So you’ve made a delicious prime rib roast for a special occasion, and now you’re staring at leftovers in your refrigerator.
Instead of simply reheating the same meal, transform those premium leftovers into entirely new dishes that your family will love.
With leftover prime rib, you can create everything from hearty sandwiches and tacos to comforting soups and pot pies. These recipes help you stretch your food budget while enjoying the rich flavors of prime rib in creative new ways.
Your expensive roast can actually provide the foundation for several additional meals throughout the week.
1. Prime Rib Soup with Vegetables
Prime rib soup is a delicious way to use leftover prime rib bones and meat.
The bones create a rich, flavorful broth that forms the perfect base for this comforting soup.
Start by simmering the prime rib bones with onions, celery, and carrots.
These vegetables add depth to the broth.
You can prepare the broth a day ahead for the best flavor.
Add diced leftover prime rib meat, more fresh vegetables, and either barley or pasta to make the soup heartier.
A sprig of fresh rosemary brings a wonderful aroma to the finished dish.
2. Leftover Roast Beef Hash
Leftover prime rib transforms into a delicious breakfast hash with minimal effort.
Cube your cold prime rib and combine it with crispy potatoes, onions, and green bell peppers for a hearty morning meal.
Soak your cubed potatoes in cold water for about 30 minutes before cooking to remove excess starch.
This helps them get crispier in the pan.
Add mushrooms for extra flavor and top with a fried egg for a restaurant-quality breakfast.
The rich beef combines perfectly with the crispy potatoes and sweet caramelized onions.
You can customize this versatile dish with whatever vegetables you have on hand.
3. Puff Pastry Roast Beef Pot Pies
Puff pastry roast beef pot pies are a delicious way to transform your leftover prime rib into a completely new meal.
The flaky, buttery pastry creates a perfect contrast to the rich beef and vegetables inside.
Use your leftover prime rib, potatoes, and carrots as the base for these pot pies.
Cube the beef and mix with any vegetables you have on hand.
The leftover gravy works wonderfully as the sauce, or you can make a simple gravy if needed.
Make these pot pies in individual portions or as one large pie.
4. Prime Rib Sandwich with Caramelized Onions and Mushrooms
Transform your leftover prime rib into a mouthwatering sandwich.
Slice your prime rib thinly for the perfect texture in each bite.
Caramelize onions and mushrooms in a pan until they’re golden and fragrant.
This sweet and savory combination complements the rich flavor of the prime rib perfectly.
Choose a crusty bread like a baguette or ciabatta to hold everything together.
Add provolone or Gouda cheese for extra richness.
For added flavor, use a creamy horseradish sauce or serve with au jus for dipping.
Add arugula for a peppery crunch if you like.
5. Beef Dip Sandwich with Au Jus
A beef dip sandwich is one of the tastiest ways to use leftover prime rib.
Thinly slice your cold prime rib and pile it onto a crusty baguette or roll.
Top the meat with sautéed onions and Swiss cheese for extra flavor.
Add mushrooms for an earthy touch if desired.
Make the au jus for dipping by combining beef broth, leftover meat drippings, and seasonings like garlic and thyme.
For an extra kick, spread some horseradish sauce on your bread before adding the meat.
6. Prime Rib Beef Stroganoff
Leftover prime rib makes an excellent base for a rich, flavorful beef stroganoff.
The tender, already-cooked meat transforms beautifully when combined with creamy sauce.
Slice your leftover prime rib into thin strips.
Sauté mushrooms in butter until browned, then set them aside.
Combine sour cream, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and a touch of sage for a creamy, tangy sauce.
Mix in your prime rib and mushrooms, then warm everything through without overcooking the meat.
Serve your stroganoff over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes for a hearty meal.
7. Prime Rib Tacos with Red Salsa
Transform your leftover prime rib into mouthwatering tacos.
Dice the meat and warm it up before adding to heated tortillas.
Top your tacos with a homemade red salsa for an authentic flavor.
Add guacamole, diced onions, and fresh cilantro to enhance the taste.
The combination of meaty prime rib with spicy salsa creates a perfect balance.
These tacos make an excellent lunch option that comes together quickly.
8. Creamy Prime Rib Parmesan Pasta
Transform your leftover prime rib into a delicious pasta dish that comes together in just 20 minutes.
This simple meal features bite-sized pieces of prime rib tossed with perfectly cooked pasta.
The creamy parmesan sauce makes this dish rich and flavorful.
Add mushrooms to complement the tender meat.
Use a white wine cream sauce with your pasta of choice for the best results.
Penne works well for holding the sauce.
9. Prime Rib Chili with Beans
Transform your leftover prime rib into a hearty chili that’s perfect for a cold day.
