The holiday meal is now over, and you’re looking at a fridge full of leftover prime rib. First of all, well done; you’ve got a nice problem there.
The downside is that no one wants to eat the same reheated slice three nights in a row. The upside is that prime rib is one of the best kinds of leftovers you can have since it’s already tender, already seasoned, and is ready to take on a completely new form.
You can use it in 15 or more ways, from a breakfast hash to tacos to a warm bowl of soup. The collection includes easy weeknight dinners, some recipes that keep well in the freezer, and a couple that taste better than the original dish. Whatever amount of prime rib you have left, there’s a recipe in here for it.
Why These Recipes Work
- They are already cooked and tender; most come together in 20 to 30 minutes, since all the meat needs to do is warm through or be folded in.
- Recipes for all meals – whether it’s breakfast hash, lunchtime sandwiches, or dinners on weeknights – you’ll never end up having to eat the same dish twice.
- Prime rib isn’t an inexpensive cut of meat. The recipes described here enable a small amount of extra meat to be used for a number of additional meals.
- Freezer-friendly choices available. If you’d like to save any for later, a few of them (such as chili and shepherd’s pie) freeze well.
- The items you already have in your kitchen can be used; eggs, bread, pasta, and rice- these simple items from your pantry take on most of the heavy work here.
- Keeps the meat from becoming tough; these recipes are designed to prevent food left in the microwave from becoming dry and grey.
15+ Easy Ways To Use Leftover Prime Rib
1. Leftover Prime Rib Beef Stroganoff
This is comfort food at its best. Tender strips of prime rib fold into a creamy, tangy sauce made with sour cream, Dijon, and mushrooms. It’s rich without feeling heavy, and the beef stays perfectly tender since it only simmers for a couple of minutes at the end. Serve it over egg noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes for a cozy weeknight dinner.
Tip: add the sour cream off the heat so the sauce stays silky instead of curdling. The whole thing comes together in about 20 minutes, making it one of the fastest ways to turn leftovers into a real meal. Get the recipe →
2. Leftover Prime Rib Sandwich
This one tastes like something from a high-end deli. Thin-sliced prime rib gets piled onto a crusty baguette with caramelized onions, peppery arugula, provolone, and a sharp horseradish spread. The contrast is what makes it rich beef, sweet onions, and a little heat from the horseradish.
Tip: don’t skip broiling it. A few minutes under the broiler melts the cheese and toasts the bread, and that crunch makes all the difference. It’s ready in about 10 minutes, so it’s perfect for a fast lunch when you don’t feel like cooking but still want something special. Get the recipe →
3. Leftover Prime Rib Soup
When you want something warm and hearty, this soup delivers. Egg noodles, mushrooms, potatoes, carrots, and celery simmer together in a savory broth, and the prime rib goes in right at the end. That timing matters; it keeps the meat tender instead of chewy.
Tip: cut your vegetables into even pieces so everything finishes cooking at the same time. It takes about 40 minutes start to finish, and it’s the kind of soup that tastes even better the next day. A great option when you want a full meal in one pot. Get the recipe →
4. Prime Rib & Horseradish Guacamole Tacos
Make this recipe when you want something completely different from the original meal. Cubed prime rib gets crisped up on a griddle with butter and onions, then tucked into tortillas with melted white cheddar and horseradish guacamole for a spicy, unexpected kick. It’s a fun mashup of a French dip and a taco night.
Tip: swap the jalapeño in your guacamole for horseradish to really tie the flavors together. It only takes about 15 minutes, making it a great low-effort dinner for a busy weeknight. Get the recipe →
These sliders feel like a treat, not a leftovers dinner. Shredded prime rib gets piled onto soft buns with blue cheese, pickles, roasted red peppers, and crispy homemade fried onions. The mix of creamy, tangy, and crunchy makes every bite interesting.
Tip: Don’t skip the fried onions; coating them in flour and cornstarch before frying gives them real crunch and takes the sliders to another level. They’re ready in about 30 minutes, and they’re great for game day, a casual dinner, or feeding a crowd. Get the recipe →
6. Leftover Prime Rib Quesadillas
This recipe is perfect when you want dinner on the table in minutes. Sliced cold prime rib goes straight into a tortilla with plenty of Monterey Jack and sharp cheddar, no reheating needed. The outside turns golden and crispy while the inside stays melty and rich.
Tip: Warm your tortilla first before adding the filling to create those little air pockets that make each bite extra crispy. Each quesadilla takes about 4 minutes to cook, so this is the one to reach for on your busiest night. A pizza cutter makes for clean, easy slices. Get the recipe →
7. Leftover Prime Rib Fried Rice
This one proves leftovers can taste even better the second time around. Diced prime rib gets stirred into a quick fried rice with eggs, sesame oil, soy sauce, and green onions. The rice stays light and bouncy, never mushy, and the beef adds rich, savory depth.
Tip: Use cold, day-old rice; fresh rice turns gummy in the pan. Since everything cooks fast over high heat, prep your ingredients and have them ready before you start. It’s ready in about 15 minutes, making it an easy weeknight dinner or a great side dish. Get the recipe →
8. Leftover Prime Rib Hash
This hearty hash turns your leftovers into a proper weekend breakfast. Crispy pan-fried potatoes and cubed prime rib get tossed with warm spices, then topped with a sunny-side-up egg. When the yolk breaks and runs into the hash, it ties everything together.
Tip: parboil your potatoes for a few minutes first so they cook faster and hold their shape in the pan. Rendering a little fat from the leftover prime rib to cook everything in adds even more flavor. It takes about 25–30 minutes, and it’s worth every minute. Get the recipe →
9. Leftover Prime Rib French Dip Sandwich
This sandwich turns leftovers into something that feels like a restaurant order. Warm slices of prime rib and melty provolone, then pile them onto a crusty roll, with savory au jus on the side for dipping.
Tip: warm the meat gently in butter and caramelized onions instead of cooking it hard; this keeps it tender instead of tough. A quick trip under the broiler crisps up the bread and melts the cheese in just a minute or two. The whole thing comes together in about 30 minutes, and it’s one of the best ways to use up a big batch of leftovers. Get the recipe →
10. Creamy Prime Rib Pasta
This pasta feels fancy, but it’s genuinely easy to pull together. Gently warm bite-sized pieces of prime rib in a creamy sauce with mushrooms, garlic, and a hint of Cajun seasoning. The sauce clings to every noodle, and the beef stays tender since it’s only warmed through, not cooked again.
Tip: Slice your prime rib while it’s still cold; it’s much easier to cut cleanly than at room temperature. Save a splash of pasta water to loosen the sauce if it gets too thick. Ready in about 20 minutes, this one’s perfect for a weeknight dinner that doesn’t feel like leftovers. Get the recipe →