftover prime rib into bite-sized pieces. In a large skillet, melt some butter and add olive oil.
Sauté sliced mushrooms in the skillet until tender. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Pour in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir in the prime rib pieces and let the sauce simmer for a few minutes.
Toss the cooked pasta with the creamy prime rib sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious prime rib pasta!
9. Prime Rib Nachos
Prime rib nachos are a tasty way to use leftover meat. Start with a layer of tortilla chips on a baking sheet. Add sliced prime rib on top.
Sprinkle black olives and green chilis over the meat. Cover everything with shredded cheese. Drizzle queso and sour cream on top.
Bake at 375°F for 10 minutes until golden brown. After taking them out of the oven, add guacamole or avocado slices. For extra flavor, drizzle some BBQ sauce on top.
These nachos make a great snack or meal. They’re perfect for game day or casual gatherings with friends.
10. Prime Rib Pot Pie
Prime rib pot pie is a tasty way to use your leftover roast. It combines tender meat with veggies in a rich gravy, all tucked under a flaky crust.
To make this dish, chop up your prime rib and mix it with frozen vegetables. Add some beef broth and seasonings to create a savory filling.
You can top your pot pie with puff pastry or mashed potatoes. Both options give a delicious contrast to the meaty filling.
This meal is perfect for cozy dinners. You can even prep the filling a day ahead and just add the topping before baking.
11. Prime Rib Enchiladas
Turn your leftover prime rib into a tasty Mexican-inspired dish. Shred the meat and mix it with your favorite enchilada sauce.
Add some cheese, onions, and peppers to the filling. Roll the mixture in corn tortillas and place them in a baking dish.
Top with more enchilada sauce and cheese. Bake until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly.
Serve your prime rib enchiladas hot with sour cream, guacamole, and fresh cilantro. This meal gives new life to your leftover prime rib in a fun and flavorful way.
12. Prime Rib Salad
Prime rib salad is a tasty way to use your leftover roast. Slice the meat into thin strips and place it on a bed of mixed greens.
Add some crumbled blue cheese, cherry tomatoes, and sliced red onions for extra flavor. Toss in some toasted walnuts or pecans for crunch.
For the dressing, mix olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, and a touch of honey. Drizzle it over your salad just before serving.
This hearty salad makes a great lunch or light dinner. It’s quick to put together and lets you enjoy your prime rib in a new way.
13. Prime Rib Chili
Prime rib chili is a tasty way to use your leftover roast. Cut the meat into bite-sized cubes, removing any large fatty pieces.
In a pot or slow cooker, combine the prime rib with canned tomatoes, beef broth, and your favorite beans. Add diced onions and peppers for extra flavor and texture.
Spice it up with chili powder, cumin, and garlic to taste. Let the chili simmer for about 30-45 minutes to blend the flavors.
You can adjust the thickness by adding more broth if needed. Serve your prime rib chili hot, topped with cheese, sour cream, or green onions for a comforting meal.
14. Beef Stroganoff with Prime Rib
Beef stroganoff is a great way to use leftover prime rib. Start by slicing the cold prime rib into thin strips.
Sauté mushrooms and onions in butter until soft. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
Make a roux with flour and butter, then slowly whisk in beef broth to create a sauce. Stir in some Worcestershire sauce for extra flavor.
Add the sliced prime rib to the pan and simmer briefly to heat through. Be careful not to overcook the meat.
Finish the dish by stirring in sour cream off the heat. Serve your prime rib stroganoff over egg noodles or rice for a comforting meal.
15. Prime Rib Quesadillas
Prime rib quesadillas are a tasty way to use your leftover roast. Start by slicing the meat thinly.
Heat a skillet over medium heat. Place a tortilla in the pan and sprinkle cheese on one half.
Add prime rib slices and any desired toppings like diced chiles or onions. Fold the tortilla and cook for about 2 minutes per side.
The quesadilla is done when the cheese melts and the tortilla turns golden brown. Cut into wedges and serve hot.
This quick meal transforms your prime rib into a new, delicious dish. It’s perfect for lunch or a light dinner.
Proper Storage for Leftover Prime Rib
Storing leftover prime rib correctly keeps it safe to eat and preserves its flavor. Proper storage techniques prevent bacteria growth and maintain the meat’s quality for future meals.
Refrigeration Techniques
Put leftover prime rib in the fridge within 2 hours of cooking. Use airtight containers or wrap the meat tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This stops it from drying out and keeps other food smells away.
Label containers with the date to track freshness. Keep prime rib in the coldest part of your fridge, usually the back. The ideal temperature is 40°F (4°C) or below.
Eat refrigerated prime rib within 3-4 days for the best taste and safety. Before eating, check for any odd smells or discoloration. If you see these signs, it’s best to throw the meat away.
Freezing Methods
Freeze prime rib if you won’t eat it within a few days. Wrap the meat tightly in plastic wrap, then cover with aluminum foil or place in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
Cut large pieces into smaller portions before freezing. This makes thawing easier and lets you use only what you need. Label packages with the date and amount of meat.
Frozen prime rib stays good for up to 6 months. For best quality, use it within 2-3 months. Thaw frozen prime rib in the fridge, not on the counter. This slow method is safest and keeps the meat’s texture.
Reheating Leftover Prime Rib
Proper reheating keeps your leftover prime rib juicy and flavorful. There are two main methods to reheat prime rib – in the oven or microwave.
Oven Reheating
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the prime rib slices in an oven-safe dish. Add a splash of beef broth or au jus to keep the meat moist. Cover the dish with foil.
Heat for 20-30 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
For a crispy exterior, unwrap the foil during the last 5 minutes of heating. This allows the outside to brown slightly.
Microwave Tips
Cut the prime rib into smaller, evenly-sized pieces. Place them on a microwave-safe plate in a single layer. Cover with a damp paper towel to trap moisture.
Microwave in 30-second bursts on medium power. Check the temperature between bursts. Stop heating when the meat reaches 160°F (71°C).
Let the prime rib rest for 1-2 minutes before eating. This helps distribute the heat evenly. Be careful not to overcook, as the microwave can dry out the meat quickly.
Complementary Sides for Prime Rib Leftovers
Prime rib leftovers pair well with many side dishes. The right sides can turn your leftover meat into a whole new meal.
Vegetable Pairings
Roasted vegetables are a great match for prime rib. Try carrots, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus. Toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper before roasting.
A fresh salad adds crunch and lightness. Mix greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers with a tangy vinaigrette.
Sautéed mushrooms bring an earthy flavor. Cook them in butter with garlic for extra taste.
Steamed green beans are simple and tasty. Sprinkle with sliced almonds for added texture.
Starch Options
Mashed potatoes are a classic side. Make them creamy with butter and milk.
Roasted potatoes are another good choice. Cut them into chunks and season with herbs.
Rice pilaf adds flavor and texture. Cook rice with broth and add veggies or nuts.
Crusty bread is perfect for making sandwiches. Try sourdough or a hearty whole grain.
Sweet potato fries offer a healthier option. Bake them with a sprinkle of cinnamon for a twist.