This dish is easy to make and packs a flavorful punch.
Dice your cooked prime rib into bite-sized pieces.
Add it to your slow cooker along with beans, tomato sauce, beef broth, onions, and green chiles.
Use a variety of beans like pinto, black, or kidney beans for extra texture and nutrition.
Season with your favorite chili spices and a dash of Worcestershire sauce.
Let it simmer until the flavors meld together.
10. Prime Rib Salad with Blue Cheese Dressing
Transform your leftover prime rib into a delicious and satisfying salad.
Slice your prime rib into thin strips and arrange them over fresh greens for a quick lunch option.
Blue cheese dressing pairs perfectly with the rich flavor of prime rib.
Make a simple dressing with blue cheese crumbles, mayonnaise, sour cream, and a splash of vinegar.
Add some crunch with sliced red onions, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers.
Include toasted nuts or croutons for extra flavor.
This salad works well with both cold or slightly warmed prime rib slices.
11. Prime Rib and Mushroom Stir Fry
Turn your leftover prime rib into a quick stir fry that’s packed with flavor.
Slice your prime rib thinly and set aside while you prepare the vegetables.
Heat vegetable oil in a pan and sauté sliced red bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms until they start to soften.
This creates a tasty base for your meat.
Add your thinly sliced prime rib to the pan just long enough to warm it through.
Serve your stir fry over rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Add your favorite stir fry sauce or seasonings to enhance the flavors.
12. Prime Rib Shepherd’s Pie
Shepherd’s pie is a smart way to use your leftover prime rib.
Dice your leftover prime rib into small pieces.
Mix it with leftover or store-bought gravy and any vegetables you have on hand.
Pour this hearty mixture into a baking dish, then top with leftover mashed potatoes.
If you don’t have enough potatoes left, make a fresh batch.
Bake until the top gets golden and slightly crispy.
13. Prime Rib Fajitas with Bell Peppers
Transform your leftover prime rib into flavorful fajitas with this simple approach.
Slice your prime rib thinly against the grain and season it with fajita spices.
Sauté bell peppers and onions until they’re slightly soft.
Add the sliced prime rib to warm it through for about 2 minutes.
Finish with a squeeze of fresh lime juice for brightness.
Serve on warm corn or flour tortillas with your favorite toppings like shredded lettuce, sour cream, and homemade guacamole.
14. Prime Rib Breakfast Burritos
Transform your leftover prime rib into a morning masterpiece with breakfast burritos.
Start with sliced prime rib as your protein base.
Combine the beef with scrambled eggs and crispy hash browns or tater tots for a satisfying texture contrast.
Add black beans for extra protein if desired.
Enhance flavor with mozzarella or your preferred cheese, and top with sour cream.
Include avocado or guacamole for creaminess.
For extra zest, add jalapeños and a creamy horseradish sauce.
Wrap everything in a warm tortilla and enjoy this hearty breakfast.
15. Prime Rib Sliders with Horseradish Sauce
Transform your leftover prime rib into delicious sliders that make a perfect appetizer or lunch option.
Thinly slice your cold prime rib.
Warm the meat slightly in a pan with a little butter.
Add your favorite beef seasoning for extra flavor.
For the horseradish sauce, mix sour cream or crème fraîche with prepared horseradish, a squeeze of lemon juice, and salt to taste.
Serve your sliders on small dinner rolls with caramelized onions and the zesty horseradish sauce.
Top with melted cheese for an extra indulgent touch.
Pair these sliders with a side of beef broth for dipping.
16. Philly-Style Prime Rib Cheesesteak
Transform your leftover prime rib into a mouthwatering Philly-style cheesesteak sandwich.
Thinly slice your cold prime rib and set it aside.
Sauté onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms in a pan until soft.
Use the fatty parts of the roast for extra flavor when cooking the vegetables if you like.
Add your sliced prime rib to warm it through.
Top with provolone or American cheese and let it melt over the meat and vegetables.
Serve on a toasted roll with horseradish mayo or A1 sauce for extra flavor.
17. Barbecue Prime Rib Slaw Sandwich
Transform your leftover prime rib into a delicious barbecue sandwich with tangy slaw. Start by slicing your prime rib into thin pieces.
Heat the meat gently with your favorite barbecue sauce until warm but not overcooked. The sauce adds moisture and a sweet-smoky flavor to the rich beef.
For the slaw, mix shredded cabbage and carrots with a light dressing of mayo, vinegar, and a touch of sugar. The crisp texture and cool taste balance the rich meat.
Serve on a toasted bun with the slaw piled on top of the saucy prime rib.
18. Prime Rib and Potato Casserole
Transform your leftover prime rib into a hearty casserole with potatoes. Start by cubing your leftover prime rib and slicing potatoes.
