I always get a little thrill when I spot a container of leftover ribs in the fridge, because I know I’m about to turn them into something completely fresh and ridiculously good. This roundup of 20 leftover rib recipes is packed with my favorite ways to give yesterday’s barbecue a brand new life. Think cheesy quesadillas and cozy soups, plus speedy tacos that make the most of every last tender bite.
1. Leftover Prime Rib Sandwich
Similar to the BBQ sandwich, this prime rib sandwich is a portable and enjoyable way to enjoy your leftover ribs. With caramelized onions, wilted arugula, and a horseradish mayo dressing, this savory sandwich is brimming with plenty of flavors. This recipe has such a high-brow flavor profile, no one will know they're eating leftovers!
2. Leftover Prime Rib Philly Cheesesteak
Philly cheesesteak is the pinnacle of the warm sandwich. With tender veggies and plenty of cheese, there is always room for a cheesesteak!
Enjoy this pork-twist on the cheesesteak for a flavor-filled way to reinvent your leftovers. Sweet peppers, onions, and swiss take yesterday's prime rib to today’s hoagie extraordinaire.
3. Leftover Prime Rib Chili
Turn your high-class prime rib leftovers into casual game day fare with this flavorful prime rib chili recipe. Smother your leftovers in tomatoes and beans for a spicy soup that will take your team to victory. Chili is a touchdown dish any night of the week.
4. Quesadillas with Leftover Smoked Ribs
I love giving leftover smoked ribs a total makeover, and these quesadillas are my go to. Soft warm tortillas hug tender rib meat, then everything gets smothered in a generous layer of melted cheese.
It’s a cozy Tex Mex dinner that’s shockingly simple to throw together. Everyone at the table goes crazy for the soft, cheesy goodness, and I’m secretly celebrating the easy cleanup.
5. Leftover Prime Rib and Barley Soup
This barley soup is a hearty way to serve up your leftover ribs! Satisfying barley is as delicious as it is nutritious.
Enjoy this whole-grain amongst the juicy rib and tender vegetables. I love a good broth, and this recipe gives you a well-seasoned tomato-based broth that brings all of the ingredients together.
6. Southern Barbecue Pork Sandwich
Classic and no fuss: pile that five star leftover rib meat between two slices of bread for a Southern style pork sandwich. A generous drizzle of your favorite barbecue sauce is all it needs. It’s tender and juicy, ready in moments.
7. Juicy Pork Rib Tacos
Taco Tuesday levels up big time when you stuff leftover ribs into warm tortillas. The meat is already cooked, so this comes together in a flash. It’s perfect for a crazy weeknight with soccer practice and homework.
8. Prime Rib Phyllo Pot Pie
If you thought pot pie was just for chicken, think again! Bake your veggies, gravy, and prime rib into a flaky phyllo dough for an entree that can stand on its own.
Who needs a side when the main course is all-inclusive? This pot pie recipe covers all of your bases in an irresistible menagerie of succulent ingredients.
Cut into this pot pie and watch it disappear! You may want to save the biggest slice for yourself, chef’s privilege!
9. Prime Rib Casserole
This creamy casserole has all of your favorite ingredients! From soft penne pasta to fresh parsley and bacon, this dish has comfort food written all over it.
Your prime rib is joined with heavy whipping cream and sour cream to make a thick casserole base to fill your dish. Step up your casserole game with this prime rib casserole recipe.
10. Prime Rib Soup
Get the best of both worlds with this pasta-filled vegetable soup recipe! A garden’s worth of tender veggies joins forces with macaroni noodles and of course, leftover rib meat. If you were waffling between a pasta bake or pot of soup, you can have both in this savory soup dish, with pasta!
11. Prime Rib Pasta
Pasta is always a fantastic way to stretch your leftovers one more day. Satisfying noodles bulk up the dish to turn scant leftovers into a hearty meal.
Feed the family this creamy pasta dish and put those last remaining pieces to good use. Stretch your prime rib even further with this pasta recipe.
And who doesn’t like a good pasta dish? This recipe will stick to your ribs and keep you full until breakfast.
12. Morning Hash with Leftover Ribs
Ribs at breakfast? Absolutely.
This morning hash is where succulent leftover rib meat meets crispy fried potatoes and tender veggies, all under a generous blanket of cheese. Hash is always a winner, and this version is the breakfast of champions. The ribs fit right in.
13. Leftover Prime Rib Tostada
This Tex-Mex fusion dish transforms your prime rib into a crispy appetizer that is brimming with flavor. These tostada cups are the perfect way to pack a punch at your next get-together. Enjoy the fresh flavors of pico de gallo, jalapenos, and cilantro when you stuff your tostadas to the brim with fresh ingredients!
14. Irish Prime Rib Pie
Turn your leftover ribs into this savory prime rib pie! Irish pie is stuffed to the brim with plenty of vegetables and fresh herbs.
Use a store-bought crust to cut your prep time in half and then let the oven do the work for you. This dish is as comforting as it is filling! Serve up this prime rib pie and watch your family tuck into a delicious home-cooked meal.
15. Baby Back Rib Soup
Soup is a tried-and-true way to repurpose leftover meat and vegetables. Clear out your refrigerator with this baby back rib soup recipe.
Nothing will warm you up faster than a hearty bowl of homemade soup. Enjoy this dish with bread or cornbread, and you'll have a feast! Simmer this soup throughout the day, and the irresistible aroma will waft through your home until you are ready to serve it.
16. Creamy Cheesy Grits with BBQ Pork
Cheesy grits are the definition of cozy, all savory and creamy. Stir in chopped leftover BBQ ribs and suddenly you’ve got a ridiculously good meal that hits every hunger pang.
The rich, buttery grits are an ideal match for that tender rib meat. Honestly, you’ll forget it’s leftovers.
17. Leftover Prime Rib Beef Stroganoff
Beef stroganoff is a popular favorite and we know why! This dish has juicy pieces of meat, tender noodles, and a creamy sauce that is bursting with flavor.
Who could dislike a meal when it has all of that going for it? And lucky for you, this one-pot meal whips up in an instant with an even quicker clean-up time! Change up your weeknight dinner routine with this recipe.
18. Leftover Prime Rib and Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are the perfect side to pair with your leftover prime rib. Dice up your leftovers and sautee them with onions and mushrooms.
Use this to top your creamy mashed potatoes and you have a meal fit for a king. The meat and vegetables are a lighter option than heavy gravy. Turn your leftovers into a meal you can also be proud of!
19. Leftover Prime Rib French Dip
French dip sandwiches aren’t your typical club! These guys are incredibly flavorful, piled high with prime rib, and then smothered in the infamous au jus sauce.
This leftover recipe does take some forward-thinking. You may accidentally toss out your au jus dip when you make your prime rib the first time!
20. Prime Rib Stew
Tuck into a bowl of comfort when you try this prime rib stew. A thick and flavorful broth smothers tender prime rib pieces and all of your favorite vegetables. You won’t even realize you are eating leftovers when you enjoy a steaming bowl of this stew!