Prime rib is a delicious and often expensive cut of meat that many people enjoy for special occasions. When you prepare prime rib, it’s common to have leftovers that are too good to waste.
Instead of simply reheating the meat, you can transform those leftovers into entirely new meals.
Leftover prime rib gives you the opportunity to create amazing dishes from sandwiches and hash to soups and pot pies. Your prime rib’s rich flavor makes it perfect for repurposing into creative recipes that will delight your family.
With a little creativity, your leftover prime rib can become the star of several additional meals throughout the week.
1. Prime Rib Soup
Prime Rib Soup is a delicious way to use leftover prime rib roast and bones. This hearty dish transforms your leftovers into a completely new meal.
To make this soup, start by dicing onions, celery, and carrots as the base. Add chopped rosemary for extra flavor.
The leftover prime rib meat adds richness to the broth.
You can even use the fatty edges of the prime rib like bacon to render down and cook your vegetables. This adds depth to your soup’s flavor.
This comforting soup is loaded with vegetables and makes good use of every part of your leftover prime rib roast.
2. Roast Beef Hash
Leftover prime rib transforms into a delicious breakfast or dinner when made into hash. Cube your prime rib into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
Start by frying diced potatoes, onions, and bell peppers in a skillet until they’re crispy and golden. Add your prime rib cubes near the end since they just need to be warmed through.
For extra flavor, include mushrooms or garlic. Some recipes suggest soaking your potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes before cooking to help them crisp up better.
Top your hash with fried or poached eggs for a complete meal. The runny yolk creates a rich sauce that ties everything together.
3. Puff Pastry Roast Beef Pot Pies
Puff pastry pot pies are a flaky, delicious way to transform your leftover prime rib into a comforting meal. The buttery layers create a perfect contrast to the savory meat inside.
Start by cutting your leftover prime rib into bite-sized cubes. Mix with cooked carrots, potatoes, and peas for a classic pot pie filling. You can also add leftover roasted vegetables if you have them.
Make a simple gravy with beef broth and flour to bind everything together. Pour the filling into individual ramekins or a larger baking dish. Top with puff pastry sheets, cut to fit your containers.
Bake until the pastry is golden brown and crisp. These pot pies are perfect for cold weeknight dinners.
4. Mincemeat Pie
Mincemeat pie offers a traditional British way to use your leftover prime rib. This savory-sweet dish transforms your beef into something completely new.
Simply dice your prime rib into small pieces and combine it with fruits, spices, and sometimes a splash of brandy. The meat adds richness to the filling while complementing the sweetness.
You can make a classic pie with two crusts or try mini hand pies for easy serving. This dish works well for both dinner and as a unique dessert option, giving your premium leftover meat a second life with traditional British flair.
5. Prime Rib Sandwich with Caramelized Onions
A prime rib sandwich is one of the best ways to use leftover prime rib. You can transform yesterday’s dinner into a whole new meal with just a few ingredients.
Start by thinly slicing your cold prime rib. Then caramelize some onions by cooking them slowly until they turn sweet and golden brown.
For the best flavor, spread horseradish mayo on crusty bread like ciabatta rolls. Layer the prime rib, caramelized onions, some provolone or Swiss cheese, and fresh arugula.
You can warm the sandwich until the cheese melts, or enjoy it cold. This sandwich combines savory meat, sweet onions, and peppery greens for a perfect lunch.
6. French Dip Sandwich
Transform your leftover prime rib into a delicious French dip sandwich. Thinly slice the prime rib and warm it up with some butter.
Caramelize a white onion for extra flavor. Layer the meat on a buttery toasted roll and top with melted provolone cheese if desired.
The star of this sandwich is the au jus for dipping. Use beef broth or the leftover prime rib juices to create a savory dipping sauce.
This simple yet satisfying sandwich requires minimal ingredients and prep time. You can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home using your prime rib leftovers.
7. Prime Rib Burritos
Transform your leftover prime rib into delicious burritos. Start with large flour tortillas as your base.
Fill each tortilla with diced prime rib, white rice, and black beans. You can add black-eyed peas as an alternative to beans if you prefer.
Add fresh ingredients like diced bell peppers, tomatoes, and cilantro for flavor and texture. A squeeze of lime juice brightens everything up.
Top with your favorite salsa before rolling. Hot salsa works especially well with the rich flavor of prime rib.
These burritos make a quick, satisfying meal that completely transforms your leftovers into something new and exciting.
8. Steak and Eggs Breakfast Skillet
Transform your leftover prime rib into a delicious morning meal with a steak and eggs breakfast skillet. This hearty dish combines thinly sliced prime rib with crispy potatoes and caramelized onions.
Start by frying diced potatoes and onions until golden and crispy. Add your sliced prime rib to warm it through without overcooking the already-perfect meat.
Create wells in your skillet mixture and crack eggs directly into them. Cook until the whites are set but the yolks remain runny for the perfect breakfast experience.
Serve with coffee and perhaps a mimosa for a special weekend breakfast. This 20-minute recipe makes excellent use of your prime rib leftovers.