Layer the potatoes in a baking dish. Add your cubed prime rib on top.
Mix in some sautéed onions and mushrooms for extra flavor. Pour a mixture of beef broth and a splash of red wine over everything.
Top with shredded cheese of your choice. Bake at 350°F for about 30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
19. Prime Rib Flatbread Pizza
Transform your leftover prime rib into a mouthwatering flatbread pizza. This easy dish combines tender slices of prime rib with complementary flavors on a crispy base.
Start by warming your prime rib slices. Split French bread in half or use a ready-made flatbread crust as your base.
Spread a layer of flavorful sauce—options include a remoulade, sour cream mixed with horseradish, or your favorite pizza sauce. Add your warmed prime rib slices on top.
Add toppings like Swiss cheese, mushrooms, potatoes, and onions. Bake until the crust is crispy and the cheese is melted.
20. Prime Rib and Egg Breakfast Skillet
Transform your leftover prime rib into a hearty breakfast skillet. This satisfying meal combines thinly sliced prime rib with crispy potatoes and caramelized onions.
Fry diced potatoes and onions in a hot skillet until golden brown. Add chopped prime rib to warm it through.
Make a well in the center of your hash and crack in a few eggs. Cover and cook until the eggs reach your preferred doneness.
Customize this dish by adding spinach, garlic, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
21. Prime Rib Quesadillas with Salsa Verde
Transform your leftover prime rib into mouthwatering quesadillas with a zesty salsa verde twist. Dice your prime rib into bite-sized pieces and season with a touch of salt, garlic powder, and chili powder.
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a pan, then place your flour tortilla down. Layer Monterey Jack cheese, your seasoned prime rib pieces, and diced green chiles.
Top with another tortilla and cook until golden and crispy on both sides. Serve with homemade salsa verde for a balance of rich meat and tangy sauce.
This quick meal takes less than 15 minutes to make and uses simple ingredients you likely have on hand.
How To Store Leftover Prime Rib
Proper storage maintains the flavor and quality of your leftover prime rib. When you store it correctly, you can enjoy this premium cut for several days or even months after your initial meal.
Refrigeration Tips
Refrigerate leftover prime rib within two hours of cooking. Allow the meat to cool slightly, but don’t leave it at room temperature for longer than necessary.
Store your prime rib in shallow, airtight containers to maximize freshness. Alternatively, wrap it tightly in heavy-duty aluminum foil or plastic wrap before placing it in a ziplock bag to prevent air exposure.
Keep the meat in the coldest part of your refrigerator, typically the back of the bottom shelf. Maintain your refrigerator temperature below 40°F (4°C).
Properly refrigerated prime rib stays fresh for 3-4 days. Discard the meat if you notice any unusual smell or appearance.
Freezing Guidelines
For longer storage, freeze your leftover prime rib. Slice the meat before freezing for easier portioning and quicker thawing.
Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Place these wrapped portions in freezer-safe bags or containers.
Squeeze out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Labeling tip: Write the date on each package to keep track of storage time.
Prime rib maintains best quality in the freezer for up to 3 months, though it remains safe indefinitely at 0°F (-18°C) or below. Thaw frozen prime rib in the refrigerator for 24 hours.
Never thaw at room temperature as this promotes bacterial growth.
Best Practices For Reheating Prime Rib
Reheat prime rib carefully to preserve its juicy texture and rich flavor. The right techniques make all the difference.
Retaining Moisture and Flavor
Wrap your leftover prime rib tightly in plastic wrap before refrigerating to lock in moisture. Slice the meat before reheating for more even warming.
Add a small amount of beef broth or au jus to the meat when reheating. This creates steam that helps maintain moisture.
Let the prime rib come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before reheating. Cold meat straight from the refrigerator tends to cook unevenly.
Don’t overheat your prime rib. Warm it through (around 130-140°F) without cooking it further.
For slices, add a thin pat of butter on top while reheating to enhance richness and prevent drying.
Safe Reheating Methods
Oven Method (Best for larger portions):
- Preheat your oven to 250°F.
- Place slices in a baking dish with a few tablespoons of broth.
- Cover tightly with foil.
- Heat until the internal temperature reaches 130-140°F (about 10-15 minutes).
Sous Vide Method (Best for preserving quality):
Vacuum seal leftover prime rib.
Reheat in a water bath at 130-140°F for about 30 minutes.
Steaming Method:
Use a steamer basket over simmering water.
Place meat in for 3-5 minutes until just warmed through.
Avoid microwaving when possible, as it creates hot spots and dry edges.
If you must use a microwave, set it to 50% power in short intervals and cover the meat with a damp paper towel.