9. Prime Rib Tacos with Red Salsa
Transform your leftover prime rib into mouthwatering tacos with a homemade red salsa. Simply dice the prime rib and heat it gently to maintain its juicy tenderness.
Place the warm meat on tortillas and top with fresh red salsa. You can add classic taco toppings like cilantro, diced onions, and avocado for extra flavor.
These tacos make a quick lunch or dinner that’s completely different from your original prime rib meal. The rich beef pairs perfectly with the bright, tangy salsa.
For the best results, don’t overcook the meat when reheating. Just warm it through to preserve the prime rib’s natural juiciness.
10. Prime Rib Stroganoff
Prime Rib Stroganoff transforms your leftover roast into a creamy, satisfying meal. Simply slice your cold prime rib into thin, 1-2 inch strips.
Brown some mushrooms in butter, then briefly warm your beef slices in the same pan. The meat is already cooked, so you just need to heat it through.
Add sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard to create that classic stroganoff flavor. Fresh sage adds an aromatic touch that complements the rich beef.
Serve your stroganoff over pasta for a quick dinner that makes those expensive prime rib leftovers stretch into another full meal.
11. Prime Rib Fried Rice
Transforming leftover prime rib into fried rice creates a delicious meal that’s quick and satisfying. This dish combines the rich flavor of prime rib with the comfort of fried rice.
To make prime rib fried rice, simply dice your leftover meat into small pieces. Sauté some onions and vegetables in a pan before adding cold rice and your prime rib pieces.
This recipe is quite versatile. You can add any vegetables you have on hand or adjust the seasonings to your taste. Some people enjoy adding a smoky flavor for BBQ pork fried rice vibes with beef.
Leftover prime rib fried rice makes an excellent lunch or dinner option and helps you avoid food waste.
12. Prime Rib Quesadillas
Transform your leftover prime rib into delicious quesadillas that are melty, cheesy, and crispy. Simply dice up your prime rib into small pieces for easy eating.
Layer your tortillas with Swiss cheese, the diced prime rib, and crumbled bacon for extra flavor. Some recipes suggest adding a spread of horseradish sauce for a tangy kick.
Cook your quesadillas on a griddle or sheet pan with butter until golden and crispy on both sides. The heat will warm the meat and melt the cheese perfectly.
These quesadillas make a quick lunch or dinner that’s totally different from your original prime rib meal.
13. Shepherd’s Pie with Prime Rib
Shepherd’s pie made with leftover prime rib is a comforting meal that transforms your fancy roast into a new dinner. This hearty dish combines diced prime rib with savory gravy and vegetables, all topped with a layer of mashed potatoes.
You can use completely leftover ingredients for this dish. The mashed potatoes, vegetables, and even gravy from your prime rib dinner work perfectly here.
To make this dish, simply layer your diced prime rib with gravy and vegetables in a baking dish. Then spread leftover mashed potatoes on top and bake until golden and bubbling.
This cozy casserole gives your Sunday prime rib a delicious second act without feeling like you’re eating leftovers again.
14. Prime Rib Risotto
Prime Rib Risotto transforms your leftover meat into a creamy, satisfying dish. The rich flavor of prime rib pairs perfectly with the starchy comfort of risotto.
To make this dish, dice your leftover prime rib into small pieces. Prepare a traditional risotto with arborio rice, broth, and white wine. Add your prime rib near the end of cooking.
The tender meat warms through while the risotto finishes. The result is a luxurious meal that doesn’t taste like leftovers at all.
For an extra touch, add sautéed mushrooms and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before serving.
15. Philly Cheesesteak with Prime Rib
Transform your leftover prime rib into a mouthwatering Philly cheesesteak sandwich. Thinly slice the cold prime rib and prepare to create something special.
Sauté onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms until caramelized. For extra flavor, use the fatty parts of your leftover roast to cook the vegetables.
Layer a toasted bun with provolone or American cheese, add your sliced prime rib and sautéed vegetables. Some recipes include a homemade horseradish mayo or A-1 sauce for extra zing.
This sandwich delivers all the classic Philly cheesesteak elements while making excellent use of your premium leftovers. The tender prime rib elevates this sandwich to new heights.
16. Beef Barley Soup
Beef barley soup is a fantastic way to use up leftover prime rib. Start by heating olive oil in a large Dutch oven and searing the prime rib bones for extra flavor.
Add tender pieces of leftover prime rib, hearty barley, and complementary vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions. The rich meat creates a flavorful base for this comforting soup.
You can enhance the flavor with mushrooms for an earthy touch. The combination of tender prime rib and plump barley makes for a complete meal in a bowl.
This soup is so delicious that you might find yourself planning to make prime rib more often just for the leftovers.
17. Prime Rib Pasta Salad
Prime Rib Pasta Salad is a refreshing way to use your leftover prime rib. Start by cooking your favorite pasta and cooling it completely.
Cut your leftover prime rib into bite-sized pieces and add them to the pasta. Mix in chopped vegetables like bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber for freshness.
A simple dressing of olive oil, vinegar, and herbs works perfectly. You can also add cheese like feta or parmesan for extra flavor.
This salad is perfect for lunch or a light dinner. You can make it ahead of time and keep it refrigerated for up to two days.
18. Horseradish-Glazed Prime Rib
Leftover prime rib transforms beautifully when coated with a zesty horseradish glaze. This simple technique adds new life to your meat while preserving its tender texture.
To make the glaze, combine prepared horseradish (extra hot works well), a spoonful of Dijon mustard, a little mayo, and sour cream.
Spread this mixture over your sliced prime rib.
Heat the glazed meat until just warmed through – overheating will dry it out.
The punchy horseradish complements the rich beef perfectly, creating a flavor that’s bold yet balanced.
You can serve this on its own or build it into a sandwich with Swiss cheese and caramelized onions for a complete meal.
19. Prime Rib and Mushroom Stroganoff
Transform your leftover prime rib into a rich and creamy stroganoff. This dish has become a popular after-holiday meal for many families.
Start by slicing mushrooms and browning them in butter. Set them aside once done.
Slice your leftover prime rib thinly for the best texture.
In the same pan, add your thinly sliced prime rib just long enough to warm it through. Since it’s already cooked, you don’t want to overcook it.
Combine with a creamy sauce made from sour cream, beef broth, and seasonings.
Serve your stroganoff over egg noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes for a comforting meal that might become even more anticipated than the original prime rib dinner.
20. Prime Rib and Veggie Stir-Fry
Transform your leftover prime rib into a quick and delicious stir-fry. This meal comes together in minutes while making good use of your premium leftovers.
Start by cooking your vegetables first. Good options include broccoli, water chestnuts, mushrooms, carrots, scallions, and snap peas.
Add the sliced prime rib toward the end of cooking, just long enough to warm it through. Since the meat is already cooked to perfection, you don’t want to overcook it.
Season with your favorite Asian-inspired sauce and serve over rice or noodles.
This dish gives your prime rib a completely new flavor profile while preserving its tender texture.
21. Prime Rib Chimichangas
Transform your leftover prime rib into delicious chimichangas for a quick and satisfying meal. Start by dicing your prime rib into small, bite-sized pieces.
Mix the meat with sautéed onions, garlic, and diced green chilies. Add some cumin and a dash of chili powder to enhance the flavors.
Spoon the mixture onto flour tortillas, then fold them into neat packages. Secure with toothpicks if needed.
Fry the chimichangas in hot oil until golden and crispy. You can also bake them at 400°F for a healthier option.
Serve with sour cream, guacamole, and your favorite salsa for a meal that makes your leftovers shine.
Nutritional Benefits of Prime Rib
Prime rib offers significant nutritional value beyond its rich flavor. Understanding these benefits can help you make informed choices about incorporating leftover prime rib into your meals.
Protein Content
Prime rib is an excellent source of high-quality protein. A typical serving (about 3 ounces) contains approximately 21 grams of protein, which is essential for muscle maintenance and repair.
This protein is complete, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids your body cannot produce on its own.
When you repurpose leftover prime rib in recipes like hash or stew, you’re continuing to benefit from this protein boost.
Protein also helps you feel fuller longer, which can aid in weight management. The protein in prime rib requires more energy to digest than carbohydrates, resulting in a higher thermic effect of food.
Vitamins and Minerals
Prime rib contains several important vitamins and minerals that support overall health. It’s particularly rich in B vitamins, including B12, which is crucial for nerve function and red blood cell formation.
You’ll also find significant amounts of zinc, which supports immune function, and selenium, an antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage.
A single serving provides approximately:
- Iron: 2-3 mg (helps transport oxygen throughout your body)
- Phosphorus: 180-200 mg (important for bone health)
- Potassium: 300-350 mg (supports heart and muscle function)
The fat content in prime rib, while high at around 44g per serving, includes some monounsaturated fats that can be part of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation.
Storage and Safety Guidelines
Proper storage is crucial for enjoying leftover prime rib safely. Following the right techniques helps maintain flavor and prevents foodborne illness while extending the life of your expensive cut of meat.
Proper Refrigeration Techniques
Refrigerate your leftover prime rib within two hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth. Before storing, allow the meat to cool slightly, but don’t leave it at room temperature for more than an hour.
Wrap the prime rib tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place it in an airtight container. This prevents the meat from drying out and absorbs other food odors in your refrigerator.
Store leftover prime rib in the coldest part of your refrigerator, typically at the back. Keep your refrigerator temperature at or below 40°F (4°C).
Properly refrigerated prime rib stays good for 3-4 days. Always check for signs of spoilage before reheating, including unusual odors, slimy texture, or discoloration.
Freezing Prime Rib Safely
For longer storage, freezing is your best option.
Slice your leftover prime rib before freezing for easier thawing and reheating later.
Wrap the meat first in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil or place it in freezer-safe bags. Removing as much air as possible prevents freezer burn.
Label each package with the date of freezing.
Properly stored prime rib maintains its quality in the freezer for 3-4 months.
When ready to use, thaw frozen prime rib in the refrigerator overnight rather than at room temperature.
This slow thawing method is safest and helps preserve texture and flavor.
Never refreeze previously frozen prime rib that has been thawed. Refreezing significantly decreases quality and increases food safety risks.
